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Wang J, Fang Y, Luo Z, Wang J, Zhao Y. Emerging mRNA Technology for Liver Disease Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17378-17406. [PMID: 38916747 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases have consistently posed substantial challenges to global health. It is crucial to find innovative methods to effectively prevent and treat these diseases. In recent times, there has been an increasing interest in the use of mRNA formulations that accumulate in liver tissue for the treatment of hepatic diseases. In this review, we start by providing a detailed introduction to the mRNA technology. Afterward, we highlight types of liver diseases, discussing their causes, risks, and common therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases. This includes systems based on hepatocyte growth factor, hepatitis B virus antibody, left-right determination factor 1, human hepatocyte nuclear factor α, interleukin-12, methylmalonyl-coenzyme A mutase, etc. Lastly, we provide an outlook on the potential of mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases, while also highlighting the various technical challenges that need to be addressed. Despite these difficulties, mRNA-based therapeutic strategies may change traditional treatment methods, bringing hope to patients with liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yile Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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2
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Nele V, Campani V, Alia Moosavian S, De Rosa G. Lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery: Self-assembling vs driven-assembling strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115291. [PMID: 38514018 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115291] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Among non-viral vectors, lipid nanovectors are considered the gold standard for the delivery of RNA therapeutics. The success of lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, with three products approved for human use, has stimulated further investigation into RNA therapeutics for different pathologies. This requires decoding the pathological intracellular processes and tailoring the delivery system to the target tissue and cells. The complexity of the lipid nanovectors morphology originates from the assembling of the lipidic components, which can be elicited by various methods able to drive the formation of nanoparticles with the desired organization. In other cases, pre-formed nanoparticles can be mixed with RNA to induce self-assembly and structural reorganization into RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this review, the most relevant lipid nanovectors and their potentialities for RNA delivery are described on the basis of the assembling mechanism and of the particle architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Nele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Campani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Seyedeh Alia Moosavian
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49 80131 Naples, Italy.
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3
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Stiefel J, Zimmer J, Schloßhauer JL, Vosen A, Kilz S, Balakin S. Just Keep Rolling?-An Encompassing Review towards Accelerated Vaccine Product Life Cycles. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1287. [PMID: 37631855 PMCID: PMC10459022 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In light of the recent pandemic, several COVID-19 vaccines were developed, tested and approved in a very short time, a process that otherwise takes many years. Above all, these efforts have also unmistakably revealed the capacity limits and potential for improvement in vaccine production. This review aims to emphasize recent approaches for the targeted rapid adaptation and production of vaccines from an interdisciplinary, multifaceted perspective. Using research from the literature, stakeholder analysis and a value proposition canvas, we reviewed technological innovations on the pharmacological level, formulation, validation and resilient vaccine production to supply bottlenecks and logistic networks. We identified four main drivers to accelerate the vaccine product life cycle: computerized candidate screening, modular production, digitized quality management and a resilient business model with corresponding transparent supply chains. In summary, the results presented here can serve as a guide and implementation tool for flexible, scalable vaccine production to swiftly respond to pandemic situations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Stiefel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Carl-Zeiss-Straße 18-20, 55129 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Zimmer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Carl-Zeiss-Straße 18-20, 55129 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jeffrey L. Schloßhauer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses IZI-BB, Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Agnes Vosen
- Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW, Neumarkt 20, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Kilz
- Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW, Neumarkt 20, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sascha Balakin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS Material Diagnostics, Bio- and Nanotechnology, Maria-Reiche-Straße 2, 01109 Dresden, Germany
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials (MBC), Technical University of Dresden, Budapester Strasse 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany
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4
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Gyanani V, Goswami R. Key Design Features of Lipid Nanoparticles and Electrostatic Charge-Based Lipid Nanoparticle Targeting. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041184. [PMID: 37111668 PMCID: PMC10144967 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have gained much attention after the approval of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The considerable number of currently ongoing clinical studies are testament to this fact. These efforts towards the development of LNPs warrant an insight into the fundamental developmental aspects of such systems. In this review, we discuss the key design aspects that confer efficacy to a LNP delivery system, i.e., potency, biodegradability, and immunogenicity. We also cover the underlying considerations regarding the route of administration and targeting of LNPs to hepatic and non-hepatic targets. Furthermore, since LNP efficacy is also a function of drug/nucleic acid release within endosomes, we take a holistic view of charged-based targeting approaches of LNPs not only in the context of endosomal escape but also in relation to other comparable target cell internalization strategies. Electrostatic charge-based interactions have been used in the past as a potential strategy to enhance the drug release from pH-sensitive liposomes. In this review, we cover such strategies around endosomal escape and cell internalization in low pH tumor micro-environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Gyanani
- T.J.L. School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
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5
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Monné Rodríguez JM, Frisk AL, Kreutzer R, Lemarchand T, Lezmi S, Saravanan C, Stierstorfer B, Thuilliez C, Vezzali E, Wieczorek G, Yun SW, Schaudien D. European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (Pathology 2.0 Molecular Pathology Special Interest Group): Review of In Situ Hybridization Techniques for Drug Research and Development. Toxicol Pathol 2023; 51:92-111. [PMID: 37449403 PMCID: PMC10467011 DOI: 10.1177/01926233231178282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In situ hybridization (ISH) is used for the localization of specific nucleic acid sequences in cells or tissues by complementary binding of a nucleotide probe to a specific target nucleic acid sequence. In the last years, the specificity and sensitivity of ISH assays were improved by innovative techniques like synthetic nucleic acids and tandem oligonucleotide probes combined with signal amplification methods like branched DNA, hybridization chain reaction and tyramide signal amplification. These improvements increased the application spectrum for ISH on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. ISH is a powerful tool to investigate DNA, mRNA transcripts, regulatory noncoding RNA, and therapeutic oligonucleotides. ISH can be used to obtain spatial information of a cell type, subcellular localization, or expression levels of targets. Since immunohistochemistry and ISH share similar workflows, their combination can address simultaneous transcriptomics and proteomics questions. The goal of this review paper is to revisit the current state of the scientific approaches in ISH and its application in drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Seong-Wook Yun
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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6
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Wang Z, Ma W, Fu X, Qi Y, Zhao Y, Zhang S. Development and applications of mRNA treatment based on lipid nanoparticles. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 65:108130. [PMID: 36933868 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapies such as messenger RNA have the potential to revolutionize modern medicine and enhance the performance of existing pharmaceuticals. The key challenges of mRNA-based therapies are delivering the mRNA safely and effectively to the target tissues and cells and controlling its release from the delivery vehicle. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been widely studied as drug carriers and are considered to be state-of-the-art technology for nucleic acid delivery. In this review, we begin by presenting the advantages and mechanisms of action of mRNA therapeutics. Then we discuss the design of LNP platforms based on ionizable lipids and the applications of mRNA-LNP vaccines for prevention of infectious diseases and for treatment of cancer and various genetic diseases. Finally, we describe the challenges and future prospects of mRNA-LNP therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Wanting Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Xingxing Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yanfei Qi
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Yinan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Shubiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, China.
