1
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Shin K, Suh HW, Suberi A, Whang CH, Ene M, Grundler J, Grun MK, Saltzman WM. Branching in poly(amine-co-ester) polyplexes impacts mRNA transfection. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122692. [PMID: 38986360 PMCID: PMC11298310 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Branching is a key structural parameter of polymers, which can have profound impacts on physicochemical properties. It has been demonstrated that branching is a modulating factor for mRNA delivery and transfection using delivery vehicles built from cationic polymers, but the influence of polymer branching on mRNA delivery remains relatively underexplored compared to other polymer features such as monomer composition, hydrophobicity, pKa, or the type of terminal group. In this study, we examined the impact of branching on the physicochemical properties of poly(amine-co-esters) (PACE) and their efficiency in mRNA transfection in vivo and in vitro under various conditions. PACE polymers were synthesized with various degrees of branching ranging from 0 to 0.66, and their transfection efficiency was systemically evaluated. We observed that branching improves the stability of polyplexes but reduces the pH buffering capacity. Therefore, the degree of branching (DB) must be optimized in a delivery route specific manner due to differences in challenges faced by polyplexes in different physiological compartments. Through a systematic analysis of physicochemical properties and mRNA transfection in vivo and in vitro, this study highlights the influence of polymer branching on nucleic acid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangsoo Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Polymer Science & Engineering and Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Won Suh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Alexandra Suberi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Chang-Hee Whang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Madalina Ene
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Julian Grundler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Molly K Grun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - W Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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2
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Mapfumo PP, Reichel LS, André T, Hoeppener S, Rudolph LK, Traeger A. Optimizing Biocompatibility and Gene Delivery with DMAEA and DMAEAm: A Niacin-Derived Copolymer Approach. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4749-4761. [PMID: 38963401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is pivotal in nanomedicine, offering a versatile approach to disease treatment. This study aims to achieve an optimal balance between biocompatibility and efficacy, which is a common challenge in the field. A copolymer library is synthesized, incorporating niacin-derived monomers 2-acrylamidoethyl nicotinate (AAEN) or 2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl nicotinate (AEN) with N,N-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylamide (DMAEAm) or hydrolysis-labile N,N-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate (DMAEA). Evaluation of the polymers' cytotoxicity profiles reveals that an increase in AAEN or DMAEA molar ratios correlates with improved biocompatibility. Remarkably, an increase in AAEN in both DMAEA and DMAEAm copolymers demonstrated enhanced transfection efficiencies of plasmid DNA in HEK293T cells. Additionally, the top-performing polymers demonstrate promising gene expression in challenging-to-transfect cells (THP-1 and Jurkat cells) and show no significant effect on modulating immune response induction in ex vivo treated murine monocytes. Overall, the best performing candidates exhibit an optimal balance between biocompatibility and efficacy, showcasing potential advancements in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prosper P Mapfumo
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Liên S Reichel
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Thomas André
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena 07743, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Lenhard K Rudolph
- Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena 07743, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, Jena 07743, Germany
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3
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Webster ER, Peck NE, Echeverri JD, Gholizadeh S, Tang WL, Woo R, Sharma A, Liu W, Rae CS, Sallets A, Adusumilli G, Gunasekaran K, Haabeth OAW, Leong M, Zuckermann RN, Deutsch S, McKinlay CJ. Discovery of a Peptoid-Based Nanoparticle Platform for Therapeutic mRNA Delivery via Diverse Library Clustering and Structural Parametrization. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39105751 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-mediated mRNA delivery has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality, but its growth is still limited by the discovery and optimization of effective and well-tolerated delivery strategies. Lipid nanoparticles containing charged or ionizable lipids are an emerging standard for in vivo mRNA delivery, so creating facile, tunable strategies to synthesize these key lipid-like molecules is essential to advance the field. Here, we generate a library of N-substituted glycine oligomers, peptoids, and undertake a multistage down-selection process to identify lead candidate peptoids as the ionizable component in our Nutshell nanoparticle platform. First, we identify a promising peptoid structural motif by clustering a library of >200 molecules based on predicted physical properties and evaluate members of each cluster for reporter gene expression in vivo. Then, the lead peptoid motif is optimized using design of experiments methodology to explore variations on the charged and lipophilic portions of the peptoid, facilitating the discovery of trends between structural elements and nanoparticle properties. We further demonstrate that peptoid-based Nutshells leads to expression of therapeutically relevant levels of an anti-respiratory syncytial virus antibody in mice with minimal tolerability concerns or induced immune responses compared to benchmark ionizable lipid, DLin-MC3-DMA. Through this work, we present peptoid-based nanoparticles as a tunable delivery platform that can be optimized toward a range of therapeutic programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Webster
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Nicole E Peck
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Juan Diego Echeverri
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Shima Gholizadeh
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Wei-Lun Tang
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Rinette Woo
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Anushtha Sharma
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Weiqun Liu
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Chris S Rae
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Adrienne Sallets
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Gowrisudha Adusumilli
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Kannan Gunasekaran
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Ole A W Haabeth
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Meredith Leong
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Ronald N Zuckermann
- Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Samuel Deutsch
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Colin J McKinlay
- Nutcracker Therapeutics, 5980 Horton Street Suite 350, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
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4
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Ren Y, Zeng L, Tang Y, Liao J, Jiang M, Cao X, Fan H, Chen J. Enhancing spleen-targeted mRNA delivery with branched biodegradable tails in lipid nanoparticles. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 39099464 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00960f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The application of mRNA therapy is constrained by the current lipid nanoparticles' (LNPs) inability to target non-liver tissues. In this study, we demonstrate that ionizable lipids equipped with branched and biodegradable tails enhance the selective delivery of mRNA to the spleen, particularly to antigen-presenting cells. This approach offers novel insights into how the chemical structure of LNPs influences their organ-specific targeting capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupeng Ren
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials for New Energy Storage and Conversion, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, 2 Taoyuan Street, Xiangtan 411201, P. R. China.
| | - Ling Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Yingsen Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Jing Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Meng Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Xinxiu Cao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials for New Energy Storage and Conversion, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, 2 Taoyuan Street, Xiangtan 411201, P. R. China.
| | - Hui Fan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials for New Energy Storage and Conversion, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, 2 Taoyuan Street, Xiangtan 411201, P. R. China.
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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5
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Long J, Wang Y, Jiang X, Ge J, Chen M, Zheng B, Wang R, Wang M, Xu M, Ke Q, Wang J. Nanomaterials Boost CAR-T Therapy for Solid Tumors. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304615. [PMID: 38483400 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
T cell engineering, particularly via chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modifications for enhancing tumor specificity, has shown efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies. The extension of CAR-T cell therapy to solid tumors, however, is impeded by several challenges: The absence of tumor-specific antigens, antigen heterogeneity, a complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and physical barriers to cell infiltration. Additionally, limitations in CAR-T cell manufacturing capacity and the high costs associated with these therapies restrict their widespread application. The integration of nanomaterials into CAR-T cell production and application offers a promising avenue to mitigate these challenges. Utilizing nanomaterials in the production of CAR-T cells can decrease product variability and lower production expenses, positively impacting the targeting and persistence of CAR-T cells in treatment and minimizing adverse effects. This review comprehensively evaluates the use of various nanomaterials in the production of CAR-T cells, genetic modification, and in vivo delivery. It discusses their underlying mechanisms and potential for clinical application, with a focus on improving specificity and safety in CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Long
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, 1001 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Mingfen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Boshu Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Meifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Meifang Xu
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Qi Ke
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
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6
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Jogdeo CM, Siddhanta K, Das A, Ding L, Panja S, Kumari N, Oupický D. Beyond Lipids: Exploring Advances in Polymeric Gene Delivery in the Lipid Nanoparticles Era. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404608. [PMID: 38842816 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The recent success of gene therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective and safe delivery systems. Complementing lipid-based delivery systems, polymers present a promising alternative for gene delivery. Significant advances have been made in the recent past, with multiple clinical trials progressing beyond phase I and several companies actively working on polymeric delivery systems which provides assurance that polymeric carriers can soon achieve clinical translation. The massive advantage of structural tunability and vast chemical space of polymers is being actively leveraged to mitigate shortcomings of traditional polycationic polymers and improve the translatability of delivery systems. Tailored polymeric approaches for diverse nucleic acids and for specific subcellular targets are now being designed to improve therapeutic efficacy. This review describes the recent advances in polymer design for improved gene delivery by polyplexes and covalent polymer-nucleic acid conjugates. The review also offers a brief note on novel computational techniques for improved polymer design. The review concludes with an overview of the current state of polymeric gene therapies in the clinic as well as future directions on their translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay M Jogdeo
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kasturi Siddhanta
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ashish Das
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ling Ding
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sudipta Panja
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Neha Kumari
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - David Oupický
- Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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7
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Zhang M, Hussain A, Hu B, Yang H, Li C, Guo S, Han X, Li B, Dai Y, Cao Y, Chi H, Weng Y, Qin CF, Huang Y. Atavistic strategy for the treatment of hyperuricemia via ionizable liposomal mRNA. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6463. [PMID: 39085241 PMCID: PMC11292028 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50752-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperuricemia is associated with an increased risk of gout, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Most mammals maintain normal serum uric acid (SUA) via urate oxidase (Uox), an enzyme that metabolizes poorly-soluble UA to highly-soluble allantoin. In contrast, Uox became a pseudogene in humans and apes over the long course of evolution. Here we demonstrate an atavistic strategy for treating hyperuricemia based on endogenous expression of Uox in hepatocytes mediated by mRNA (mUox) loaded with an ionizable lipid nanoparticle termed iLAND. mUox@iLAND allows effective transfection and protein expression in vitro. A single dose of mUox@iLAND lowers SUA levels for several weeks in two female murine models, including a novel long-lasting model, which is also confirmed by metabolomics analysis. Together with the excellent safety profiles observed in vivo, the proposed mRNA agent demonstrates substantial potential for hyperuricemia therapy and the prevention of associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyin Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Han
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Rigerna Therapeutics Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Bei Li
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Yunlu Dai
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Yuhong Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Aerospace Center Hospital, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
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8
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Chen S, Deng Z, Ji D. Advances in the development of lipid nanoparticles for ophthalmic therapeutics. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117108. [PMID: 39067162 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117108] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously, researchers have employed Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to directly encapsulate medicines. In the realm of gene therapy, researchers have begun to employ lipid nanoparticles to encapsulate nucleic acids such as messenger RNA, small interfering RNA, and plasmid DNA, which are known as nucleic acid lipid nanoparticles. Recent breakthroughs in LNP-based medicine have provided significant prospects for the treatment of ocular disorders, such as corneal, choroidal, and retinal diseases. The use of LNP as a delivery mechanism for medicines and therapeutic genes can increase their effectiveness while avoiding undesired immune reactions. However, LNP-based medicines may pose ocular concerns. In this review, we discuss the general framework of LNP. Additionally, we review adjustable approaches and evaluate their possible risks. In addition, we examine newly described ocular illnesses in which LNP was utilized as a delivery mechanism. Finally, we provide perspectives for solving these potential issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Chen
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhihong Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Dan Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.
