1
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Yang R, Cui J. Advances and applications of RNA vaccines in tumor treatment. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:226. [PMID: 39385255 PMCID: PMC11463124 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared to other types of tumor vaccines, RNA vaccines have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional vaccine therapy due to their high efficiency, rapid development capability, and potential for low-cost manufacturing and safe drug delivery. RNA vaccines mainly include mRNA, circular RNA (circRNA), and Self-amplifying mRNA(SAM). Different RNA vaccine platforms for different tumors have shown encouraging results in animal and human models. This review comprehensively describes the advances and applications of RNA vaccines in antitumor therapy. Future directions for extending this promising vaccine platform to a wide range of therapeutic uses are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohan Yang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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2
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Wang T, Yu T, Liu Q, Sung TC, Higuchi A. Lipid nanoparticle technology-mediated therapeutic gene manipulation in the eyes. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102236. [PMID: 39005878 PMCID: PMC11245926 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide have hereditary genetic disorders, trauma, infectious diseases, or cancer of the eyes, and many of these eye diseases lead to irreversible blindness, which is a major public health burden. The eye is a relatively small and immune-privileged organ. The use of nucleic acid-based drugs to manipulate malfunctioning genes that target the root of ocular diseases is regarded as a therapeutic approach with great promise. However, there are still some challenges for utilizing nucleic acid therapeutics in vivo because of certain unfavorable characteristics, such as instability, biological carrier-dependent cellular uptake, short pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo (RNA), and on-target and off-target side effects (DNA). The development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as gene vehicles is revolutionary progress that has contributed the clinical application of nucleic acid therapeutics. LNPs have the capability to entrap and transport various genetic materials such as small interfering RNA, mRNA, DNA, and gene editing complexes. This opens up avenues for addressing ocular diseases through the suppression of pathogenic genes, the expression of therapeutic proteins, or the correction of genetic defects. Here, we delve into the cutting-edge LNP technology for ocular gene therapy, encompassing formulation designs, preclinical development, and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Tao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Tzu-Cheng Sung
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No. 270, Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda RD, Jhongli, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
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3
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Lu RM, Hsu HE, Perez SJLP, Kumari M, Chen GH, Hong MH, Lin YS, Liu CH, Ko SH, Concio CAP, Su YJ, Chang YH, Li WS, Wu HC. Current landscape of mRNA technologies and delivery systems for new modality therapeutics. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:89. [PMID: 39256822 PMCID: PMC11389359 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01080-z] [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: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Realizing the immense clinical potential of mRNA-based drugs will require continued development of methods to safely deliver the bioactive agents with high efficiency and without triggering side effects. In this regard, lipid nanoparticles have been successfully utilized to improve mRNA delivery and protect the cargo from extracellular degradation. Encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles was an essential factor in the successful clinical application of mRNA vaccines, which conclusively demonstrated the technology's potential to yield approved medicines. In this review, we begin by describing current advances in mRNA modifications, design of novel lipids and development of lipid nanoparticle components for mRNA-based drugs. Then, we summarize key points pertaining to preclinical and clinical development of mRNA therapeutics. Finally, we cover topics related to targeted delivery systems, including endosomal escape and targeting of immune cells, tumors and organs for use with mRNA vaccines and new treatment modalities for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruei-Min Lu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-En Hsu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | | | - Monika Kumari
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Hong Chen
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsiang Hong
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Shiou Lin
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hang Liu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Han Ko
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | | | - Yi-Jen Su
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Han Chang
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shan Li
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan.
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan.