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7
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Park Y, Moses AS, Demessie AA, Singh P, Lee H, Korzun T, Taratula OR, Alani AG, Taratula O. Poly(aspartic acid)-Based Polymeric Nanoparticle for Local and Systemic mRNA Delivery. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:4696-4704. [PMID: 36409995 PMCID: PMC9826779 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, therapeutics based on mRNA (mRNA) have attracted significant interest for vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and gene editing. However, the lack of biocompatible vehicles capable of delivering mRNA to the target tissue and efficiently expressing the encoded proteins impedes the development of mRNA-based therapies for a variety of diseases. Herein, we report mRNA-loaded polymeric nanoparticles based on diethylenetriamine-substituted poly(aspartic acid) that induce protein expression in the lungs and muscles following intravenous and intramuscular injections, respectively. Animal studies revealed that the amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the nanoparticle surface affects the translation of the delivered mRNA into the encoded protein in the target tissue. After systemic administration, only mRNA-loaded nanoparticles modified with PEG at a molar ratio of 1:1 (PEG/polymer) induce protein expression in the lungs. In contrast, protein expression was detected only following intramuscular injection of mRNA-loaded nanoparticles with a PEG/polymer ratio of 10:1. These findings suggest that the PEG density on the surface of poly(aspartic acid)-based nanoparticles should be optimized for different delivery routes depending on the purpose of the mRNA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngrong Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Abraham S. Moses
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Ananiya A. Demessie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Prem Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Hyelim Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Tetiana Korzun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Olena R. Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Adam G. Alani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Oleh Taratula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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8
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Zadory M, Lopez E, Babity S, Gravel SP, Brambilla D. Current knowledge on the tissue distribution of mRNA nanocarriers for therapeutic protein expression. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6077-6115. [PMID: 36097955 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00859a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Exogenously delivered mRNA-based drugs are emerging as a new class of therapeutics with the potential to treat several diseases. Over the last decade, advancements in the design of non-viral delivery tools have enabled mRNA to be evaluated for several therapeutic purposes including protein replacement therapies, gene editing, and vaccines. However, in vivo delivery of mRNA to targeted organs and cells remains a critical challenge. Evaluation of the biodistribution of mRNA vehicles is of utmost importance for the development of effective pharmaceutical candidates. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the design of nanoparticles loaded with mRNA and extrapolate the key factors influencing their biodistribution following administration. Finally, we highlight the latest developments in the preclinical and clinical translation of mRNA therapeutics for protein supplementation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Zadory
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Elliot Lopez
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Samuel Babity
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Simon-Pierre Gravel
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
| | - Davide Brambilla
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, 2940 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3T 1J4.
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9
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Hattori T, Saito T, Okuya K, Takahashi Y, Miyamoto H, Kajihara M, Igarashi M, Takada A. Human ACE2 Genetic Polymorphism Affecting SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Entry into Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0087022. [PMID: 35862965 PMCID: PMC9430119 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00870-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 have a single envelope glycoprotein (S protein) that binds to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the host cell membrane. Previous mutational scanning studies have suggested that some substitutions corresponding to single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in human ACE2 affect the binding affinity to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. However, the importance of these substitutions in actual virus infection is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of the reported ACE2 SNV substitutions on the entry of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 into cells, using vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus (VSIV) pseudotyped with S proteins of these coronaviruses (CoVs). HEK293T cells transfected with plasmids expressing ACE2 having each SNV substitution were infected with the pseudotyped VSIVs and relative infectivities were determined compared to the cells expressing wild-type ACE2. We found that some of the SNV substitutions positively or negatively affected the infectivities of the pseudotyped viruses. Particularly, the H505R substitution significantly enhanced the infection with the pseudotyped VSIVs, including those having the substitutions found in the S protein RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Our findings suggest that human ACE2 SNVs may potentially affect cell susceptibilities to SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are known to cause severe pneumonia in humans. The S protein of these CoVs binds to the ACE2 molecule on the plasma membrane and mediates virus entry into cells. The interaction between the S protein and ACE2 is thought to be important for host susceptibility to these CoVs. Although previous studies suggested that some SNV substitutions in ACE2 might affect the binding to the S protein, it remains elusive whether these SNV substitutions actually alter the efficiency of the entry of SARS CoVs into cells. We analyzed the impact of the ACE2 SNVs on the cellular entry of SARS CoVs using pseudotyped VSIVs having the S protein on the viral surface. We found that some of the SNV substitutions positively or negatively affected the infectivities of the viruses. Our data support the notion that genetic polymorphisms of ACE2 may potentially influence cell susceptibilities to SARS CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanari Hattori
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Okuya
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuji Takahashi
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Miyamoto
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Manabu Igarashi
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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10
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Zhang M, Hussain A, Yang H, Zhang J, Liang XJ, Huang Y. mRNA-based modalities for infectious disease management. NANO RESEARCH 2022; 16:672-691. [PMID: 35818566 PMCID: PMC9258466 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-022-4627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still rampant all over the world, causing incalculable losses to the world. Major pharmaceutical organizations around the globe are focusing on vaccine research and drug development to prevent further damage caused by the pandemic. The messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has got ample of attention after the success of the two very effective mRNA vaccines during the recent pandemic of COVID-19. mRNA vaccine has been promoted to the core stage of pharmaceutical industry, and the rapid development of mRNA technology has exceeded expectations. Beyond COVID-19, the mRNA vaccine has been tested for various infectious diseases and undergoing clinical trials. Due to the ability of constant mutation, the viral infections demand abrupt responses and immediate production, and therefore mRNA-based technology offers best answers to sudden outbreaks. The need for mRNA-based vaccine became more obvious due to the recent emergence of new Omicron variant. In this review, we summarized the unique properties of mRNA-based vaccines for infectious diseases, delivery technologies, discussed current challenges, and highlighted the prospects of this promising technology in the future. We also discussed various clinical studies as well preclinical studies conducted on mRNA therapeutics for diverse infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Haiyin Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002 China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
- School of Materials and the Environment, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, 519085 China
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11
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Hedges JF, Snyder DT, Robison A, Grifka-Walk HM, Blackwell K, Shepardson K, Kominsky D, Rynda-Apple A, Walcheck B, Jutila MA. An ADAM17-Neutralizing Antibody Reduces Inflammation and Mortality While Increasing Viral Burden in a COVID-19 Mouse Model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918881. [PMID: 35757773 PMCID: PMC9226444 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the primary cell entry receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) is a protease that cleaves ectodomains of transmembrane proteins, including that of ACE2 and the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, from cell surfaces upon cellular activation. We hypothesized that blockade of ADAM17 activity would alter COVID-19 pathogenesis. To assess this pathway, we blocked the function of ADAM17 using the monoclonal antibody MEDI3622 in the K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model of COVID-19. Antibody-treated mice were healthier, less moribund, and had significantly lower lung pathology than saline-treated mice. However, the viral burden in the lungs of MEDI3622-treated mice was significantly increased. Thus, ADAM17 appears to have a critical anti-viral role, but also may promote inflammatory damage. Since the inflammatory cascade is ultimately the reason for adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients, there may be a therapeutic application for the MEDI3622 antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi F Hedges
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Deann T Snyder
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Amanda Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Heather M Grifka-Walk
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Karlin Blackwell
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Kelly Shepardson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Douglas Kominsky
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Agnieszka Rynda-Apple
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Bruce Walcheck
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Mark A Jutila
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
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12
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Bartesaghi S, Wallenius K, Hovdal D, Liljeblad M, Wallin S, Dekker N, Barlind L, Davies N, Seeliger F, Winzell MS, Patel S, Theisen M, Brito L, Bergenhem N, Andersson S, Peng XR. Subcutaneous delivery of FGF21 mRNA therapy reverses obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis in diet-induced obese mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:500-513. [PMID: 35592498 PMCID: PMC9079007 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising therapeutic agent for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We show that therapeutic levels of FGF21 were achieved following subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of mRNA encoding human FGF21 proteins. The efficacy of mRNA was assessed following 2-weeks repeated s.c. dosing in diet-induced obese (DIO), mice which resulted in marked decreases in body weight, plasma insulin levels, and hepatic steatosis. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling of several studies in both lean and DIO mice showed that mRNA encoding human proteins provided improved therapeutic coverage over recombinant dosed proteins in vivo. This study is the first example of s.c. mRNA therapy showing pre-clinical efficacy in a disease-relevant model, thus, showing the potential for this modality in the treatment of chronic diseases, including T2D and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bartesaghi
- Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Kristina Wallenius
- Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Daniel Hovdal
- Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Mathias Liljeblad
- Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Simonetta Wallin
- Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Niek Dekker
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Louise Barlind
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nigel Davies
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Science, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frank Seeliger
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Sörhede Winzell
- Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Sima Patel
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Matt Theisen
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Luis Brito
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nils Bergenhem
- Business Development, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shalini Andersson
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xiao-Rong Peng
- Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
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13
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Li R, Jia Y, Kong X, Nie Y, Deng Y, Liu Y. Novel drug delivery systems and disease models for pulmonary fibrosis. J Control Release 2022; 348:95-114. [PMID: 35636615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious and progressive lung disease which is possibly life-threatening. It causes lung scarring and affects lung functions including epithelial cell injury, massive recruitment of immune cells and abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). There is currently no cure for PF. Treatment for PF is aimed at slowing the course of the disease and relieving symptoms. Pirfenidone (PFD) and nintedanib (NDNB) are currently the only two FDA-approved oral medicines to slow down the progress of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a specific type of PF. Novel drug delivery systems and therapies have been developed to improve the prognosis of the disease, as well as reduce or minimize the toxicities during drug treatment. The drug delivery routes for these therapies are various including oral, intravenous, nasal, inhalant, intratracheal and transdermal; although this is dependent on specific treatment mechanisms. In addition, researchers have also expanded current animal models that could not fully restore the clinicopathology, and developed a series of in vitro models such as organoids to study the pathogenesis and treatment of PF. This review describes recent advances on pathogenesis exploration, classifies and specifies the progress of drug delivery systems by their delivery routes, as well as an overview on the in vitro and in vivo models for PF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yizhen Jia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaohan Kong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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14
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Czechtizky W, Su W, Ripa L, Schiesser S, Höijer A, Cox RJ. Advances in the design of new types of inhaled medicines. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2022; 61:93-162. [PMID: 35753716 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of small molecule drugs has proven very efficacious for the treatment of respiratory diseases due to enhanced efficacy and a favourable therapeutic index compared with other dosing routes. It enables targeted delivery to the lung with rapid onset of therapeutic action, low systemic drug exposure, and thereby reduced systemic side effects. An increasing number of pharmaceutical companies and biotechs are investing in new modalities-for this review defined as therapeutic molecules with a molecular weight >800Da and therefore beyond usual inhaled small molecule drug-like space. However, our experience with inhaled administration of PROTACs, peptides, oligonucleotides (antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, miRs and antagomirs), diverse protein scaffolds, antibodies and antibody fragments is still limited. Investigating the retention and metabolism of these types of molecules in lung tissue and fluid will contribute to understanding which are best suited for inhalation. Nonetheless, the first such therapeutic molecules have already reached the clinic. This review will provide information on the physiology of healthy and diseased lungs and their capacity for drug metabolism. It will outline the stability, aggregation and immunogenicity aspects of new modalities, as well as recap on formulation and delivery aspects. It concludes by summarising clinical trial outcomes with inhaled new modalities based on information available at the end of 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werngard Czechtizky
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Wu Su
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lena Ripa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Andreas Höijer
- Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism CMC Projects, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rhona J Cox
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
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15
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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: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [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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16
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De La Vega RE, van Griensven M, Zhang W, Coenen MJ, Nagelli CV, Panos JA, Peniche Silva CJ, Geiger J, Plank C, Evans CH, Balmayor ER. Efficient healing of large osseous segmental defects using optimized chemically modified messenger RNA encoding BMP-2. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl6242. [PMID: 35171668 PMCID: PMC8849297 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl6242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Large segmental osseous defects heal poorly. Recombinant, human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is used clinically to promote bone healing, but it is applied at very high doses that cause adverse side effects and raise costs while providing only incremental benefit. We describe a previously unexplored, alternative approach to bone regeneration using chemically modified messenger RNA (cmRNA). An optimized cmRNA encoding BMP-2 was delivered to critical-sized femoral osteotomies in rats. The cmRNA remained orthotopically localized and generated BMP locally for several days. Defects healed at doses ≥25 μg of BMP-2 cmRNA. By 4 weeks, all animals treated with 50 μg of BMP-2 cmRNA had bridged bone defects without forming the massive callus seen with rhBMP-2. Moreover, such defects recovered normal mechanical strength quicker and initiated bone remodeling faster. cmRNA regenerated bone via endochondral ossification, whereas rhBMP-2 drove intramembranous osteogenesis; cmRNA provides an innovative, safe, and highly translatable technology for bone healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo E. De La Vega
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- cBITE, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn van Griensven
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- cBITE, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Michael J. Coenen
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Joseph A. Panos
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Carlos J. Peniche Silva
- cBITE, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Elizabeth R. Balmayor
- Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- IBE, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
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17
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Elkhalifa D, Rayan M, Negmeldin AT, Elhissi A, Khalil A. Chemically modified mRNA beyond COVID-19: Potential preventive and therapeutic applications for targeting chronic diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 145:112385. [PMID: 34915673 PMCID: PMC8552589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemically modified mRNA represents a unique, efficient, and straightforward approach to produce a class of biopharmaceutical agents. It has been already approved as a vaccination-based method for targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the prospect of synthetic modified mRNA to efficiently and safely combat various diseases. Recently, various optimization advances have been adopted to overcome the limitations associated with conventional gene therapeutics leading to wide-ranging applications in different disease conditions. This review sheds light on emerging directions of chemically modified mRNAs to prevent and treat widespread chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer vaccination and immunotherapy, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Elkhalifa
- Department of Pharmacy, Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Menatallah Rayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed T Negmeldin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelbary Elhissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashraf Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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18
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Steinle H, Weber J, Stoppelkamp S, Große-Berkenbusch K, Golombek S, Weber M, Canak-Ipek T, Trenz SM, Schlensak C, Avci-Adali M. Delivery of synthetic mRNAs for tissue regeneration. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114007. [PMID: 34710530 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, nucleic acid-based therapeutics have gained increasing importance as novel treatment options for disease prevention and treatment. Synthetic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are promising nucleic acid-based drugs to transiently express desired proteins that are missing or defective. Recently, synthetic mRNA-based vaccines encoding viral proteins have been approved for emergency use against COVID-19. Various types of vehicles, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and liposomes, are being investigated to enable the efficient uptake of mRNA molecules into desired cells. In addition, the introduction of novel chemical modifications into mRNAs increased the stability, enabled the modulation of nucleic acid-based drugs, and increased the efficiency of mRNA-based therapeutic approaches. In this review, novel and innovative strategies for the delivery of synthetic mRNA-based therapeutics for tissue regeneration are discussed. Moreover, with this review, we aim to highlight the versatility of synthetic mRNA molecules for various applications in the field of regenerative medicine and also discuss translational challenges and required improvements for mRNA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Steinle
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Josefin Weber
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Stoppelkamp
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Große-Berkenbusch
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sonia Golombek
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marbod Weber
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tuba Canak-Ipek
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Trenz
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
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19
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Balmayor ER. Synthetic mRNA - emerging new class of drug for tissue regeneration. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 74:8-14. [PMID: 34749063 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
mRNA has the potential to be the next generation drug for tissue restoration in regenerative medicine. The variety of mRNAs that could be synthesized with the aim of increasing the expression of any required protein offers new opportunities. However, the intrinsic immunogenicity and lack of stability of mRNA has long restricted the potential of mRNA therapeutics. Fortunately, considerable progress has been made on synthetic mRNA modifications and relevant purification steps that have overcome these limitations. However, there remains a lack of efficient mRNA delivery strategies. Additionally, mRNA may need to be administered in situ via three-dimensional biomaterials. These materials, also known as transcript-activated matrices, require further consideration in terms of mRNA loading and release, immunogenicity, and other features. In this article, various limiting factors in mRNA synthesis, vector formulation, and local delivery to tissues are highlighted together with current developments and the future outlook for mRNA therapeutics in tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Rosado Balmayor
- IBE, MERLN Institute for Technology - Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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20
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Gupta D, Kumar A, Mandloi A, Shenoy V. Renin angiotensin aldosterone system in pulmonary fibrosis: Pathogenesis to therapeutic possibilities. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105924. [PMID: 34607005 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating lung disease with multifactorial etiology characterized by alveolar injury, fibroblast proliferation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, which progressively results in respiratory failure and death. Accumulating evidence from experimental and clinical studies supports a central role of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) in the pathogenesis and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II), a key vasoactive peptide of the RAAS mediates pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects on the lungs, adversely affecting organ function. Recent years have witnessed seminal discoveries in the field of RAAS. Identification of new enzymes, peptides and receptors has led to the development of several novel concepts. Of particular interest is the establishment of a protective axis of the RAAS comprising of Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], and the Mas receptor (the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis), and the discovery of a functional role for the Angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptor. Herein, we will review our current understanding of the role of RAAS in lung fibrogenesis, provide evidence on the anti-fibrotic actions of the newly recognized RAAS components (the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis and AT2 receptor), discuss potential strategies and translational efforts to convert this new knowledge into effective therapeutics for PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipankar Gupta
- Congenital Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Avinash Mandloi
- College of Pharmacy, VNS Group of Institutions, Bhopal, India
| | - Vinayak Shenoy
- College of Pharmacy, California Health Sciences University, Clovis, CA, USA.