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9
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Kawale SA, Na GS, Kumar S, Joo JU, Kang DC, Kim DP. Facile scalable one-flow synthesis of ionizable cationic lipid library as precursors of nanoparticle carriers. Int J Pharm 2024; 662:124513. [PMID: 39069145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124513] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
A variety of ionizable and cationic lipids have been synthesized as precursors for nanoparticle carriers. However, the laborious synthetic routes in batch reactors often involve the use of toxic and carcinogenic agents, as well as challenge of removing gaseous byproducts. In this study, we present facile one-flow micro-reaction process that enables the synthesis of 11 ionizable lipids as well as 7 cationic lipids, including the well-known DODAP and DOTAP. These lipids can be scaled up to produce approximately ∼10g/h by using a straightforward size-up approach. The development of the lipid library was involved generating highly moisture-sensitive acyl chloride at 25 °C for 1.5 min. The toxic byproducts such as HCl, CO2 and CO were subsequently removed using a liquid-gas separator. The esterification with dimethylamino-1,2-diol at 25 °C for 3 min, monitored in-line with FTIR, completed the process. Additionally, the synthesized ionizable lipids were converted to cationic lipids with methyl sulfate, chloride ions via dimethyl sulfate and Steglich esterification in a continuous flow system. Finally, the produced DODAP was transformed into a uniform-sized LNPs (64 nm, PDI 0.07) and liposomal nanoparticles (72 nm, PDI 0.05) while DOTAP was converted to liposomes (55 nm, PDI 0.08) using a custom micro-mixer. This efficient platform for lipid synthesis significantly contributes to the practical applications of lipid-based nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket A Kawale
- Center for Intelligent Micro-process of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Su Na
- Center for Intelligent Micro-process of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Center for Intelligent Micro-process of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Un Joo
- Center for Intelligent Micro-process of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Chang Kang
- Center for Intelligent Micro-process of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Pyo Kim
- Center for Intelligent Micro-process of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Lin Y, Chen X, Wang K, Liang L, Zhang H. An Overview of Nanoparticle-Based Delivery Platforms for mRNA Vaccines for Treating Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:727. [PMID: 39066365 PMCID: PMC11281455 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With its unique properties and potential applications, nanoparticle-based delivery platforms for messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have gained significant attention in recent years. Nanoparticles have the advantages of enhancing immunogenicity, targeting delivery, and improving stability, providing a new solution for drug and vaccine delivery. In some clinical studies, a variety of nanoparticle delivery platforms have been gradually applied to a wide range of vaccine applications. Current research priorities are exploring various types of nanoparticles as vaccine delivery systems to enhance vaccine stability and immunogenicity. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown promising potential in preclinical and clinical studies on the efficient delivery of antigens to immune cells. Moreover, lipid nanoparticles and other nanoparticles for nucleic acids, especially for mRNA delivery systems, have shown vast potential for vaccine development. In this review, we present various vaccine platforms with an emphasis on nanoparticles as mRNA vaccine delivery vehicles. We describe several novel nanoparticle delivery platforms for mRNA vaccines, such as lipid-, polymer-, and protein-based nanoparticles. In addition, we provide an overview of the anti-tumor immunity of nanovaccines against different tumors in cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we outline future perspectives and remaining challenges for this promising technology of nanoparticle-based delivery platforms for vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.L.); (X.C.); (K.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xuehua Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.L.); (X.C.); (K.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.L.); (X.C.); (K.W.)
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.L.); (X.C.); (K.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing Science and Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.L.); (X.C.); (K.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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11
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Vaidya A, Moore S, Chatterjee S, Guerrero E, Kim M, Farbiak L, Dilliard SA, Siegwart DJ. Expanding RNAi to Kidneys, Lungs, and Spleen via Selective ORgan Targeting (SORT) siRNA Lipid Nanoparticles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2313791. [PMID: 38973655 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Inhibition of disease-causing mutations using RNA interference (RNAi) has resulted in clinically approved medicines with additional candidates in late stage trials. However, targetable tissues currently in preclinical development are limited to liver following systemic intravenous (IV) administration because predictable delivery of siRNA to non-liver tissues remains an unsolved challenge. Here, evidence of durable extrahepatic gene silencing enabled by siRNA Selective ORgan Targeting lipid nanoparticles (siRNA SORT LNPs) to the kidneys, lungs, and spleen is provided. LNPs excel at dose-dependent silencing of tissue-enriched endogenous targets resulting in 60%-80% maximal knockdown after a single IV injection and up to 88% downregulation of protein expression in mouse lungs after two doses. To examine knockdown potency and unbiased organ targeting, B6.129TdTom/EGFP mice that constitutively express the TdTomato transgene across all cell types are utilized to demonstrate 58%, 45%, and 15% reduction in TdTomato fluorescence in lungs, spleen, and kidneys, respectively. Finally, physiological relevance of siRNA SORT LNP-mediated gene silencing is established via acute suppression of endogenous Tie2 which induces lung-specific phenotypic alteration of vascular endothelial barrier. Due to plethora of extrahepatic diseases that may benefit from RNAi interventions, it is anticipated that the findings will expand preclinical landscape of therapeutic targets beyond the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amogh Vaidya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Stephen Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Sumanta Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Erick Guerrero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Minjeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Lukas Farbiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Sean A Dilliard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Daniel J Siegwart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biochemistry, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
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12
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Bi D, Wilhelmy C, Unthan D, Keil IS, Zhao B, Kolb B, Koning RI, Graewert MA, Wouters B, Zwier R, Bussmann J, Hankemeier T, Diken M, Haas H, Langguth P, Barz M, Zhang H. On the Influence of Fabrication Methods and Materials for mRNA-LNP Production: From Size and Morphology to Internal Structure and mRNA Delivery Performance In Vitro and In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401252. [PMID: 38889433 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) remains the most advanced platform for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery. To date, mRNA LNPs synthesis is mostly performed by mixing lipids and mRNA with microfluidics. In this study, a cost-effective microfluidic setup for synthesizing mRNA LNPs is developed. It allows to fine-tune the LNPs characteristics without compromising LNP properties. It is compared with a commercial device (NanoAssemblr) and ethanol injection and the influence of manufacturing conditions on the performance of mRNA LNPs is investigated. LNPs prepared by ethanol injection exhibit broader size distributions and more inhomogeneous internal structure (e.g., bleb-like substructures), while other LNPs show uniform structure with dense cores. Small angel X-ray scattering (SAXS) data indicate a tighter interaction between mRNA and lipids within LNPs synthesized by custom device, compared to LNPs produced by NanoAssemblr. Interestingly, the better transfection efficiency of polysarcosine (pSar)-modified LNPs correlates with a higher surface roughness than that of PEGylated ones. The manufacturing approach, however, shows modest influence on mRNA expression in vivo. In summary, the home-developed cost-effective microfluidic device can synthesize LNPs and represents a potent alternative to NanoAssemblr. The preparation methods show notable effect on LNPs' structure but a minor influence on mRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Bi
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Wilhelmy
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dennis Unthan
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Isabell Sofia Keil
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University GmbH, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bonan Zhao
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Bastian Kolb
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Roman I Koning
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa A Graewert
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Outstation c/o DESY, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bert Wouters
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Raphaël Zwier
- Leiden Institute of Physics Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bussmann
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University GmbH, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinrich Haas
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Langguth
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Barz
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heyang Zhang
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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13