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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4
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Zhou H, Leng P, Wang Y, Yang K, Li C, Ojcius DM, Wang P, Jiang S. Development of T cell antigen-based human coronavirus vaccines against nAb-escaping SARS-CoV-2 variants. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:2456-2470. [PMID: 38942698 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.02.041] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Currently approved vaccines have been successful in preventing the severity of COVID-19 and hospitalization. These vaccines primarily induce humoral immune responses; however, highly transmissible and mutated variants, such as the Omicron variant, weaken the neutralization potential of the vaccines, thus, raising serious concerns about their efficacy. Additionally, while neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) tend to wane more rapidly than cell-mediated immunity, long-lasting T cells typically prevent severe viral illness by directly killing infected cells or aiding other immune cells. Importantly, T cells are more cross-reactive than antibodies, thus, highly mutated variants are less likely to escape lasting broadly cross-reactive T cell immunity. Therefore, T cell antigen-based human coronavirus (HCoV) vaccines with the potential to serve as a supplementary weapon to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with resistance to nAbs are urgently needed. Alternatively, T cell antigens could also be included in B cell antigen-based vaccines to strengthen vaccine efficacy. This review summarizes recent advancements in research and development of vaccines containing T cell antigens or both T and B cell antigens derived from proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants and/or other HCoVs based on different vaccine platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Ping Leng
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaiwen Yang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Chen Li
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - David M Ojcius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Ministry of Health/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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5
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Warner NL, Archer J, Park S, Singh G, McFadden KM, Kimura T, Nicholes K, Simpson A, Kaelber JT, Hawman DW, Feldmann H, Khandhar AP, Berglund P, Vogt MR, Erasmus JH. A self-amplifying RNA vaccine prevents enterovirus D68 infection and disease in preclinical models. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadi1625. [PMID: 39110777 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi1625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The recent emergence and rapid response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was enabled by prototype pathogen and vaccine platform approaches, driven by the preemptive application of RNA vaccine technology to the related Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Recently, the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases identified nine virus families of concern, eight enveloped virus families and one nonenveloped virus family, for which vaccine generation is a priority. Although RNA vaccines have been described for a variety of enveloped viruses, a roadmap for their use against nonenveloped viruses is lacking. Enterovirus D68 was recently designated a prototype pathogen within the family Picornaviridae of nonenveloped viruses because of its rapid evolution and respiratory route of transmission, coupled with a lack of diverse anti-enterovirus vaccine approaches in development. Here, we describe a proof-of-concept approach using a clinical stage RNA vaccine platform that induced robust enterovirus D68-neutralizing antibody responses in mice and nonhuman primates and prevented upper and lower respiratory tract infections and neurological disease in mice. In addition, we used our platform to rapidly characterize the antigenic diversity within the six genotypes of enterovirus D68, providing the necessary data to inform multivalent vaccine compositions that can elicit optimal breadth of neutralizing responses. These results demonstrate that RNA vaccines can be used as tools in our pandemic-preparedness toolbox for nonenveloped viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Garima Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kathryn M McFadden
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jason T Kaelber
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID, NIH, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID, NIH, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew R Vogt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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6
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Hick TAH, Geertsema C, Nguyen W, Bishop CR, van Oosten L, Abbo SR, Dumenil T, van Kuppeveld FJM, Langereis MA, Rawle DJ, Tang B, Yan K, van Oers MM, Suhrbier A, Pijlman GP. Safety concern of recombination between self-amplifying mRNA vaccines and viruses is mitigated in vivo. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2519-2534. [PMID: 38894543 PMCID: PMC11405153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.019] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) vaccines can be rapidly deployed in the event of disease outbreaks. A legitimate safety concern is the potential for recombination between alphavirus-based SAM vaccines and circulating viruses. This theoretical risk needs to be assessed in the regulatory process for SAM vaccine approval. Herein, we undertake extensive in vitro and in vivo assessments to explore recombination between SAM vaccine and a wide selection of alphaviruses and a coronavirus. SAM vaccines were found to effectively limit alphavirus co-infection through superinfection exclusion, although some co-replication was still possible. Using sensitive cell-based assays, replication-competent alphavirus chimeras were generated in vitro as a result of rare, but reproducible, RNA recombination events. The chimeras displayed no increased fitness in cell culture. Viable alphavirus chimeras were not detected in vivo in C57BL/6J, Rag1-/- and Ifnar-/- mice, in which high levels of SAM vaccine and alphavirus co-replicated in the same tissue. Furthermore, recombination between a SAM-spike vaccine and a swine coronavirus was not observed. In conclusion we state that although the ability of SAM vaccines to recombine with alphaviruses might be viewed as an environmental safety concern, several key factors substantially mitigate against in vivo emergence of chimeric viruses from SAM vaccine recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy A H Hick
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Corinne Geertsema
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wilson Nguyen
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Cameron R Bishop
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Linda van Oosten
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra R Abbo
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Troy Dumenil
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Frank J M van Kuppeveld
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Langereis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Rawle
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Monique M van Oers
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Brisbane, QLD 4072 and 4029, Australia.