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21
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mRNA delivery via non-viral carriers for biomedical applications. Int J Pharm 2021; 607:121020. [PMID: 34416327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As an emerging new class of nucleic acid drugs, messenger RNA (mRNA) has huge potential in immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, vaccine, and gene editing. Comparing with siRNA and pDNA, mRNA is more vulnerable to nucleases in vivo. However, the lack of effective and safe delivery methods impedes the broad application of mRNA-based therapeutics. Up to now, the delivery of mRNA remains largely unexplored, and therefore, is a hot topic in the field of gene therapy. In this review, we will summarize the ongoing challenges in mRNA-based therapeutics and unmet requirements for delivery vehicles in terms of the unique structure of mRNA. We then highlight the advancement in mRNA delivery in both fundamental research and clinical applications. Finally, a prospective will be proposed upon reviewing the current progress in mRNA delivery.
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22
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Huang SY, Kung YA, Huang PN, Chang SY, Gong YN, Han YJ, Chiang HJ, Liu KT, Lee KM, Chang CY, Chang CC, Huang CG, Shih SR. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 Spike G614 Variant Surpasses That of the D614 Variant after Cold Storage. mSphere 2021; 6:e00104-21. [PMID: 33789940 PMCID: PMC8546686 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00104-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) carrying the D614G mutation on the spike protein is the predominant circulating variant and is associated with enhanced infectivity. However, whether this dominant variant can potentially spread through the cold chain and whether the spike protein affects virus stability after cold storage remain unclear. To compare the infectivity of two SARS-CoV-2 variants, namely, SARS-CoV-2 variants with spike protein with the D614 mutation (S-D614) and G614 mutation (S-G614), after different periods of refrigeration (4°C) and freezing (-20°C). We also determined the integrity of the viral RNA and the ability of the spike protein to bind angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) after storage at these conditions. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 was more stable and infectious after storage at -20°C than at 4°C. Particularly, the S-G614 variant was found to be more stable than the S-D614 variant. The spike protein of the S-G614 variant had better binding ability with the ACE2 receptor than that of the S-D614 variant after storage at -20°C for up to 30 days. Our findings revealed that SARS-CoV-2 remains stable and infectious after refrigeration or freezing, and their stability and infectivity up to 30 days depends on the spike variant. Stability and infectivity are related to each other, and the higher stability of S-G614 compared to that of S-D614 may contribute to rapid viral spread of the S-G614 variant.IMPORTANCE It has been observed that variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are more stable and infectious after storage at -20°C than at 4°C. A SARS-CoV-2 S-D614G variant is currently the most dominant variant in circulation and is associated with enhanced infectivity. We compared the stability of two SARS-CoV-2 variants: the early S-D614 variant carrying the D614 spike protein and the new S-G614 variant carrying the G614 spike protein, stored at both 4°C and -20°C for different periods. We observed that SARS-CoV-2 remains stable and infectious after refrigeration or freezing, which further depends on the spike variant, that is, the ability of the spike protein to bind with the ACE2 receptor with higher efficiency. The high stability of the S-G614 variant also explains its rapid spread and infectivity. Therefore, precautions should be taken during and after handling food preserved under cold conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Yu Huang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-An Kung
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Nien Huang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yun Chang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Bachelor Program in Artificial Intelligence, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Nong Gong
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Han
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, Division of Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Jung Chiang
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ting Liu
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, Division of Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Ming Lee
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Chang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Chang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Electrophysics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Guei Huang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Ru Shih
- Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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23
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ACE2 as therapeutic agent. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:2581-2595. [PMID: 33063820 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has emerged as a critical regulator of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which plays important roles in cardiovascular homeostasis by regulating vascular tone, fluid and electrolyte balance. ACE2 functions as a carboxymonopeptidase hydrolyzing the cleavage of a single C-terminal residue from Angiotensin-II (Ang-II), the key peptide hormone of RAS, to form Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), which binds to the G-protein-coupled Mas receptor and activates signaling pathways that counteract the pathways activated by Ang-II. ACE2 is expressed in a variety of tissues and overwhelming evidence substantiates the beneficial effects of enhancing ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis under many pathological conditions in these tissues in experimental models. This review will provide a succinct overview on current strategies to enhance ACE2 as therapeutic agent, and discuss limitations and future challenges. ACE2 also has other functions, such as acting as a co-factor for amino acid transport and being exploited by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs) as cellular entry receptor, the implications of these functions in development of ACE2-based therapeutics will also be discussed.