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Petersen DMS, Weiss RM, Hajj KA, Yerneni SS, Chaudhary N, Newby AN, Arral ML, Whitehead KA. Branched-Tail Lipid Nanoparticles for Intravenous mRNA Delivery to Lung Immune, Endothelial, and Alveolar Cells in Mice. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400225. [PMID: 38888972 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are proven safe and effective delivery systems on a global scale. However, their efficacy has been limited primarily to liver and immune cell targets. To extend the applicability of mRNA drugs, 580 ionizable lipidoids are synthesized and tested for delivery to extrahepatocellular targets. Of these, over 40 enabled protein expression in mice, with the majority transfecting the liver. Beyond the liver, several LNPs containing new, branched-tail ionizable lipidoids potently delivered mRNA to the lungs, with cell-level specificity depending on helper lipid chemistry. Incorporation of the neutral helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) at 16 mol% enabled highly specific delivery to natural killer and dendritic cells within the lung. Although inclusion of the cationic lipid 1,2-di-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) improved lung tropism, it decreased cell specificity, resulting in equal transfection of endothelial and lymphoid cells. DOTAP formulations are also less favorable than DOPE formulations because they elevated liver enzyme and cytokine levels. Together, these data identify a new branched-tailed LNP with a unique ability to selectively transfect lung immune cell populations without the use of toxicity-prone cationic helper lipids. This novel vehicle may unlock RNA therapies for lung diseases associated with immune cell dysregulation, including cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria M Strelkova Petersen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ryan M Weiss
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Khalid A Hajj
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Saigopalakrishna S Yerneni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Alexandra N Newby
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mariah L Arral
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kathryn A Whitehead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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14
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Zhao H, Ma S, Qi Y, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Li M, Chen J, Song W, Chen X. A polyamino acid-based phosphatidyl polymer library for in vivo mRNA delivery with spleen targeting ability. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2739-2748. [PMID: 38516806 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh02066e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
A qualified delivery system is crucial for the successful application of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. While lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the predominant platform for mRNA delivery, they encounter challenges such as high inflammation and difficulties in targeting non-liver tissues. Polymers offer a promising delivery solution, albeit with limitations including low transfection efficiency and potential high toxicity. Herein, we present a poly(L-glutamic acid)-based phosphatidyl polymeric carrier (PLG-PPs) for mRNA delivery that combines the dual advantages of phospholipids and polymers. The PLGs grafted with epoxy groups were firstly modified with different amines and then with alkylated dioxaphospholane oxides, which provided a library of PLG polymers grafted with various phosphatidyl groups. In vitro studies proved that PLG-PPs/mRNA polyplexes exhibited a significant increase in mRNA expression, peaking 14 716 times compared to their non-phosphatidyl parent polymer. Impressively, the subset PA8-PL3 not only facilitated efficient mRNA transfection but also selectively delivered mRNA to the spleen instead of the liver (resulting in 69.73% protein expression in the spleen) once intravenously administered. This type of phosphatidyl PLG polymer library provides a novel approach to the construction of mRNA delivery systems especially for spleen-targeted mRNA therapeutic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Sheng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Yibo Qi
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yuyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Minhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Wantong Song
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun, 130022, China
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15
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Cao X, Su L, Chen H. A potent bioreducible ionizable lipid nanoparticle enables siRNA delivery for retinal neovascularization inhibition. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 199:114296. [PMID: 38636882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114296] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is emerging as a promising treatment for retinal neovascularization due to its specific inhibition of the expression of target genes. However, the clinical translation of siRNA drugs is hindered by the efficiency and safety of delivery vectors. Here, we describe the properties of a new bioreducible ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) 2N12H, which is based on a rationally designed novel ionizable lipid called 2N12B. 2N12H exhibited degradation in response to the mimic cytoplasmic glutathione condition and ionization with a pKa value of 6.5, which remaining neutral at pH 7.4. At a nitrogen to phosphorus ratio of 5, 2N12H efficiently encapsulated and protected siRNA from degradation. Compared to the commercial vehicle Lipofectamine 2000, 2N12H demonstrated similar silencing efficiency and improved safety in the in vitro cell experiments. 2N12H/siVEGFA reduced the expression of VEGFA in retinal pigment epithelium cells and mouse retina, consequently suppressing cell migration and retinal neovascularization. In the mouse model, the therapeutic effect of 2N12H/siVEGFA was comparable to that of the clinical drug ranibizumab. Together, these results suggest the potential of this novel ionizable LNP to facilitate the development of nonviral ocular gene delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Cao
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Lili Su
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hao Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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16
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Jung O, Jung HY, Thuy LT, Choi M, Kim S, Jeon HG, Yang J, Kim SM, Kim TD, Lee E, Kim Y, Choi JS. Modulating Lipid Nanoparticles with Histidinamide-Conjugated Cholesterol for Improved Intracellular Delivery of mRNA. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303857. [PMID: 38344923 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Recently, mRNA-based therapeutics, including vaccines, have gained significant attention in the field of gene therapy for treating various diseases. Among the various mRNA delivery vehicles, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising vehicles for packaging and delivering mRNA with low immunogenicity. However, while mRNA delivery has several advantages, the delivery efficiency and stability of LNPs remain challenging for mRNA therapy. In this study, an ionizable helper cholesterol analog, 3β[L-histidinamide-carbamoyl] cholesterol (Hchol) lipid is developed and incorporated into LNPs instead of cholesterol to enhance the LNP potency. The pKa values of the Hchol-LNPs are ≈6.03 and 6.61 in MC3- and SM102-based lipid formulations. Notably, the Hchol-LNPs significantly improve the delivery efficiency by enhancing the endosomal escape of mRNA. Additionally, the Hchol-LNPs are more effective in a red blood cell hemolysis at pH 5.5, indicating a synergistic effect of the protonated imidazole groups of Hchol and cholesterol on endosomal membrane destabilization. Furthermore, mRNA delivery is substantially enhanced in mice treated with Hchol-LNPs. Importantly, LNP-encapsulated SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccinations induce potent antigen-specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Overall, incorporating Hchol into LNP formulations enables efficient endosomal escape and stability, leading to an mRNA delivery vehicle with a higher delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onesun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Youn Jung
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Le Thi Thuy
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyoung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongyeon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Geun Jeon
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Yang
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Min Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Bioscience Major, KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonkyung Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Bioscience Major, KRIBB School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Sig Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
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17
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Liau B, Zhang L, Ang MJY, Ng JY, C V SB, Schneider S, Gudihal R, Bae KH, Yang YY. Quantitative analysis of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle stability in human plasma and serum by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2024; 58:102745. [PMID: 38499167 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2024.102745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the stability of mRNA loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) is imperative for their clinical development. Herein, we propose the use of size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) as a new approach to assessing mRNA-LNP stability in pure human serum and plasma. By applying a dual-column configuration to attenuate interference from plasma components, SEC-MALS was able to elucidate the degradation kinetics and physical property changes of mRNA-LNPs, which have not been observed accurately by conventional dynamic light scattering techniques. Interestingly, both serum and plasma had significantly different impacts on the molecular weight and radius of gyration of mRNA-LNPs, suggesting the involvement of clotting factors in desorption of lipids from mRNA-LNPs. We also discovered that a trace impurity (~1 %) in ALC-0315, identified as its O-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-protected form, greatly diminished mRNA-LNP stability in serum. These results demonstrated the potential utility of SEC-MALS for optimization and quality control of LNP formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Liau
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Li Zhang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Melgious Jin Yan Ang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jian Yao Ng
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Suresh Babu C V
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sonja Schneider
- Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Hewlett-Packard Strasse 8, 76337 Waldbronn, Germany
| | - Ravindra Gudihal
- Agilent Technologies, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ki Hyun Bae
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Republic of Singapore.