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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7
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Cui X, Vervaeke P, Gao Y, Opsomer L, Sun Q, Snoeck J, Devriendt B, Zhong Z, Sanders NN. Immunogenicity and biodistribution of lipid nanoparticle formulated self-amplifying mRNA vaccines against H5 avian influenza. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:138. [PMID: 39097672 PMCID: PMC11298010 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00932-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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reports on the immunogenicity and biodistribution of H5 hemagglutinin (HA)-based self-amplifying (sa) mRNA vaccines in mice. Four sa-mRNA vaccines encoding either a secreted full-length HA, a secreted HA head domain, a secreted HA stalk domain, or a full-length membrane-anchored HA were investigated. All vaccines elicited an adaptive immune response. However, the full-length HA sa-RNA vaccines demonstrated superior performance compared to head and stalk domain vaccines. The antibody titers positively correlated with the vaccine dose. Cellular immune responses and antigen-specific IgA antibodies in the lungs were also observed. The comparison of the sa-mRNA vaccines encoding the secreted and membrane-anchored full-length HA revealed that anchoring of the HA to the membrane significantly enhanced the antibody and cellular responses. In addition to the injection site, the intramuscularly injected sa-mRNA-LNPs were also detected in the draining lymph nodes, spleen, and to a lesser extent, in the lung, kidney, liver, and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Cui
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vervaeke
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lisa Opsomer
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Qing Sun
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Janne Snoeck
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bert Devriendt
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Zifu Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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8
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Zhuang Z, Zhuo J, Yuan Y, Chen Z, Zhang S, Zhu A, Zhao J, Zhao J. Harnessing T-Cells for Enhanced Vaccine Development against Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:478. [PMID: 38793729 PMCID: PMC11125924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050478] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant strides in vaccine research and the availability of vaccines for many infectious diseases, the threat posed by both known and emerging infectious diseases persists. Moreover, breakthrough infections following vaccination remain a concern. Therefore, the development of novel vaccines is imperative. These vaccines must exhibit robust protective efficacy, broad-spectrum coverage, and long-lasting immunity. One promising avenue in vaccine development lies in leveraging T-cells, which play a crucial role in adaptive immunity and regulate immune responses during viral infections. T-cell recognition can target highly variable or conserved viral proteins, and memory T-cells offer the potential for durable immunity. Consequently, T-cell-based vaccines hold promise for advancing vaccine development efforts. This review delves into the latest research advancements in T-cell-based vaccines across various platforms and discusses the associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianfen Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yaochang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zhao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Airu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jingxian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
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9
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Wang Z, Chen Y, Wu H, Wang M, Mao L, Guo X, Zhu J, Ye Z, Luo X, Yang X, Liu X, Yang J, Sheng Z, Lee J, Guo Z, Liu Y. Intravenous administration of IL-12 encoding self-replicating RNA-lipid nanoparticle complex leads to safe and effective antitumor responses. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7366. [PMID: 38548896 PMCID: PMC10978917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57997-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a potent immunostimulatory cytokine mainly produced by antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages) and plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunity against cancers. Therapies that can synergistically modulate innate immunity and stimulate adaptive anti-tumor responses are of great interest for cancer immunotherapy. Here we investigated the lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated self-replicating RNA (srRNA) encoding IL-12 (referred to as JCXH-211) for the treatment of cancers. Both local (intratumoral) and systemic (intravenous) administration of JCXH-211 in tumor-bearing mice induced a high-level expression of IL-12 in tumor tissues, leading to modulation of tumor microenvironment and systemic activation of antitumor immunity. Particularly, JCXH-211 can inhibit the tumor-infiltration of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs). When combined with anti-PD1 antibody, it was able to enhance the recruitment of T cells and NK cells into tumors. In multiple mouse solid tumor models, intravenous injection of JCXH-211 not only eradicated large preestablished tumors, but also induced protective immune memory that prevented the growth of rechallenged tumors. Finally, intravenous injection of JCXH-211 did not cause noticeable systemic toxicity in tumor-bearing mice and non-human primates. Thus, our study demonstrated the feasibility of intravenous administration of JCXH-211 for the treatment of advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Wang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanni Chen
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Hongyue Wu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Wang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Mao
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Xingdong Guo
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jianbo Zhu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zilan Ye
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Luo
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiurong Yang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junhao Yang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaolang Sheng
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jaewoo Lee
- Immorna Biotherapeutics, Inc., Morrisville, NC, 27560, USA
| | - Zhijun Guo
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
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10
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Mobasher M, Ansari R, Castejon AM, Barar J, Omidi Y. Advanced nanoscale delivery systems for mRNA-based vaccines. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130558. [PMID: 38185238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130558] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The effectiveness of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, especially those designed for COVID-19, relies heavily on sophisticated delivery systems that ensure efficient delivery of mRNA to target cells. A variety of nanoscale vaccine delivery systems (VDSs) have been explored for this purpose, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles made from biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), as well as viral vectors and lipid-polymer hybrid complexes. Among these, LNPs are particularly notable for their efficiency in encapsulating and protecting mRNA. These nanoscale VDSs can be engineered to enhance stability and facilitate uptake by cells. The choice of delivery system depends on factors like the specific mRNA vaccine, target cell types, stability requirements, and desired immune response. In this review, we shed light on recent advances in delivery mechanisms for self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, emphasizing groundbreaking studies on nanoscale delivery systems aimed at improving the efficacy and safety of mRNA/saRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Mobasher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Rais Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Ana M Castejon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.