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24
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Gottschalk G, Knox K, Roy A. ACE2: At the crossroad of COVID-19 and lung cancer. GENE REPORTS 2021; 23:101077. [PMID: 33723522 PMCID: PMC7946539 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) was frequently observed in patients with lung cancer. Interestingly, our recent study revealed that the same ACE2 receptor was also strongly upregulated in lungs during SARS-CoV2 infection. Therefore, it is possible that the upregulated expression of ACE2 in lung tumors might increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection in lung cancer patients. However, the molecular mechanism for the regulation of ACE2 is known neither in lung tumors nor in COVID-19. Under this review, we attempt to identify transcription factors (TFs) in the promoter of ACE2 that promote the expression of ACE2 both in COVID-19 infection and lung cancer. This review would decipher the molecular role of ACE2 in the upscaled fatality of lung cancer patients suffering from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Gottschalk
- Technology Innovation Center, 10437 W Innovation Drive, Suite # 325, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, United States of America
| | - Konstance Knox
- Coppe Laboratories, W229N1870 Westwood Dr, Waukesha, WI 53186, United States of America
| | - Avik Roy
- Technology Innovation Center, 10437 W Innovation Drive, Suite # 325, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, United States of America
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25
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Lavanya MN, Preethi R, Moses JA, Anandharamakrishnan C. Aerosol-based Pulmonary Delivery of Therapeutic Molecules from Food Sources: Delivery Mechanism, Research Trends, and the Way Forward. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2021.1888971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. N. Lavanya
- Computational Modeling and Nanoscale Processing Unit, Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. Of India, India
| | - R. Preethi
- Computational Modeling and Nanoscale Processing Unit, Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. Of India, India
| | - J. A. Moses
- Computational Modeling and Nanoscale Processing Unit, Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. Of India, India
| | - C. Anandharamakrishnan
- Computational Modeling and Nanoscale Processing Unit, Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. Of India, India
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26
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Davies N, Hovdal D, Edmunds N, Nordberg P, Dahlén A, Dabkowska A, Arteta MY, Radulescu A, Kjellman T, Höijer A, Seeliger F, Holmedal E, Andihn E, Bergenhem N, Sandinge AS, Johansson C, Hultin L, Johansson M, Lindqvist J, Björsson L, Jing Y, Bartesaghi S, Lindfors L, Andersson S. Functionalized lipid nanoparticles for subcutaneous administration of mRNA to achieve systemic exposures of a therapeutic protein. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:369-384. [PMID: 33868782 PMCID: PMC8039535 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically advanced delivery system for RNA-based drugs but have predominantly been investigated for intravenous and intramuscular administration. Subcutaneous administration opens the possibility of patient self-administration and hence long-term chronic treatment that could enable messenger RNA (mRNA) to be used as a novel modality for protein replacement or regenerative therapies. In this study, we show that subcutaneous administration of mRNA formulated within LNPs can result in measurable plasma exposure of a secreted protein. However, subcutaneous administration of mRNA formulated within LNPs was observed to be associated with dose-limiting inflammatory responses. To overcome this limitation, we investigated the concept of incorporating aliphatic ester prodrugs of anti-inflammatory steroids within LNPs, i.e., functionalized LNPs to suppress the inflammatory response. We show that the effectiveness of this approach depends on the alkyl chain length of the ester prodrug, which determines its retention at the site of administration. An unexpected additional benefit to this approach is the prolongation observed in the duration of protein expression. Our results demonstrate that subcutaneous administration of mRNA formulated in functionalized LNPs is a viable approach to achieving systemic levels of therapeutic proteins, which has the added benefits of being amenable to self-administration when chronic treatment is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Davies
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Hovdal
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nicholas Edmunds
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge SG8 6HB, UK
| | - Peter Nordberg
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Dahlén
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Aurel Radulescu
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich Centre for Neutron Science at Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Tomas Kjellman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas Höijer
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frank Seeliger
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Holmedal
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Andihn
- Global Project and Portfolio Management, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nils Bergenhem
- Alliance Management, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, MA 02451, USA
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandinge
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Camilla Johansson
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Leif Hultin
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Johansson
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johnny Lindqvist
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Liselotte Björsson
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yujia Jing
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Bartesaghi
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lennart Lindfors
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shalini Andersson
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Gothenburg, Sweden
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27
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Kim J, Eygeris Y, Gupta M, Sahay G. Self-assembled mRNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:83-112. [PMID: 33400957 PMCID: PMC7837307 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have evolved from being a mere curiosity to emerging as COVID-19 vaccine front-runners. Recent advancements in the field of RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology have generated interest in delivering safe and effective mRNA therapeutics. In this review, we discuss design and self-assembly of mRNA vaccines. Self-assembly, a spontaneous organization of individual molecules, allows for design of nanoparticles with customizable properties. We highlight the materials commonly utilized to deliver mRNA, their physicochemical characteristics, and other relevant considerations, such as mRNA optimization, routes of administration, cellular fate, and immune activation, that are important for successful mRNA vaccination. We also examine the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines currently in clinical trials. mRNA vaccines are ready for the clinic, showing tremendous promise in the COVID-19 vaccine race, and have pushed the boundaries of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
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28
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Self-assembled miRNA-switch nanoparticles target denuded regions and prevent restenosis. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1744-1757. [PMID: 33545360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Effective delivery of cell-selective therapies that target atherosclerotic plaques and neointimal growth while sparing the endothelium remains the Achilles heel of percutaneous interventions. The current study utilizes synthetic microRNA switch therapy that self-assembles to form a compacted, nuclease-resistant nanoparticle <200 nM in size when mixed with cationic amphipathic cell-penetrating peptide (p5RHH). These nanoparticles possess intrinsic endosomolytic activity that requires endosomal acidification. When administered in a femoral artery wire injury mouse model in vivo, the mRNA-p5RHH nanoparticles deliver their payload specifically to the regions of endothelial denudation and not to the lungs, liver, kidney, or spleen. Moreover, repeated administration of nanoparticles containing a microRNA switch, consisting of synthetically modified mRNA encoding for the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 that contains one complementary target sequence of the endothelial cell-specific miR-126 at its 5' UTR, drastically reduced neointima formation after wire injury and allowed for vessel reendothelialization. This cell-selective nanotherapy is a valuable tool that has the potential to advance the fight against neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis.
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29
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Lyu P, Wang L, Lu B. Virus-Like Particle Mediated CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery for Efficient and Safe Genome Editing. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:366. [PMID: 33371215 PMCID: PMC7766694 DOI: 10.3390/life10120366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of designer nucleases has made genome editing much more efficient than before. The designer nucleases have been widely used for mechanistic studies, animal model generation and gene therapy development. However, potential off-targets and host immune responses are issues still need to be addressed for in vivo uses, especially clinical applications. Short term expression of the designer nucleases is necessary to reduce both risks. Currently, various delivery methods are being developed for transient expression of designer nucleases including Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZNF), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease (TALEN) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas). Recently, virus-like particles are being used for gene editing. In this review, we will talk through commonly used genome editing nucleases, discuss gene editing delivery tools and review the latest literature using virus-like particles to deliver gene editing effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Lyu
- School of Physical Education and Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Luxi Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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30
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Amini Pouya M, Afshani SM, Maghsoudi AS, Hassani S, Mirnia K. Classification of the present pharmaceutical agents based on the possible effective mechanism on the COVID-19 infection. Daru 2020; 28:745-764. [PMID: 32734518 PMCID: PMC7391927 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-020-00359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are several types of research on the COVID-19 disease which have been conducting. It seems that prevailing over the pandemic would be achieved only by mastering over the virus pathophysiology. We tried to categorize the massive amount of available information for useful interpretation. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We searched databases with different keywords and search strategies that focus on virulence and pathophysiology of COVID-19. The present review has aimed to gather and categorize all implemented drugs based on the susceptible virulence mechanisms, and the pathophysiological events in the host cells, discussing and suggesting treatments. RESULTS As a result, the COVID-19 lifecycle were categorized as following steps: "Host Cell Attachment" which is mainly conducted with ACE2 receptors and TMPRSS2 from the host cell and Spike (S) protein, "Endocytosis Pathway" which is performed mainly by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and "Viral Replication" which contains translation and replication of RNA viral genome. The virus pathogenicity is continued by "Inflammatory Reactions" which mainly caused moderate to severe COVID-19 disease. Besides, the possible effective therapeutics' mechanism and the pharmaceutical agents that had at least one experience as a preclinical or clinical study on COVID-19 were clearly defined. CONCLUSION The treatment protocol would be occasional based on the stage of the infection and the patient situation. The cocktail of medicines, which could affect almost all mentioned stages of COVID-19 disease, might be vital for patients with severe phenomena. The classification of the possible mechanism of medicines based on COVID-19 pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Amini Pouya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyedeh Maryam Afshani