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18
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Berger AG, DeLorenzo C, Vo C, Kaskow JA, Nabar N, Hammond PT. Poly(β-aminoester) Physicochemical Properties Govern the Delivery of siRNA from Electrostatically Assembled Coatings. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2934-2952. [PMID: 38687965 PMCID: PMC11117021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Localized short interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy has the potential to drive high-specificity molecular-level treatment of a variety of disease states. Unfortunately, effective siRNA therapy suffers from several barriers to its intracellular delivery. Thus, drug delivery systems that package and control the release of therapeutic siRNAs are necessary to overcome these obstacles to clinical translation. Layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic assembly of thin film coatings containing siRNA and protonatable, hydrolyzable poly(β-aminoester) (PBAE) polymers is one such drug delivery strategy. However, the impact of PBAE physicochemical properties on the transfection efficacy of siRNA released from LbL thin film coatings has not been systematically characterized. In this study, we investigate the siRNA transfection efficacy of four structurally similar PBAEs in vitro. We demonstrate that small changes in structure yield large changes in physicochemical properties, such as hydrophobicity, pKa, and amine chemical structure, driving differences in the interactions between PBAEs and siRNA in polyplexes and in LbL thin film coatings for wound dressings. In our polymer set, Poly3 forms the most stable interactions with siRNA (Keff,w/w = 0.298) to slow release kinetics and enhance transfection of reporter cells in both colloidal and thin film coating approaches. This is due to its unique physiochemical properties: high hydrophobicity (clog P = 7.86), effective pKa closest to endosomal pH (pKa = 6.21), and high cooperativity in buffering (nhill = 7.2). These properties bestow Poly3 with enhanced endosomal buffering and escape properties. Taken together, this work elucidates the connections between small changes in polymer structure, emergent properties, and polyelectrolyte theory to better understand PBAE transfection efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G. Berger
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Charles DeLorenzo
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chau Vo
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Justin A. Kaskow
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Namita Nabar
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Paula T. Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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19
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Feng Y, Wei C, Gu Y, Zhang H, Liu L, Chen Y, Zhao T. pH-sensitive cationic nanoparticles for endosomal cell-free DNA scavenging against acute inflammation. J Control Release 2024; 369:88-100. [PMID: 38471640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released from dead cells could be a player in some autoimmune disorders by activating Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and inducing proinflammatory cytokines. Cationic nanoparticles (cNPs) address cfDNA clearance, yet challenges persist, including toxicity, low specificity and ineffectiveness against endocytosed cfDNA. This study introduced pH-sensitive cNPs, reducing off-target effects and binding cfDNA at inflammatory sites. This unique approach inhibits the TLR9 pathway, offering a novel strategy for inflammation modulation. Synthesized cNPs, with distinct cationic moieties, exhibit varied pKa values, enhancing cfDNA binding. Comprehensive studies elucidate the mechanism, demonstrating minimal extracellular binding, enhanced endosomal DNA binding, and optimal tumor necrosis factor-α suppression. In a traumatic brain injury mice model, pH-sensitive cNPs effectively suppress inflammatory cytokines, highlighting their potential in acute inflammation regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Cong Wei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yanrong Gu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yongming Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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20
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Yu H, Dyett B, Kirby N, Cai X, Mohamad ME, Bozinovski S, Drummond CJ, Zhai J. pH-Dependent Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Mesophase and Ionization Behavior of Phytantriol-Based Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309200. [PMID: 38295089 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembled lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), serving as essential nanocarriers in recent COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, provide a stable and versatile platform for delivering a wide range of biological materials. Notably, LNPs with unique inverse mesostructures, such as cubosomes and hexosomes, are recognized as fusogenic nanocarriers in the drug delivery field. This study delves into the physicochemical properties, including size, lyotropic liquid crystalline mesophase, and apparent pKa of LNPs with various lipid components, consisting of two ionizable lipids (ALC-0315 and SM-102) used in commercial COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and a well-known inverse mesophase structure-forming helper lipid, phytantriol (PT). Two partial mesophase diagrams are generated for both ALC-0315/PT LNPs and SM-102/PT LNPs as a function of two factors, ionizable lipid ratio (α, 0-100 mol%) and pH condition (pH 3-11). Furthermore, the impact of different LNP stabilizers (Pluronic F127, Pluronic F108, and Tween 80) on their pH-dependent phase behavior is evaluated. The findings offer insights into the self-assembled mesostructure and ionization state of the studied LNPs with potentially enhanced endosomal escape ability. This research is relevant to developing innovative next-generation LNP systems for delivering various therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Yu
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Brendan Dyett
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Nigel Kirby
- SAXS/WAXS beamline, Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, 800 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Xudong Cai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Mohamad El Mohamad
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Steven Bozinovski
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Calum J Drummond
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
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21
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Nogueira SS, Samaridou E, Simon J, Frank S, Beck-Broichsitter M, Mehta A. Analytical techniques for the characterization of nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114235. [PMID: 38401742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114235] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery has gotten a tremendous boost over the last decade and made a significant impact in the development of life-changing vaccines and therapeutics. With increasing numbers of emerging lipid- and polymer-based RNA nanoparticles progressing towards the clinic, it has become apparent that the safety and efficacy of these medications depend on the comprehensive understanding of their critical quality attributes (CQAs). However, despite the rapid advancements in the field, the identification and reliable quantification of CQAs remain a significant challenge. To support these efforts, this review aims to summarize the present knowledge on CQAs based on the regulatory guidelines and to provide insights into the available analytical characterization techniques for RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this context, routine and emerging analytical techniques are categorized and discussed, focusing on the operation principle, strengths, and potential limitations. Furthermore, the importance of complementary and orthogonal techniques for the measurement of CQAs is discussed in order to ensure the quality and consistency of analytical methods used, and address potential technique-based differences.
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22
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Xu F, Si X, Wang Y, Sun C, Liu M, Zhang Y, Xu X, Tian T. Ionizable Lipids from Click Reactions for Lipid Nanoparticle Assembling and mRNA Delivery. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3643-3651. [PMID: 38588455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Ionizable lipid-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are regarded as promising nonviral vectors for gene therapy delivery systems. Rationale design of the ionizable lipid structure based on initial screening of ionizable lipid molecule libraries combined with systematic comparison and analysis on the physical chemical parameters related to delivery efficiency greatly accelerated the discovery of novel LNP candidates for delivering various nucleic acid therapeutics like mRNAs (mRNAs). Based on the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne click reaction, which is highly efficient and biocompatible, we were able to obtain the lipid molecule library containing a common triazole moiety between different lipid tails and various substituents as hydrophilic head groups. Herein, we systematically investigated the change of pKa values of different ionizable lipid molecules with different substituents as head groups in the click-based lipid library, mapping the pKa value change to different steps in the process of the LNP assembly and mRNA delivery. Systematic analyses on the data including the pKa value of the ionized lipids and the encapsulation and delivery efficiency of mRNA in LNPs with these ionized lipids provided the possibility of rational design on the head and tail structure for the triazole containing ionized lipids to realize highly efficient delivery of different mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiao Si
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yixiang Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Minglun Liu
- Nanjing Vazyme Biotechnology Company, Nanjing 210034, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Nanjing Vazyme Biotechnology Company, Nanjing 210034, China
| | - Tian Tian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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23
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Vaidya A, Parande D, Khadse N, Vargas-Montoya N, Agarwal V, Ortiz C, Ellis G, Kaushal N, Sarode A, Karve S, DeRosa F. Analytical Characterization of Heterogeneities in mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles Using Sucrose Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation. Anal Chem 2024; 96:5570-5579. [PMID: 38529613 PMCID: PMC11007679 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Rational design and robust formulation processes are critical for optimal delivery of mRNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Varying degrees of heterogeneity in mRNA-LNPs can affect their biophysical and functional properties. Given the profound complexity of mRNA-LNPs, it is critical to develop comprehensive and orthogonal analytical techniques for a better understanding of these formulations. To this end, we developed a robust ultracentrifugation method for density-based separation of subpopulations of mRNA-LNPs. Four LNP formulations encapsulating human erythropoietin (hEPO) with varying functionalities were synthesized using two ionizable lipids, A and B, and two helper lipids, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) and 1,2-dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DEPE), along with cholesterol and DMG-PEG-2K. Upon ultracentrifugation on a sucrose gradient, a distinct pattern of "fractions" was observed across the gradient, from the less dense topmost fraction to the increasingly denser bottom fractions, which were harvested for comprehensive analyses. Parent LNPs, A-DOPE and B-DOPE, were resolved into three density-based fractions, each differing significantly in the hEPO expression following intravenous and intramuscular routes of administration. Parent B-DEPE LNPs resolved into two density-based fractions, with most of the payload and lipid content being attributed to the topmost fraction compared to the lower one, indicating some degree of heterogeneity, while parent A-DEPE LNPs showed remarkable homogeneity, as indicated by comparable in vivo potency, lipid numbers, and particle count among the three density-based fractions. This study is the first to demonstrate the application of density gradient-based ultracentrifugation (DGC) for a head-to-head comparison of heterogeneity as a function of biological performance and biophysical characteristics of parent mRNA-LNPs and their subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Vaidya
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Dipen Parande
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Nikita Khadse
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Vikram Agarwal
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Christian Ortiz
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Gordon Ellis
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Neha Kaushal
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Ashish Sarode
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Shrirang Karve
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Frank DeRosa
- mRNA Center of Excellence,
Sanofi, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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24
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Misra B, Hughes KA, Pentz WH, Samart P, Geldenhuys WJ, Bobbala S. Flash nanoprecipitation assisted self-assembly of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:6939-6948. [PMID: 38511623 PMCID: PMC11040450 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00278d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a powerful tool for the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. Following the recent success of LNP-based siRNA therapeutics and mRNA vaccines, the use of ionizable lipids for nucleic acid delivery has tremendously increased. Here, we introduce a flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) approach using the confined impingement (CIJ) mixer to stably self-assemble ionizable LNPs. To validate this approach, we employed three clinically relevant LNP formulations containing SM102, ALC0315, and DLin-MC3-DMA as ionizable lipids. FNP-assembled LNPs showed >95% encapsulation efficiency of mRNA and siRNA payloads and particle sizes below 150 nm. SM102 or ALC0315 LNPs demonstrated efficient delivery of mRNA into immune cells in vitro and to lymphoid organs in vivo, whereas Dlin-MC3-DMA LNPs allowed effective intracellular siRNA delivery with great functional ability. The FNP technique could economically produce LNPs in smaller volumes that are highly suitable for the discovery phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishal Misra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Krystal A Hughes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - William H Pentz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Parinya Samart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Werner J Geldenhuys
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Sharan Bobbala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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25
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Mapfumo PP, Reichel LS, Hoeppener S, Traeger A. Improving Gene Delivery: Synergy between Alkyl Chain Length and Lipoic Acid for PDMAEMA Hydrophobic Copolymers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2300649. [PMID: 38195002 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
In the field of gene delivery, hydrophobic cationic copolymers hold great promise. They exhibit improved performance by effectively protecting genetic material from serum interactions while facilitating interactions with cellular membranes. However, managing cytotoxicity remains a significant challenge, prompting an investigation into suitable hydrophobic components. A particularly encouraging approach involves integrating nutrient components, like lipoic acid, which is known for its antioxidant properties and diverse cellular benefits such as cellular metabolism and growth. In this study, a copolymer library comprising 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and lipoic acid methacrylate (LAMA), combined with either n-butyl methacrylate (nBMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), or methyl methacrylate (MMA), is synthesized. This enables to probe the impact of lipoic acid incorporation while simultaneously exploring the influence of pendant acyclic alkyl chain length. The inclusion of lipoic acid results in a notable boost in transfection efficiency while maintaining low cytotoxicity. Interestingly, higher levels of transfection efficiency are achieved in the presence of nBMA, EMA, or MMA. However, a positive correlation between pendant acyclic alkyl chain length and cytotoxicity is observed. Consequently, P(DMAEMA-co-LAMA-co-MMA), emerges as a promising candidate. This is attributed to the optimal combination of low cytotoxic MMA and transfection-boosting LAMA, highlighting the crucial synergy between LAMA and MMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prosper P Mapfumo