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11
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Kenoosh HA, Pallathadka H, Hjazi A, Al-Dhalimy AMB, Zearah SA, Ghildiyal P, Al-Mashhadani ZI, Mustafa YF, Hizam MM, Elawady A. Recent advances in mRNA-based vaccine for cancer therapy; bench to bedside. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3954. [PMID: 38403905 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3954] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have progressed from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality over the last few decades. Compared to conventional vaccination methods, these vaccines have a number of benefits, such as substantial potency, rapid growth, inexpensive production, and safe administration. Nevertheless, their usefulness was restricted up to now due to worries about the erratic and ineffective circulation of mRNA in vivo. Thankfully, these worries have largely been allayed by recent technological developments, which have led to the creation of multiple mRNA vaccination platforms for cancer and viral infections. The mRNA vaccines have been demonstrated as a powerful alternative to traditional conventional vaccines because of their high potency, safety and efficacy, capacity for rapid clinical development, and potential for rapid, low-cost manufacturing. The paper will examine the present status of mRNA vaccine technology and suggest future paths for the advancement and application of this exciting vaccine platform as a common therapeutic choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel Ahmed Kenoosh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, AL-Anbar, Iraq
| | | | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Pallavi Ghildiyal
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Manar Mohammed Hizam
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Elawady
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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12
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Bera K, Rojas-Gómez RA, Mukherjee P, Snyder CE, Aksamitiene E, Alex A, Spillman DR, Marjanovic M, Shabana A, Johnson R, Hood SR, Boppart SA. Probing delivery of a lipid nanoparticle encapsulated self-amplifying mRNA vaccine using coherent Raman microscopy and multiphoton imaging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4348. [PMID: 38388635 PMCID: PMC10884293 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the resurgence of synthetic RNA vaccine platforms allowing rapid, scalable, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration of therapeutic vaccines. Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM), which self-replicates upon delivery into the cellular cytoplasm, leads to a strong and sustained immune response. Such mRNAs are encapsulated within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that act as a vehicle for delivery to the cell cytoplasm. A better understanding of LNP-mediated SAM uptake and release mechanisms in different types of cells is critical for designing effective vaccines. Here, we investigated the cellular uptake of a SAM-LNP formulation and subsequent intracellular expression of SAM in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells using hyperspectral coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (HS-CARS) microscopy and multiphoton-excited fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Cell classification pipelines based on HS-CARS and FLIM features were developed to obtain insights on spectral and metabolic changes associated with SAM-LNPs uptake. We observed elevated lipid intensities with the HS-CARS modality in cells treated with LNPs versus PBS-treated cells, and simultaneous fluorescence images revealed SAM expression inside BHK-21 cell nuclei and cytoplasm within 5 h of treatment. In a separate experiment, we observed a strong correlation between the SAM expression and mean fluorescence lifetime of the bound NAD(P)H population. This work demonstrates the ability and significance of multimodal optical imaging techniques to assess the cellular uptake of SAM-LNPs and the subsequent changes occurring in the cellular microenvironment following the vaccine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajari Bera
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Renán A Rojas-Gómez
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Prabuddha Mukherjee
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Corey E Snyder
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Edita Aksamitiene
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Aneesh Alex
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Darold R Spillman
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Marina Marjanovic
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ahmed Shabana
- GSK Vaccines, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Russell Johnson
- GSK Vaccines, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Steve R Hood
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - Stephen A Boppart
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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13
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [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: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Kachko A, Selvaraj P, Liu S, Kim J, Rotstein D, Stauft CB, Chabot S, Rajasagi N, Zhao Y, Wang T, Major M. Vaccine-associated respiratory pathology correlates with viral clearance and protective immunity after immunization with self-amplifying RNA expressing the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 in mouse models. Vaccine 2024; 42:608-619. [PMID: 38142216 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective immunity of in vitro transcribed Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV TC-83 strain) self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein in wild type (S-WT) and stabilized pre-fusion conformations (S-PP). Immunization with S-WT and S-PP saRNA induced specific neutralizing antibody responses in both K18-Tg hACE2 (K18) and BALB/c mice, as assessed using SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped viruses. Protective immunity was assessed in challenge experiments. Two immunizations with S-WT and S-PP induced protective immunity, evidenced by lower mortality, lower weight loss and more than one log10 lower subgenomic virus RNA titers in the upper and lower respiratory tracts in both K18 and BALB/c mice. Histopathologic examination of lungs post-challenge showed that immunization with S-WT and S-PP resulted in a higher degree of immune cell infiltration and inflammatory changes, compared with control mice, characterized by high levels of T- and B-cell infiltration. No substantial differences were found in the presence and localization of eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells. CD4 and CD8 T-cell depletion post immunization resulted in reduced lung inflammation post challenge but also prolonged virus clearance. These data indicate that immunization with saRNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 S protein induces immune responses that are protective following challenge, that virus clearance is associated with pulmonary changes caused by T-cell and B-cell infiltration in the lungs, but that this T and B-cell infiltration plays an important role in viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Kachko