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Salek Maghsoudi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Hassani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kayvan Mirnia
- Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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31
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Zeng C, Hou X, Yan J, Zhang C, Li W, Zhao W, Du S, Dong Y. Leveraging mRNA Sequences and Nanoparticles to Deliver SARS-CoV-2 Antigens In Vivo. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020. [PMID: 32875709 DOI: 10.1002/adma.v32.4010.1002/adma.202004452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has become a pandemic worldwide; therefore, an effective vaccine is urgently needed. Recently, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have emerged as a promising platform for vaccination. In this work, the untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs are systematically engineered in order to enhance protein production. Through a comprehensive analysis of endogenous gene expression and de novo design of UTRs, the optimal combination of 5' and 3' UTR are identified and termed NASAR, which are 5- to 10-fold more efficient than the tested endogenous UTRs. More importantly, NASAR mRNAs delivered by lipid-derived TT3 nanoparticles trigger a dramatic expression of potential SARS-CoV-2 antigens. The antigen-specific antibodies induced by TT3-nanoparticles and NASAR mRNAs are over two orders of magnitude more than that induced by the FDA-approved lipid nanoparticle material MC3 in vaccinated mice. These NASAR mRNAs merit further development as alternative SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Zeng
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xucheng Hou
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jingyue Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chengxiang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Wenqing Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Weiyu Zhao
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Shi Du
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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32
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Zeng C, Hou X, Yan J, Zhang C, Li W, Zhao W, Du S, Dong Y. Leveraging mRNA Sequences and Nanoparticles to Deliver SARS-CoV-2 Antigens In Vivo. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2004452. [PMID: 32875709 PMCID: PMC8191860 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has become a pandemic worldwide; therefore, an effective vaccine is urgently needed. Recently, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have emerged as a promising platform for vaccination. In this work, the untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs are systematically engineered in order to enhance protein production. Through a comprehensive analysis of endogenous gene expression and de novo design of UTRs, the optimal combination of 5' and 3' UTR are identified and termed NASAR, which are 5- to 10-fold more efficient than the tested endogenous UTRs. More importantly, NASAR mRNAs delivered by lipid-derived TT3 nanoparticles trigger a dramatic expression of potential SARS-CoV-2 antigens. The antigen-specific antibodies induced by TT3-nanoparticles and NASAR mRNAs are over two orders of magnitude more than that induced by the FDA-approved lipid nanoparticle material MC3 in vaccinated mice. These NASAR mRNAs merit further development as alternative SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Zeng
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xucheng Hou
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jingyue Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chengxiang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Wenqing Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Weiyu Zhao
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Shi Du
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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33
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Kong N, Tao W, Ling X, Wang J, Xiao Y, Shi S, Ji X, Shajii A, Gan ST, Kim NY, Duda DG, Xie T, Farokhzad OC, Shi J. Synthetic mRNA nanoparticle-mediated restoration of p53 tumor suppressor sensitizes p53-deficient cancers to mTOR inhibition. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/523/eaaw1565. [PMID: 31852795 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw1565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Loss of function in tumor suppressor genes is commonly associated with the onset/progression of cancer and treatment resistance. The p53 tumor suppressor gene, a master regulator of diverse cellular pathways, is frequently altered in various cancers, for example, in ~36% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and ~68% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Current methods for restoration of p53 expression, including small molecules and DNA therapies, have yielded progressive success, but each has formidable drawbacks. Here, a redox-responsive nanoparticle (NP) platform is engineered for effective delivery of p53-encoding synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA). We demonstrate that the synthetic p53-mRNA NPs markedly delay the growth of p53-null HCC and NSCLC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. We also reveal that p53 restoration markedly improves the sensitivity of these tumor cells to everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor that failed to show clinical benefits in advanced HCC and NSCLC. Moreover, cotargeting of tumor-suppressing p53 and tumorigenic mTOR signaling pathways results in marked antitumor effects in vitro and in multiple animal models of HCC and NSCLC. Our findings indicate that restoration of tumor suppressors by the synthetic mRNA NP delivery strategy could be combined together with other therapies for potent combinatorial cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Xiang Ling
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Junqing Wang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yuling Xiao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sanjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Pharmacology, Holistic Integrative Pharmacy Institutes, College of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Aram Shajii
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Silvia Tian Gan
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Na Yoon Kim
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dan G Duda
- Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, Holistic Integrative Pharmacy Institutes, College of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China.
| | - Omid C Farokhzad
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. .,King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Zeng C, Hou X, Yan J, Zhang C, Li W, Zhao W, Du S, Dong Y. Leveraging mRNAs sequences to express SARS-CoV-2 antigens in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32511313 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.01.019877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly become a pandemic worldwide; therefore, an effective vaccine is urgently needed. Recently, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have emerged as a promising platform for vaccination. Here, we systematically investigated the untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs in order to enhance protein production. Through a comprehensive analysis of endogenous gene expression and de novo design of UTRs, we identified the optimal combination of 5' and 3' UTR, termed as NASAR, which was five to ten-fold more efficient than the tested endogenous UTRs. More importantly, NASAR mRNAs delivered by lipid-derived nanoparticles showed dramatic expression of potential SARS-CoV-2 antigens both in vitro and in vivo. These NASAR mRNAs merit further development as alternative SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
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Weng Y, Li C, Yang T, Hu B, Zhang M, Guo S, Xiao H, Liang XJ, Huang Y. The challenge and prospect of mRNA therapeutics landscape. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107534. [PMID: 32088327 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics hold the potential to cause a major revolution in the pharmaceutical industry because they can be used for precise and individualized therapy, and enable patients to produce therapeutic proteins in their own bodies without struggling with the comprehensive manufacturing issues associated with recombinant proteins. Compared with the current therapeutics, the production of mRNA is much cost-effective, faster and more flexible because it can be easily produced by in vitro transcription, and the process is independent of mRNA sequence. Moreover, mRNA vaccines allow people to develop personalized medications based on sequencing results and/or personalized conditions rapidly. Along with the great potential from bench to bedside, technical obstacles facing mRNA pharmaceuticals are also obvious. The stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery are all pivotal issues need to be addressed. In the recently published research results, these issues are gradually being overcome by state-of-the-art development technologies. In this review, we describe the structural properties and modification technologies of mRNA, summarize the latest advances in developing mRNA delivery systems, review the preclinical and clinical applications, and put forward our views on the prospect and challenges of developing mRNA into a new class of drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Tongren Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China.
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Coutinho MF, Matos L, Santos JI, Alves S. RNA Therapeutics: How Far Have We Gone? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1157:133-177. [PMID: 31342441 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-19966-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the RNA molecule became one of the most promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, a large number of RNA-based therapeutics are being investigated both at the basic research level and in late-stage clinical trials. Some of them are even already approved for treatment. RNA-based approaches can act at pre-mRNA level (by splicing modulation/correction using antisense oligonucleotides or U1snRNA vectors), at mRNA level (inhibiting gene expression by siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides) or at DNA level (by editing mutated sequences through the use of CRISPR/Cas). Other RNA approaches include the delivery of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA or the use of oligonucleotides aptamers. Here we review these approaches and their translation into clinics trying to give a brief overview also on the difficulties to its application as well as the research that is being done to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Matos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Inês Santos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.