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Liên S Reichel
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
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26
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Roh EH, Sullivan MO, Epps TH. Which Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Designs Work? A Simple Kinetic Model Linking LNP Chemical Structure to In Vivo Delivery Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:13399-13410. [PMID: 38466900 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c15424] [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: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Although lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the predominant nanocarriers for short-interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery, most therapies use nearly identical formulations that have taken 30 years to design but lack the diverse property ranges necessary for versatile application. This dearth in variety and the extended timeline for implementation are attributed to a limited understanding of how LNP properties facilitate overcoming biological barriers. Herein, a simple kinetic model was developed by using major rate-limiting steps for siRNA delivery, and this model enabled the identification of a critical parameter to predict LNP efficacy without extensive experimental testing. A volume-averaged log D, the "solubility" of charged molecules as a function of pH weighted by component volume fractions, resulted in a good correlation between LNP composition and siRNA delivery. Both the effects of modifying the structures of ionizable lipids and LNP composition on gene silencing were easily captured in the model predictions. Thus, this approach provides a robust LNP structure-activity relationship to dramatically accelerate the realization of effective LNP formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther H Roh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Thomas H Epps
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Center for Research in Soft matter and Polymers (CRiSP), University of Delaware, Newark Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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27
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Nabar N, Dacoba TG, Covarrubias G, Romero-Cruz D, Hammond PT. Electrostatic adsorption of polyanions onto lipid nanoparticles controls uptake, trafficking, and transfection of RNA and DNA therapies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307809121. [PMID: 38437543 PMCID: PMC10945854 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307809121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in nucleic acid therapies highlight the immense therapeutic potential of genetic therapeutics. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are highly potent nonviral transfection agents that can encapsulate and deliver various nucleic acid therapeutics, including but not limited to messenger RNA (mRNA), silencing RNA (siRNA), and plasmid DNA (pDNA). However, a major challenge of targeted LNP-mediated systemic delivery is the nanoparticles' nonspecific uptake by the liver and the mononuclear phagocytic system, due partly to the adsorption of endogenous serum proteins onto LNP surfaces. Tunable LNP surface chemistries may enable efficacious delivery across a range of organs and cell types. Here, we describe a method to electrostatically adsorb bioactive polyelectrolytes onto LNPs to create layered LNPs (LLNPs). LNP cores varying in nucleic acid cargo and component lipids were stably layered with four biologically relevant polyanions: hyaluronate (HA), poly-L-aspartate (PLD), poly-L-glutamate (PLE), and polyacrylate (PAA). We further investigated the impact of the four surface polyanions on the transfection and uptake of mRNA- and pDNA-loaded LNPs in cell cultures. PLD- and PLE-LLNPs increased mRNA transfection twofold over unlayered LNPs in immune cells. HA-LLNPs increased pDNA transfection rates by more than twofold in epithelial and immune cells. In a healthy C57BL/6 murine model, PLE- and HA-LLNPs increased transfection by 1.8-fold to 2.5-fold over unlayered LNPs in the liver and spleen. These results suggest that LbL assembly is a generalizable, highly tunable platform to modify the targeting specificity, stability, and transfection efficacy of LNPs, as well as incorporate other charged targeting and therapeutic molecules into these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Nabar
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Tamara G. Dacoba
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Gil Covarrubias
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Denisse Romero-Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Paula T. Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA02139
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28
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Sun Q, Zhang H, Ding F, Gao X, Zhu Z, Yang C. Development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles and a lyophilized formulation for potent CRISPR-Cas9 delivery and genome editing. Int J Pharm 2024; 652:123845. [PMID: 38266942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology holds great promise for wide-ranging biomedical applications. However, the development of efficient delivery system for CRISPR-Cas components remains challenging. Herein, we synthesized a series of ionizable lipids by conjugation of alkyl-acrylate to different amine molecules and further assembled ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs) for co-delivery of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA. Among all the iLNP candidates, 1A14-iLNP with lipids containing spermine as amine head, demonstrated the highest cellular uptake, endosomal escape and mRNA expression in vitro. Co-delivery of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting EGFP by 1A14-iLNP achieved the highest EGFP knockout efficiency up to 70% in HeLa-EGFP cells. In addition, 1A14-iLNP displayed passive liver-targeting delivery of Cas9 mRNA in vivo with good biocompatibility. Moreover, we developed a simple method of lyophilization-mediated reverse transfection of CRISPR-Cas9 components for efficient genome editing. Therefore, the developed 1A14-iLNP and the lyophilization formulation, represent a potent solution for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery, which might broaden the future of biomedical applications of both mRNA and CRISPR-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Hongqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Feng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Zongwei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Chuanxu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China.
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29
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Bae KH, Shunmuganathan B, Zhang L, Lim A, Gupta R, Wang Y, Chua BL, Wang Y, Gu Y, Qian X, Tan ISL, Purushotorman K, MacAry PA, White KP, Yang YY. Durable cross-protective neutralizing antibody responses elicited by lipid nanoparticle-formulated SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:43. [PMID: 38396073 PMCID: PMC10891077 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of SARS-CoV-2 variants with defined mutations that augment pathogenicity and/or increase immune evasiveness continues to stimulate global efforts to improve vaccine formulation and efficacy. The extraordinary advantages of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), including versatile design, scalability, and reproducibility, make them ideal candidates for developing next-generation mRNA vaccines against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we assess the efficacy of LNP-encapsulated mRNA booster vaccines encoding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for variants of concern (Delta, Omicron) and using a predecessor (YN2016C isolated from bats) strain spike protein to elicit durable cross-protective neutralizing antibody responses. The mRNA-LNP vaccines have desirable physicochemical characteristics, such as small size (~78 nm), low polydispersity index (<0.13), and high encapsulation efficiency (>90%). We employ in vivo bioluminescence imaging to illustrate the capacity of our LNPs to induce robust mRNA expression in secondary lymphoid organs. In a BALB/c mouse model, a three-dose subcutaneous immunization of mRNA-LNPs vaccines achieved remarkably high levels of cross-neutralization against the Omicron B1.1.529 and BA.2 variants for extended periods of time (28 weeks) with good safety profiles for all constructs when used in a booster regime, including the YN2016C bat virus sequences. These findings have important implications for the design of mRNA-LNP vaccines that aim to trigger durable cross-protective immunity against the current and newly emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Hyun Bae
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Bhuvaneshwari Shunmuganathan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Republic of Singapore
- NUS-Cambridge Immune Phenotyping Centre (NCIPC), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Li Zhang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Andrew Lim
- Provaxus, Inc, Dover, Delaware, 19901, USA
| | - Rashi Gupta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Republic of Singapore
- NUS-Cambridge Immune Phenotyping Centre (NCIPC), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yanming Wang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Boon Lin Chua
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yang Wang
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis St, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Republic of Singapore
- NUS-Cambridge Immune Phenotyping Centre (NCIPC), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xinlei Qian
- NUS-Cambridge Immune Phenotyping Centre (NCIPC), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Isabelle Siang Ling Tan
- NUS-Cambridge Immune Phenotyping Centre (NCIPC), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kiren Purushotorman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Republic of Singapore
- NUS-Cambridge Immune Phenotyping Centre (NCIPC), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Republic of Singapore
| | - Paul A MacAry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117545, Republic of Singapore.
- NUS-Cambridge Immune Phenotyping Centre (NCIPC), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Kevin P White
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis St, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry and Precision Medicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore.
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Guo S, Li C, Wang C, Cao X, Liu X, Liang XJ, Huang Y, Weng Y. pH-Responsive polymer boosts cytosolic siRNA release for retinal neovascularization therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:781-794. [PMID: 38322342 PMCID: PMC10840400 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Guo
- School of Medical Technology, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Medical Technology, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong New Drug Loading & Release Technology and Preparation Engineering Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiaowen Cao
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- School of Medical Technology, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, 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, China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Medical Technology, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuhua Weng
- School of Medical Technology, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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31
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Escalona-Rayo O, Papadopoulou P, Slütter B, Kros A. Biological recognition and cellular trafficking of targeted RNA-lipid nanoparticles. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103041. [PMID: 38154322 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have unlocked the potential of ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics and vaccines. Production and large-scale manufacturing methods for RNA-LNPs have been established and rapidly accelerate. Despite this, basic research on LNPs is still required, due to their high assembly complexity and fairly new development, including research on lipid organization, transfection optimization, and in vivo behavior. Understanding fundamental aspects of LNPs that is, how lipid composition and physicochemical properties affect their biodistribution, cell recognition, and transfection, could propel their clinical development and facilitate overcoming current challenges. Herein, we review recent developments in the field of LNP technology and summarize the main findings focusing on nano-bio interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Escalona-Rayo
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Panagiota Papadopoulou
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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32
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Sharma P, Hoorn D, Aitha A, Breier D, Peer D. The immunostimulatory nature of mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 205:115175. [PMID: 38218350 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are at the forefront of global medical research. With the development of mRNA-LNP vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical potential of this platform was unleashed. Upon administering 16 billion doses that protected billions of people, it became clear that a fraction of them witnessed mild and in some cases even severe adverse effects. Therefore, it is paramount to define the safety along with the therapeutic efficacy of the mRNA-LNP platform for the successful translation of new genetic medicines based on this technology. While mRNA was the effector molecule of this platform, the ionizable lipid component of the LNPs played an indispensable role in its success. However, both of these components possess the ability to induce undesired immunostimulation, which is an area that needs to be addressed systematically. The immune cell agitation caused by this platform is a two-edged sword as it may prove beneficial for vaccination but detrimental to other applications. Therefore, a key challenge in advancing the mRNA-LNP drug delivery platform from bench to bedside is understanding the immunostimulatory behavior of these components. Herein, we provide a detailed overview of the structural modifications and immunogenicity of synthetic mRNA. We discuss the effect of ionizable lipid structure on LNP functionality and offer a mechanistic overview of the ability of LNPs to elicit an immune response. Finally, we shed some light on the current status of this technology in clinical trials and discuss a few challenges to be addressed to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniek Hoorn
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anjaiah Aitha
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dor Breier
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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33
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Lee J, Zhang W, Nguyen D, Zhou L, Amengual J, Zhai J, Cote T, Landolina M, Ahmadi E, Sands I, Mishra N, Yu H, Nieh MP, Wang K, Li Y, Chen Y. Computation-aided Design of Rod-Shaped Janus Base Nanopieces for Improved Tissue Penetration and Therapeutics Delivery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.24.577046. [PMID: 38328235 PMCID: PMC10849704 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.24.577046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the development of various drug delivery technologies, there remains a significant need for vehicles that can improve targeting and biodistribution in "hard-to-penetrate" tissues. Some solid tumors, for example, are particularly challenging to penetrate due to their dense extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we have formulated a new family of rod-shaped delivery vehicles named Janus base nanopieces (Rod JBNps), which are more slender than conventional spherical nanoparticles, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). These JBNp nanorods are formed by bundles of DNA-inspired Janus base nanotubes (JBNts) with intercalated delivery cargoes. To develop this novel family of delivery vehicles, we employed a computation-aided design (CAD) methodology that includes molecular dynamics and response surface methodology. This approach precisely and efficiently guides experimental designs. Using an ovarian cancer model, we demonstrated that JBNps markedly improve penetration into the dense ECM of solid tumors, leading to better treatment outcomes compared to FDA-approved spherical LNP delivery. This study not only successfully developed a rod-shaped delivery vehicle for improved tissue penetration but also established a CAD methodology to effectively guide material design.
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34
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Tang C, Jing W, Han K, Yang Z, Zhang S, Liu M, Zhang J, Zhao X, Liu Y, Shi C, Chai Q, Li Z, Han M, Wang Y, Fu Z, Zheng Z, Zhao K, Sun P, Zhu D, Chen C, Zhang D, Li D, Ni S, Li T, Cui J, Jiang X. mRNA-Laden Lipid-Nanoparticle-Enabled in Situ CAR-Macrophage Engineering for the Eradication of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in a Sepsis Mouse Model. ACS NANO 2024; 18:2261-2278. [PMID: 38207332 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10109] [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: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis, which is the most severe clinical manifestation of acute infection and has a mortality rate higher than that of cancer, represents a significant global public health burden. Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and further host immune paralysis are the leading causes of sepsis-associated death, but limited clinical interventions that target sepsis have failed to effectively restore immune homeostasis to enable complete eradication of MRSA. To restimulate anti-MRSA innate immunity, we developed CRV peptide-modified lipid nanoparticles (CRV/LNP-RNAs) for transient in situ programming of macrophages (MΦs). The CRV/LNP-RNAs enabled the delivery of MRSA-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) mRNA (SasA-CAR mRNA) and CASP11 (a key MRSA intracellular evasion target) siRNA to MΦs in situ, yielding CAR-MΦs with boosted bactericidal potency. Specifically, our results demonstrated that the engineered MΦs could efficiently phagocytose and digest MRSA intracellularly, preventing immune evasion by the "superbug" MRSA. Our findings highlight the potential of nanoparticle-enabled in vivo generation of CAR-MΦs as a therapeutic platform for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections and should be confirmed in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwei Tang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Weiqiang Jing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Kun Han
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Zhenmei Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Shengchang Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Miaoyan Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Ying Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Chongdeng Shi
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Qihao Chai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Ziyang Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Maosen Han
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Yan Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Zhipeng Fu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Zuolin Zheng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China
| | - Danqing Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 4572A Academic Building, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Daizhou Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province 250101, China
| | - Dawei Li
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province 250101, China
| | - Shilei Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Jiwei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250100, China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
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Meulewaeter S, Zhang Y, Wadhwa A, Fox K, Lentacker I, Harder KW, Cullis PR, De Smedt SC, Cheng MHY, Verbeke R. Considerations on the Design of Lipid-based mRNA Vaccines Against Cancer. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168385. [PMID: 38065276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the last decades, mRNA vaccines have been developed as a cancer immunotherapeutic and the technology recently gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent promising results obtained from clinical trials investigating lipid-based mRNA vaccines in cancer therapy further highlighted the potential of this therapy. Interestingly, while the technologies being used in authorized mRNA vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 are relatively similar, mRNA vaccines in clinical development for cancer vaccination show marked differences in mRNA modification, lipid carrier, and administration route. In this review, we describe findings on how these factors can impact the potency of mRNA vaccines in cancer therapy and provide insights into the complex interplay between them. We discuss how lipid carrier composition can affect passive targeting to immune cells to improve the efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines. Finally, we summarize strategies that are established or still being explored to improve the efficacy of mRNA cancer vaccines and include next-generation vaccines that are on the horizon in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Meulewaeter
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Abishek Wadhwa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kevin Fox
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Kenneth W Harder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Miffy H Y Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
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36
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Jia Y, Wang X, Li L, Li F, Zhang J, Liang XJ. Lipid Nanoparticles Optimized for Targeting and Release of Nucleic Acid. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305300. [PMID: 37547955 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the most promising clinical nucleic acids drug delivery vehicles. LNPs prevent the degradation of cargo nucleic acids during blood circulation. Upon entry into the cell, specific components of the lipid nanoparticles can promote the endosomal escape of nucleic acids. These are the basic properties of lipid nanoparticles as nucleic acid carriers. As LNPs exhibit hepatic aggregation characteristics, enhancing targeting out of the liver is a crucial way to improve LNPs administrated in vivo. Meanwhile, endosomal escape of nucleic acids loaded in LNPs is often considered inadequate, and therefore, much effort is devoted to enhancing the intracellular release efficiency of nucleic acids. Here, different strategies to efficiently deliver nucleic acid delivery from LNPs are concluded and their mechanisms are investigated. In addition, based on the information on LNPs that are in clinical trials or have completed clinical trials, the issues that are necessary to be approached in the clinical translation of LNPs are discussed, which it is hoped will shed light on the development of LNP nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Jia
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiuguang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Luwei Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of HeBei University, Baoding, 071002, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, No. 11, First North Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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37
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Pontes AP, van der Wal S, Roelofs K, Grobbink A, Creemers LB, Engbersen JFJ, Rip J. A poly(amidoamine)-based polymeric nanoparticle platform for efficient in vivo delivery of mRNA. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 156:213713. [PMID: 38071770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The successful use of mRNA vaccines enabled and accelerated the development of several new vaccine candidates and therapeutics based on the delivery of mRNA. In this study, we developed bioreducible poly(amidoamine)-based polymeric nanoparticles (PAA PNPs) for the delivery of mRNA with improved transfection efficiency. The polymers were functionalized with chloroquinoline (Q) moieties for improved endosomal escape and further stabilization of the mRNA-polymer construct. Moreover, these PAAQ polymers were covalently assembled around a core of multi-armed ethylenediamine (Mw 800, 2 % w/w) to form a pre-organized polymeric scaffolded PAAQ (ps-PAAQ) as a precursor for the formation of the mRNA-loaded nanoparticles. Transfection of mammalian cell lines with EGFP mRNA loaded into these PNPs showed a favorable effect of the Q incorporation on GFP protein expression. Additionally, these ps-PAAQ NPs were co-formulated with PEG-polymer coatings to shield the positive surface charge for increased stability and better in vivo applicability. The ps-PAAQ NPs coated with PEG-polymer displayed smaller particle size, electroneutral surface charge, and higher thermal stability. Importantly, these nanoparticles with both Q and PEG-polymer coating induced significantly higher luciferase activity in mice muscle than uncoated ps-PAAQ NPs, following intramuscular injection of PNPs loaded with luciferase mRNA. The developed technology is broadly applicable and holds promise for the development of new nucleotide-based vaccines and therapeutics in a range of infectious and chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano P Pontes
- 20Med Therapeutics B.V., Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Karin Roelofs
- 20Med Therapeutics B.V., Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Grobbink
- 20Med Therapeutics B.V., Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Laura B Creemers
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan F J Engbersen
- 20Med Therapeutics B.V., Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, the Netherlands; Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Rip
- 20Med Therapeutics B.V., Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Xiao H, Amarsaikhan O, Zhao Y, Yu X, Hu X, Han S, Chaolumen, Baigude H. Astrocyte-targeted siRNA delivery by adenosine-functionalized LNP in mouse TBI model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102065. [PMID: 38028196 PMCID: PMC10661454 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces pro-inflammatory polarization of astrocytes and causes secondary disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain damage. Herein, we report a successful astrocyte-targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) by ligand functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) formulated from adenosine-conjugated lipids and a novel ionizable lipid (denoted by Ad4 LNPs). Systemic administration of Ad4 LNPs carrying siRNA against TLR4 to the mice TBI model resulted in the specific internalization of the LNPs by astrocytes in the vicinity of damaged brain tissue. A substantial knockdown of TLR4 at both mRNA and protein levels in the brain was observed, which led to a significant decrease of key pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase of key anti-inflammatory cytokines in serum. Dye leakage measurement suggested that the Ad4-LNP-mediated knockdown of TLR4 attenuated the TBI-induced BBB disruption. Together, our data suggest that Ad4 LNP is a promising vehicle for astrocyte-specific delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Xiao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Odmaa Amarsaikhan
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Yunwang Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Xin Hu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Shuqin Han
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Chaolumen
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Huricha Baigude
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
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39