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Richards EM, Raizada MK. ACE2 and pACE2: A Pair of Aces for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Treatment? Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 198:422-423. [PMID: 29634285 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201803-0569ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Richards
- 1 Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mohan K Raizada
- 1 Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville, Florida
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Zhao W, Hou X, Vick OG, Dong Y. RNA delivery biomaterials for the treatment of genetic and rare diseases. Biomaterials 2019; 217:119291. [PMID: 31255978 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and rare diseases (GARDs) affect more than 350 million patients worldwide and remain a significant challenge in the clinic. Hence, continuous efforts have been made to bridge the significant gap between the supply and demand of effective treatments for GARDs. Recent decades have witnessed the impressive progress in the fight against GARDs, with an improved understanding of the genetic origins of rare diseases and the rapid development in gene therapy providing a new avenue for GARD therapy. RNA-based therapeutics, such as RNA interference (RNAi), messenger RNA (mRNA) and RNA-involved genome editing technologies, demonstrate great potential as a therapy tool for treating genetic associated rare diseases. In the meantime, a variety of RNA delivery vehicles were established for boosting the widespread applications of RNA therapeutics. Among all the RNA delivery platforms which enable the systemic applications of RNAs, non-viral RNA delivery biomaterials display superior properties and a few biomaterials have been successfully exploited for achieving the RNA-based gene therapies on GARDs. In this review article, we focus on recent advances in the development of novel biomaterials for delivery of RNA-based therapeutics and highlight their applications to treat GARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Zhao
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Xucheng Hou
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Olivia G Vick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
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Lu B, Javidi-Parsijani P, Makani V, Mehraein-Ghomi F, Sarhan WM, Sun D, Yoo KW, Atala ZP, Lyu P, Atala A. Delivering SaCas9 mRNA by lentivirus-like bionanoparticles for transient expression and efficient genome editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e44. [PMID: 30759231 PMCID: PMC6486560 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system discovered using bacteria has been repurposed for genome editing in human cells. Transient expression of the editor proteins (e.g. Cas9 protein) is desirable to reduce the risk of mutagenesis from off-target activity. Using the specific interaction between bacteriophage RNA-binding proteins and their RNA aptamers, we developed a system able to package up to 100 copies of Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) mRNA in each lentivirus-like bionanoparticle (LVLP). The SaCas9 LVLPs mediated transient SaCas9 expression and achieved highly efficient genome editing in the presence of guide RNA. Lower off-target rates occurred in cells transduced with LVLPs containing SaCas9 mRNA, compared with cells transduced with adeno-associated virus or lentivirus expressing SaCas9. Our LVLP system may be useful for efficiently delivering Cas9 mRNA to cell lines and primary cells for in vitro and in vivo gene editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baisong Lu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Parisa Javidi-Parsijani
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Vishruti Makani
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Farideh Mehraein-Ghomi
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Walaa Mohamed Sarhan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Dongjun Sun
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kyung Whan Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Zachary P Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Pin Lyu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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40
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Trepotec Z, Lichtenegger E, Plank C, Aneja MK, Rudolph C. Delivery of mRNA Therapeutics for the Treatment of Hepatic Diseases. Mol Ther 2019; 27:794-802. [PMID: 30655211 PMCID: PMC6453508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Promising improvements in the field of transcript therapeutics have clearly enhanced the potential of mRNA as a new pillar for protein replacement therapies. Synthetic mRNAs are engineered to replace mutated mRNAs and to be immunologically inconspicuous and highly stable while maximizing protein expression. Approaches to deliver mRNA into the cellular cytoplasm safely and efficiently have been further developed so that two mRNA-based approaches replacing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have now made it into clinical trials. These studies bring mRNA therapeutics for protein replacement therapy closer to clinical realization. Herein, we provide an overview of preclinical and clinical developments of mRNA therapeutics for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeljka Trepotec
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christian Plank
- Ethris GmbH, RNA Biology, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Rudolph
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; Ethris GmbH, RNA Biology, 82152 Planegg, Germany.
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41
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Kowalski PS, Rudra A, Miao L, Anderson DG. Delivering the Messenger: Advances in Technologies for Therapeutic mRNA Delivery. Mol Ther 2019; 27:710-728. [PMID: 30846391 PMCID: PMC6453548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 605] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA has broad potential as a therapeutic. Current clinical efforts are focused on vaccination, protein replacement therapies, and treatment of genetic diseases. The clinical translation of mRNA therapeutics has been made possible through advances in the design of mRNA manufacturing and intracellular delivery methods. However, broad application of mRNA is still limited by the need for improved delivery systems. In this review, we discuss the challenges for clinical translation of mRNA-based therapeutics, with an emphasis on recent advances in biomaterials and delivery strategies, and we present an overview of the applications of mRNA-based delivery for protein therapy, gene editing, and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr S Kowalski
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Arnab Rudra
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lei Miao
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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42
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Trepotec Z, Geiger J, Plank C, Aneja MK, Rudolph C. Segmented poly(A) tails significantly reduce recombination of plasmid DNA without affecting mRNA translation efficiency or half-life. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:507-518. [PMID: 30647100 PMCID: PMC6426288 DOI: 10.1261/rna.069286.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research in the past decade has brought mRNA closer to the clinical realization of its therapeutic potential. One common structural feature for all cellular messenger RNAs is a poly(A) tail, which can either be brought in cotranscriptionally via the DNA template (plasmid- or PCR-based) or added to the mRNA in a post-transcriptional enzymatic process. Plasmids containing poly(A) regions recombine in E. coli, resulting in extensive shortening of the poly(A) tail. Using a segmented poly(A) approach, we could significantly reduce recombination of plasmids in E. coli without any negative effect on mRNA half-life and protein expression. This effect was independent of the coding sequence. A segmented poly(A) tail is characterized in that it consists of at least two A-containing elements, each defined as a nucleotide sequence consisting of 40-60 adenosines, separated by a spacer element of different length. Furthermore, reducing the spacer length between the poly(A) segments resulted in higher translation efficiencies compared to homogeneous poly(A) tail and reduced recombination (depending upon the choice of spacer nucleotide). Our results demonstrate the superior potential of segmented poly(A) tails compared to the conventionally used homogeneous poly(A) tails with respect to recombination of the plasmids and the resulting mRNA performance (half-life and translational efficiency).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeljka Trepotec
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christian Plank
- Ethris GmbH, Planegg, 82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Rudolph
- Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Ethris GmbH, Planegg, 82152 Planegg, Germany
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43
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DeRosa F, Smith L, Shen Y, Huang Y, Pan J, Xie H, Yahalom B, Heartlein MW. Improved Efficacy in a Fabry Disease Model Using a Systemic mRNA Liver Depot System as Compared to Enzyme Replacement Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 27:878-889. [PMID: 30879951 PMCID: PMC6453518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of α-galactosidase A. Enzyme deficiency results in a progressive decline in renal and cardiac function, leading to cardiomyopathy and end-stage renal disease. Current treatments available, including enzyme replacement therapies, have provided significant benefit to patients; however, unmet medical needs remain. mRNA therapy, with drug-like properties, has the unique ability to produce therapeutic proteins endogenously. Here we describe the sustained delivery of therapeutic human α-galactosidase protein in vivo via nanoparticle-formulated mRNA in mouse and non-human primate, with a demonstration of efficacy through clinically relevant biomarker reduction in a mouse Fabry disease model. Multi-component nanoparticles formulated with lipids and lipid-like materials were developed for the delivery of mRNA encoding human α-galactosidase protein. Upon delivery of human GLA mRNA to mice, serum GLA protein levels reached as high as ∼1,330-fold over normal physiological values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yan Huang
- Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA 02141, USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA 02141, USA
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Li B, Zhang X, Dong Y. Nanoscale platforms for messenger RNA delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 11:e1530. [PMID: 29726120 PMCID: PMC6443240 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has become a promising class of drugs for diverse therapeutic applications in the past few years. A series of clinical trials are ongoing or will be initiated in the near future for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Currently, mRNA-based therapeutics mainly focuses on ex vivo transfection and local administration in clinical studies. Efficient and safe delivery of therapeutically relevant mRNAs remains one of the major challenges for their broad applications in humans. Thus, effective delivery systems are urgently needed to overcome this limitation. In recent years, numerous nanoscale biomaterials have been constructed for mRNA delivery in order to protect mRNA from extracellular degradation and facilitate endosomal escape after cellular uptake. Nanoscale platforms have expanded the feasibility of mRNA-based therapeutics, and enabled its potential applications to protein replacement therapy, cancer immunotherapy, therapeutic vaccines, regenerative medicine, and genome editing. This review focuses on recent advances, challenges, and future directions in nanoscale platforms designed for mRNA delivery, including lipid and lipid-derived nanoparticles, polymer-based nanoparticles, protein derivatives mRNA complexes, and other types of nanomaterials. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xinfu Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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45