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Zong Y, Lin Y, Wei T, Cheng Q. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Enables mRNA Delivery for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303261. [PMID: 37196221 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has received great attention in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to the success of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax). To meet the therapeutic purpose, it is required that mRNA must enter the target cells and express sufficient proteins. Therefore, the development of effective delivery systems is necessary and crucial. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) represents a remarkable vehicle that has indeed accelerated mRNA applications in humans, as several mRNA-based therapies have already been approved or are in clinical trials. In this review, the focus is on mRNA-LNP-mediated anticancer therapy. It summarizes the main development strategies of mRNA-LNP formulations, discusses representative therapeutic approaches in cancer, and points out current challenges and possible future directions of this research field. It is hoped that these delivered messages can help further improve the application of mRNA-LNP technology in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tuo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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40
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He Y, Barlag M, Plantinga JA, Molema G, Kamps JAAM. MC3/SAINT-O-Somes, a novel liposomal delivery system for efficient and safe delivery of siRNA into endothelial cells. J Liposome Res 2023; 33:328-337. [PMID: 36920318 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2023.2187821] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Increased understanding of chronic inflammatory diseases and the role of endothelial cell (EC) activation herein, have urged interest in sophisticated strategies to therapeutically intervene in activated EC to treat these diseases. Liposome-mediated delivery of therapeutic siRNA in inflammation-activated EC is such a strategy. In this study, we describe the design and characterisation of two liposomal siRNA delivery systems formulated with the cationic MC3 lipid or MC3/SAINT mixed lipids, referred to as MC3-O-Somes (MOS) and MC3/SAINT-O-Somes (MSS). The two formulations showed comparable physicochemical properties, except for better siRNA encapsulation efficiency in the MSS formulation. Antibody-mediated VCAM-1 targeting (AbVCAM-1) increased the association of the targeted MOS and MSS with activated EC, although the targeted MOS showed a significantly higher VCAM-1 specific association than the targeted MSS. AbVCAM-1 MSS containing RelA siRNA achieved significant downregulation of RelA expression, while AbVCAM-1 MOS containing RelA siRNA did not downregulate RelA expression in activated EC. Additionally, AbVCAM-1 MSS containing RelA siRNA showed low cytotoxicity in EC and at the same time prohibited endothelial inflammatory activation by reducing expression of cell adhesion molecules. The AbVCAM-1 MSS formulation is a novel siRNA delivery system based on a combination of the cationic lipids MC3 and SAINT, that shows good physicochemical characteristics, enhanced endothelial cell association, improved transfection activity, low toxicity and significant anti-inflammatory effect, thereby complying with the requirements for future in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong He
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Laboratory for Endothelial Biomedicine & Vascular Drug Targeting Research, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mees Barlag
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Laboratory for Endothelial Biomedicine & Vascular Drug Targeting Research, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Josée A Plantinga
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Laboratory for Endothelial Biomedicine & Vascular Drug Targeting Research, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Grietje Molema
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Laboratory for Endothelial Biomedicine & Vascular Drug Targeting Research, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A A M Kamps
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Laboratory for Endothelial Biomedicine & Vascular Drug Targeting Research, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Clemente B, Denis M, Silveira CP, Schiavetti F, Brazzoli M, Stranges D. Straight to the point: targeted mRNA-delivery to immune cells for improved vaccine design. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1294929. [PMID: 38090568 PMCID: PMC10711611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
With the deepening of our understanding of adaptive immunity at the cellular and molecular level, targeting antigens directly to immune cells has proven to be a successful strategy to develop innovative and potent vaccines. Indeed, it offers the potential to increase vaccine potency and/or modulate immune response quality while reducing off-target effects. With mRNA-vaccines establishing themselves as a versatile technology for future applications, in the last years several approaches have been explored to target nanoparticles-enabled mRNA-delivery systems to immune cells, with a focus on dendritic cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cells and key mediators of B- and T-cell immunity, and therefore considered as an ideal target for cell-specific antigen delivery. Indeed, improved potency of DC-targeted vaccines has been proved in vitro and in vivo. This review discusses the potential specific targets for immune system-directed mRNA delivery, as well as the different targeting ligand classes and delivery systems used for this purpose.
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42
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Huang R, Wang F, Fu H, Qi X, Xing G, Ren J, Cheng L, Meng F, Zhong Z. Bioresponsive Chimaeric Polymersomes Mediate Sustained and Liver-Specific siRNA Transfection In Vivo. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5353-5363. [PMID: 37871289 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The silencing of disease-causing genes with small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers a particularly effective therapeutic strategy for different disorders; however, its clinical efficacy relies on the development of nontoxic and tissue-specific delivery vehicles. Herein, we report that bioresponsive chimaeric polymersomes (BCP) with short poly(ethylenimine) as inner shell mediate highly efficacious, sustained, and liver-specific siRNA transfection in vivo. BCP exhibited remarkable encapsulation efficiencies of siRNA (95-100%) at siRNA-feeding contents of 15-25 wt %, to afford stable, small-sized (55-64 nm), and neutral-charged BCP-siRNA. siApoB-Loaded BCP (BCP-siApoB) outperformed lipofectamine counterparts and silenced 93% of ApoB mRNA in HepG2 cells at 50 nM siApoB without inducing cytotoxicity. Intriguingly, the in vivo studies using wild-type C57BL/6 mice revealed that BCP-siApoB preferentially accumulated in the liver, and a single dose of 4.5 mg/kg achieved over 90% downregulation of ApoB mRNA for at least 10 days. The systemic administration of BCP-siApoB at 4.5 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 1.5 mg/kg weekly in diet-induced obese mice could also achieve up to 80% silencing of ApoB mRNA. The liver specificity and silencing efficacy of BCP-siApoB could further be improved by decorating it with the trivalent N-acetylgalactosamine (TriGalNAc) ligand. These bioresponsive and liver-specific chimaeric polymersomes provide an enabling technology for siRNA therapy of various liver-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri Huang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Feifei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - He Fu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Xinming Qi
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Guozhen Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Jin Ren
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Fenghua Meng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
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43
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Saraswat A, Patel K. Delineating effect of headgroup and preparation method on transfection versus toxicity of DNA-loaded lipid nanocarriers. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1921-1940. [PMID: 38078422 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0219] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To perform a parallel comparison of key parameters affecting the safety and efficiency of lipid-based nanovectors (i.e., complexing headgroups, composition and preparation method). Materials & methods: Various cationic and ionizable headgroups were screened for formulating lipoplexes with GFP-plasmid DNA. Ethanol injection and microfluidics were used to prepare nanoparticles with GFP-plasmid DNA complexed on the surface or within the interior of lipid bilayers. Results: Lipoplexes composed of sphingomyelin 102 exhibited the highest transfection efficiency given their higher cellular uptake in BRAF inhibitor-resistant melanoma cells. Lipid nanoparticles demonstrated acceptable transfection efficiency and high spheroid penetration while protecting plasmid DNA under simulated physiological conditions. Conclusion: Selecting the right complexing lipid and preparation method is critical for developing lipid nanocarriers to treat intractable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Saraswat
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
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44
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Kim KH, Lee JE, Lee JC, Maharjan R, Oh H, Lee K, Kim NA, Jeong SH. Optimization of HPLCCAD method for simultaneous analysis of different lipids in lipid nanoparticles with analytical QbD. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1709:464375. [PMID: 37734240 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464375] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Since lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as a potent drug delivery system, the objective of this study was to develop and optimize a robust high-performance liquid chromatography with charged aerosol detectors (HPLCCAD) method to simultaneously quantify different lipids in LNPs using the analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach. After defining analytical target profile (ATP), critical method attributes (CMAs) were established as a resolution between the closely eluting lipid peaks and the total analysis time. Thus, potential high-risk method parameters were identified through the initial risk assessment. These parameters were screened using Plackett-Burman design, and three critical method parameters (CMPs)-MeOH ratio, flow rate, and column temperature-were selected for further optimization. Box-Behnken design was employed to develop the quadratic models that explain the relationship between the CMPs and CMAs and to determine the optimal operating conditions. Moreover, to ensure the robustness of the developed method, a method operable design region (MODR) was established using the Monte Carlo simulation. The MODR was identified within the probability map, where the risk of failure to achieve the desired CMAs was less than 1%. The optimized method was validated according to the ICH guidelines (linearity: R2 > 0.995, accuracy: 97.15-100.48% recovery, precision: RSD < 5%) and successfully applied for the analysis of the lipid in the LNP samples. The development of the analytical method to quantify the lipids is essential for the formulation development and quality control of LNP-based drugs since the potency of LNPs is significantly dependent on the compositions and contents of the lipids in the formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Hyun Kim
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Chul Lee
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Ravi Maharjan
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsuk Oh
- Inventage Lab Inc., Seongnam, Gyeonggi 13438, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Lee
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Ah Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong Hoon Jeong
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea.