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Schlake T, Thess A, Thran M, Jordan I. mRNA as novel technology for passive immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:301-328. [PMID: 30334070 PMCID: PMC6339677 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2935-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While active immunization elicits a lasting immune response by the body, passive immunotherapy transiently equips the body with exogenously generated immunological effectors in the form of either target-specific antibodies or lymphocytes functionalized with target-specific receptors. In either case, administration or expression of recombinant proteins plays a fundamental role. mRNA prepared by in vitro transcription (IVT) is increasingly appreciated as a drug substance for delivery of recombinant proteins. With its biological role as transient carrier of genetic information translated into protein in the cytoplasm, therapeutic application of mRNA combines several advantages. For example, compared to transfected DNA, mRNA harbors inherent safety features. It is not associated with the risk of inducing genomic changes and potential adverse effects are only temporary due to its transient nature. Compared to the administration of recombinant proteins produced in bioreactors, mRNA allows supplying proteins that are difficult to manufacture and offers extended pharmacokinetics for short-lived proteins. Based on great progress in understanding and manipulating mRNA properties, efficacy data in various models have now demonstrated that IVT mRNA constitutes a potent and flexible platform technology. Starting with an introduction into passive immunotherapy, this review summarizes the current status of IVT mRNA technology and its application to such immunological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schlake
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Thess
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Thran
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Jordan
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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46
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Trepotec Z, Aneja MK, Geiger J, Hasenpusch G, Plank C, Rudolph C. Maximizing the Translational Yield of mRNA Therapeutics by Minimizing 5'-UTRs. Tissue Eng Part A 2018; 25:69-79. [PMID: 29638193 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2017.0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of mRNA contains structural elements, which are recognized by cell-specific RNA-binding proteins, thereby affecting the translation of the molecule. The activation of an innate immune response upon transfection of mRNA into cells is reduced when the mRNA comprises chemically modified nucleotides, putatively by altering the secondary structure of the molecule. Such alteration in the 5'-UTR in turn may affect the functionality of mRNA. In this study, we report on the impact of seven synthetic minimalistic 5'-UTR sequences on the translation of luciferase-encoding unmodified and different chemically modified mRNAs upon transfection in cell culture and in vivo. One minimalistic 5'-UTR, consisting of 14 nucleotides combining the T7 promoter with a Kozak consensus sequence, yielded similar or even higher expression than a 37 nucleotides human alpha-globin 5'-UTR containing mRNA in HepG2 and A549 cells. Furthermore, also the kind of modified nucleotides used in in vitro transcription, affected mRNA translation when using different translation regulators (Kozak vs. translation initiator of short UTRs). The in vitro data were confirmed by bioluminescence imaging of expression in mouse livers, 6 h postintravenous injection of a lipidoid nanoparticle-formulated RNA in female Balb/c mice. Luciferase measurements from liver and spleen showed that minimal 5'-UTRs (3 and 7) were either equally effective or better than human alpha-globin 5'-UTR. These findings were confirmed with a human erythropoietin (hEPO)-encoding mRNA. Significantly, higher levels of hEPO could be quantified in supernatants from A549 cells transfected with minimal 5'-UTR7 containing RNA when compared to commonly used benchmarks 5'-UTRs. Our results demonstrate the superior potential of synthetic minimalistic 5'-UTRs for use in transcript therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeljka Trepotec
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Christian Plank
- 2 Ethris GmbH, Planegg, Germany.,3 Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Rudolph
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,2 Ethris GmbH, Planegg, Germany
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Kaczmarek JC, Kauffman KJ, Fenton OS, Sadtler K, Patel AK, Heartlein MW, DeRosa F, Anderson DG. Optimization of a Degradable Polymer-Lipid Nanoparticle for Potent Systemic Delivery of mRNA to the Lung Endothelium and Immune Cells. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:6449-6454. [PMID: 30211557 PMCID: PMC6415675 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b02917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics hold great potential for treating a variety of diseases through protein-replacement, immunomodulation, and gene editing. However, much like siRNA therapy the majority of progress in mRNA delivery has been confined to the liver. Previously, we demonstrated that poly(β-amino esters), a class of degradable polymers, are capable of systemic mRNA delivery to the lungs in mice when formulated into nanoparticles with poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid conjugates. Using experimental design, a statistical approach to optimization that reduces experimental burden, we demonstrate herein that these degradable polymer-lipid nanoparticles can be optimized in terms of polymer synthesis and nanoparticle formulation to achieve a multiple order-of-magnitude increase in potency. Furthermore, using genetically engineered Cre reporter mice, we demonstrate that mRNA is functionally delivered to both the lung endothelium and pulmonary immune cells, expanding the potential utility of these nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C. Kaczmarek
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Kevin J. Kauffman
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Owen S. Fenton
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Kaitlyn Sadtler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
| | - Asha K. Patel
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD (UK)
| | | | | | - Daniel G. Anderson
- Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (USA)
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48
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Zhang W, De La Vega RE, Coenen MJ, Müller SA, Peniche Silva CJ, Aneja MK, Plank C, van Griensven M, Evans CH, Balmayor ER. An Improved, Chemically Modified RNA Encoding BMP-2 Enhances Osteogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo. Tissue Eng Part A 2018; 25:131-144. [PMID: 30009674 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT The use of chemically modified RNA (cmRNA) with increased stability using translation initiator of short untranslated regions (TISU) offers the prospect of finally allowing us to unlock the potent osteogenic properties of BMP-2 in a clinically expedient manner. As noted, delivery of recombinant BMP-2 protein has had modest clinical efficacy, whereas gene delivery is effective but very difficult to translate into human clinical use. This study shows the great potential of cmRNA encoding BMP-2 with TISU in a long-bone critical-sized rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- 1 Department of Experimental Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,2 Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Michael J Coenen
- 3 Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Sebastian A Müller
- 3 Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,4 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carlos J Peniche Silva
- 1 Department of Experimental Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christian Plank
- 2 Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,5 Ethris GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Martijn van Griensven
- 1 Department of Experimental Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,3 Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Christopher H Evans
- 3 Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Elizabeth R Balmayor
- 1 Department of Experimental Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,3 Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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49
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Xiong Q, Lee GY, Ding J, Li W, Shi J. Biomedical applications of mRNA nanomedicine. NANO RESEARCH 2018; 11:5281-5309. [PMID: 31007865 PMCID: PMC6472920 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-018-2146-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
As an attractive alternative to plasmid DNA, messenger RNA (mRNA) has recently emerged as a promising class of nucleic acid therapeutics for biomedical applications. Advances in addressing the inherent shortcomings of mRNA and in the development of nanoparticle-based delivery systems have prompted the development and clinical translation of mRNA-based medicines. In this review, we discuss the chemical modification strategies of mRNA to improve its stability, minimize immune responses, and enhance translational efficacy. We also highlight recent progress in nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery. Considerable attention is given to the increasingly widespread applications of mRNA nanomedicine in the biomedical fields of vaccination, protein-replacement therapy, gene editing, and cellular reprogramming and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xiong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Gha Young Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Jianxun Ding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Wenliang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013 China
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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50
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Liu-Chen S, Connolly B, Cheng L, Subramanian RR, Han Z. mRNA treatment produces sustained expression of enzymatically active human ADAMTS13 in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7859. [PMID: 29777164 PMCID: PMC5959889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26298-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is primarily caused by deficiency of ADAMTS13 within the blood stream due to either genetic defects or presence of inhibitory autoantibodies. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human ADAMTS13 protein (rhADAMTS13) is effective and safe in treatment of TTP. However, frequent dosing would be required due to the relatively short half-life of rhADAMTS13 in circulation as well as the presence of inhibitory autoantibodies that collectively result in the poor pharmacological profile of rhADAMTS13. With technical breakthroughs in exploring mRNA as therapeutics, we hypothesized that restoration of ADAMTS13 activity for a prolonged duration of time can be achieved through systemic dosing of mRNA, wherein the dosed mRNA would utilize hepatic cells as bioreactors for continuous production of ADAMTS13. To test this hypothesis, mRNA encoding human ADAMTS13 WT or an ADAMTS13 variant, that had demonstrated resistance to predominant clinical TTP autoantibodies, was formulated in lipid nano-particles for liver-targeted delivery. In both ADAMTS13-sufficient and -deficient mice, a single dose of the formulated mRNAs at 1 mg/kg resulted in expression of hADAMTS13 at or above therapeutically relevant levels in mice for up to five days. This proof-of-concept study suggests that mRNA therapy could provide a novel approach for TTP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Liu-Chen
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., 100 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Brendan Connolly
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., 75 Sidney St, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lei Cheng
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., 75 Sidney St, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Zhaozhong Han
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., 100 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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