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Yu H, Iscaro J, Dyett B, Zhang Y, Seibt S, Martinez N, White J, Drummond CJ, Bozinovski S, Zhai J. Inverse Cubic and Hexagonal Mesophase Evolution within Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Correlates with mRNA Transfection in Macrophages. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37870621 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology presents enormous opportunities to prevent and treat various diseases. Here, we developed a novel series of LNPs containing ionizable amino-lipids showing a remarkable array of tunable and pH-sensitive lyotropic liquid crystalline mesophases including the inverse bicontinuous cubic and hexagonal phases characterized by high-throughput synchrotron radiation X-ray scattering. Furthermore, with an interest in developing mRNA therapeutics for lung macrophage targeting, we discovered that there is a strong correlation between the mesophase transition of the LNPs during acidification and the macrophage association/transfection efficiency of mRNAs. The slight molecular structural differences between the SM-102 and ALC-0315 ionizable lipids are linked to the LNP's ability to transform their internal structures from an amorphous state to the inverse micellar, hexagonal, and finally cubic structures during endosomal maturation. SM-102 LNPs showed exceptionally improved transfection efficiency due to their ability to form a cubic structure at a lower pH than the ALC-0315 analogues, which remained within the hexagonal structure, previously attributed to promoting endosomal escape of the ionizable LNPs. Overall, the new knowledge draws our attention to the important role of mesophase transition in endosomal escape, and the novel LNP libraries reported herein have broad prospects for advancing mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Yu
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Joshua Iscaro
- Centre for Respiratory Science & Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Brendan Dyett
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Yiran Zhang
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Susanne Seibt
- SAXS/WAXS Beamline, Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, 800 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Natalia Martinez
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jacinta White
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue,Clayton, Victoria 3169, Australia
| | - Calum J Drummond
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Steven Bozinovski
- Centre for Respiratory Science & Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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Zhang L, More KR, Ojha A, Jackson CB, Quinlan BD, Li H, He W, Farzan M, Pardi N, Choe H. Effect of mRNA-LNP components of two globally-marketed COVID-19 vaccines on efficacy and stability. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:156. [PMID: 37821446 PMCID: PMC10567765 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00751-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna successfully developed nucleoside-modified mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expressed by those vaccines are identical in amino acid sequence, but several key components are distinct. Here, we compared the effect of ionizable lipids, untranslated regions (UTRs), and nucleotide composition of the two vaccines, focusing on mRNA delivery, antibody generation, and long-term stability. We found that the ionizable lipid, SM-102, in Moderna's vaccine performs better than ALC-0315 in Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine for intramuscular delivery of mRNA and antibody production in mice and long-term stability at 4 °C. Moreover, Pfizer-BioNTech's 5' UTR and Moderna's 3' UTR outperform their counterparts in their contribution to transgene expression in mice. We further found that varying N1-methylpseudouridine content at the wobble position of mRNA has little effect on vaccine efficacy. These findings may contribute to the further improvement of nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhou Zhang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA.
| | - Kunal R More
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Amrita Ojha
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Cody B Jackson
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Brian D Quinlan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Skaggs Graduate School, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wenhui He
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Center For Integrated Solutions for Infectious Diseases, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael Farzan
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Skaggs Graduate School, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center For Integrated Solutions for Infectious Diseases, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hyeryun Choe
- Division of Infectious Disease, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA.
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Liu C, Zha W, Dong S, Wang Y, Jiang Y, Xing H, Li X. Trivalent mRNA Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and Variants with Effective Immunization. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4971-4983. [PMID: 37699256 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00860] [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] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines encoding a single spike protein effectively prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants leads to a wide range of immune evasion. Herein, a unique trivalent mRNA vaccine based on ancestral SARS-CoV-2, Delta, and Omicron variant spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) mRNAs was developed to tackle the immune evasion of the variants. First, three RBD mRNAs of SARS-CoV-2, Delta, and Omicron were coencapsulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) by using microfluidic technology. After that, the physicochemical properties and time-dependent storage stability of the trivalent mRNA vaccine nanoformulation were tested by using dynamic light scattering (DLS). In vitro, the trivalent mRNA vaccine exhibited better lysosomal escape ability, transfection efficiency, and biocompatibility than did the commercial transfection reagent Lipo3000. In addition, Western blot analyses confirmed that the three RBD proteins can be detected in cells transfected with the trivalent mRNA vaccine. Furthermore, ex vivo imaging analysis indicated that the livers of BALB/c mice had the strongest protein expression levels after intramuscular (IM) injection. Using a prime-boost strategy, this trivalent vaccine elicited robust humoral and T-cell immune responses in both the high-dose and low-dose groups and showed no toxicity in BALB/c mice. Three specific IgG antibodies in the high-dose group against SARS-CoV-2, Delta, and Omicron variants approached ∼1/1,833,333, ∼1/1,866,667, and ∼1/925,000, respectively. Taken together, two doses of inoculation with the trivalent mRNA vaccine may provide broad and effective immunization responses against SARS-CoV-2 and variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Yanhao Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Wenhui Zha
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Shuo Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Yuhao Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Hanlei Xing
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
| | - Xinsong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 14122, PR China
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Goldman RL, Vittala Murthy NT, Northen TP, Balakrishnan A, Chivukula S, Danz H, Tibbitts T, Dias A, Vargas J, Cooper D, Gopani H, Beaulieu A, Kalnin KV, Plitnik T, Karmakar S, Dasari R, Landis R, Karve S, DeRosa F. Understanding structure activity relationships of Good HEPES lipids for lipid nanoparticle mRNA vaccine applications. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122243. [PMID: 37480759 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown great promise as delivery vehicles to transport messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) into cells and act as vaccines for infectious diseases including COVID-19 and influenza. The ionizable lipid incorporated within the LNP is known to be one of the main driving factors for potency and tolerability. Herein, we describe a novel family of ionizable lipids synthesized with a piperazine core derived from the HEPES Good buffer. These ionizable lipids have unique asymmetric tails and two dissimilar degradable moieties incorporated within the structure. Lipids tails of varying lengths, degrees of unsaturation, branching, and the inclusion of additional ester moieties were evaluated for protein expression. We observed several key lipid structure activity relationships that correlated with improved protein production in vivo, including lipid tails of 12 carbons on the ester side and the effect of carbon spacing on the disulfide arm of the lipids. Differences in LNP physical characteristics were observed for lipids containing an extra ester moiety. The LNP structure and lipid bilayer packing, visualized through Cryo-TEM, affected the amount of protein produced in vivo. In non-human primates, the Good HEPES LNPs formulated with an mRNA encoding an influenza hemagglutinin (HA) antigen successfully generated functional HA inhibition (HAI) antibody titers comparable to the industry standards MC3 and SM-102 LNPs, demonstrating their promise as a potential vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hillary Danz
- mRNA Center of Excellence, Sanofi, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | - Anusha Dias
- mRNA Center of Excellence, Sanofi, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Jorel Vargas
- mRNA Center of Excellence, Sanofi, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frank DeRosa
- mRNA Center of Excellence, Sanofi, Waltham, MA, USA
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McKenzie RE, Minnell JJ, Ganley M, Painter GF, Draper SL. mRNA Synthesis and Encapsulation in Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e898. [PMID: 37747354 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.898] [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] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have recently generated significant interest due to their success during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their success is due to advances in mRNA design and encapsulation into ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs). This has highlighted the potential for the use of mRNA-iLNPs in other settings such as cancer, gene therapy, or vaccines for different infectious diseases. Here, we describe the production of mRNA-iLNPs using commercially available reagents that are suitable for use as vaccines and therapeutics. This article contains detailed protocols for the synthesis of mRNA by in vitro transcription with enzymatic capping and tailing and the encapsulation of the mRNA into iLNPs using the ionizable lipid DLin-MC3-DMA. DLin-MC3-DMA is often used as a benchmark for new formulations and provides an efficient delivery vehicle for screening mRNA design. The protocol also describes how the formulation can be adapted to other lipids. Finally, a stepwise methodology is presented for the characterization and quality control of mRNA-iLNPs, including measuring mRNA concentration and encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of mRNA by in vitro transcription and enzymatic capping and tailing Basic Protocol 2: Encapsulation of mRNA into ionizable lipid nanoparticles Alternate Protocol: Small-scale encapsulation of mRNA using preformed vesicles Basic Protocol 3: Characterization and quality control of mRNA ionizable lipid nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Elizabeth McKenzie
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Hugh Green Cytometry Centre, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jordan James Minnell
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Mitch Ganley
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gavin Frank Painter
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Louise Draper
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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50
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Escalona-Rayo O, Zeng Y, Knol RA, Kock TJF, Aschmann D, Slütter B, Kros A. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of clinically-approved ionizable cationic lipids shows divergent results between mRNA transfection and vaccine efficacy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115065. [PMID: 37406506 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ionizable cationic lipids (ICLs) play an essential role in the effectiveness of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines; therefore, critical evaluations of their biological performance would extend the existing knowledge in the field. In the present study, we examined the effects of the three clinically-approved ICLs, Dlin-MC3-DMA, ALC-0315 and SM-102, as well as DODAP, on the in vitro and in vivo performance of LNPs for mRNA delivery and vaccine efficacy. mRNA-LNPs containing these lipids were successfully prepared, which were all found to be very similar in their physicochemical properties and mRNA encapsulation efficiencies. Furthermore, the results of the in vitro studies indicated that these mRNA-LNPs were efficiently taken up by immortalized and primary immune cells with comparable efficiency; however, SM-102-based LNPs were superior in inducing protein expression and antigen-specific T cell proliferation. In contrast, in vivo studies revealed that LNPs containing ALC-0315 and SM-102 yielded almost identical protein expression levels in zebrafish embryos, which were significantly higher than Dlin-MC3-DMA-based LNPs. Additionally, a mouse immunization study demonstrated that a single-dose subcutaneous administration of the mRNA-LNPs resulted in a high production of intracellular cytokines by antigen-specific T cells, but no significant differences among the three clinically-approved ICLs were observed, suggesting a weak correlation between in vitro and in vivo outcomes. This study provides strong evidence that ICLs modulate the performance of mRNA-LNPs and that in vitro data does not adequately predict their behavior in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Escalona-Rayo
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ye Zeng
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Renzo A Knol
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas J F Kock
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Aschmann
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of Biopharmaceutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Alexander Kros
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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