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Prabhuanand Selvaraj
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Shufeng Liu
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jaekwan Kim
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - David Rotstein
- Division of Food Compliance, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Charles B Stauft
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Sylvie Chabot
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Naveen Rajasagi
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Yangqing Zhao
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Tony Wang
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Marian Major
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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15
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Thelen JL, Leite W, Urban VS, O'Neill HM, Grishaev AV, Curtis JE, Krueger S, Castellanos MM. Morphological Characterization of Self-Amplifying mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1464-1476. [PMID: 38175970 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08014] [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: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The mRNA technology has emerged as a rapid modality to develop vaccines during pandemic situations with the potential to protect against endemic diseases. The success of mRNA in producing an antigen is dependent on the ability to deliver mRNA to the cells using a vehicle, which typically consists of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP). Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) is a synthetic mRNA platform that, besides encoding for the antigen of interest, includes the replication machinery for mRNA amplification in the cells. Thus, SAM can generate many antigen encoding mRNA copies and prolong expression of the antigen with lower doses than those required for conventional mRNA. This work describes the morphology of LNPs containing encapsulated SAM (SAM LNPs), with SAM being three to four times larger than conventional mRNA. We show evidence that SAM changes its conformational structure when encapsulated in LNPs, becoming more compact than the free SAM form. A characteristic "bleb" structure is observed in SAM LNPs, which consists of a lipid-rich core and an aqueous RNA-rich core, both surrounded by a DSPC-rich lipid shell. We used SANS and SAXS data to confirm that the prevalent morphology of the LNP consists of two-core compartments where components are heterogeneously distributed between the two cores and the shell. A capped cylinder core-shell model with two interior compartments was built to capture the overall morphology of the LNP. These findings provide evidence that bleb two-compartment structures can be a representative morphology in SAM LNPs and highlight the need for additional studies that elucidate the role of spherical and bleb morphologies, their mechanisms of formation, and the parameters that lead to a particular morphology for a rational design of LNPs for mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Thelen
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Wellington Leite
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Volker S Urban
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hugh M O'Neill
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Alexander V Grishaev
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph E Curtis
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Susan Krueger
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Maria Monica Castellanos
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
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16
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Hu C, Bai Y, Liu J, Wang Y, He Q, Zhang X, Cheng F, Xu M, Mao Q, Liang Z. Research progress on the quality control of mRNA vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:570-583. [PMID: 38733272 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2354251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mRNA vaccine technologies have progressed rapidly in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the application of mRNA vaccines, with research and development and clinical trials underway for many vaccines. Application of the quality by design (QbD) framework to mRNA vaccine development and establishing standardized quality control protocols for mRNA vaccines are essential for the continued development of high-quality mRNA vaccines. AREAS COVERED mRNA vaccines include linear mRNA, self-amplifying mRNA, and circular RNA vaccines. This article summarizes the progress of research on quality control of these three types of vaccines and presents associated challenges and considerations. EXPERT OPINION Although there has been rapid progress in research on linear mRNA vaccines, their degradation patterns remain unclear. In addition, standardized assays for key impurities, such as residual dsRNA and T7 RNA polymerase, are still lacking. For self-amplifying mRNA vaccines, a key focus should be control of stability in vivo and in vitro. For circular RNA vaccines, standardized assays, and reference standards for determining degree of circularization should be established and optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoying Hu
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyang Liu
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qian He
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhang
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Feiran Cheng
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qunying Mao
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenglun Liang
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, Beijing, China
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Regulatory Science, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
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Pateev I, Seregina K, Ivanov R, Reshetnikov V. Biodistribution of RNA Vaccines and of Their Products: Evidence from Human and Animal Studies. Biomedicines 2023; 12:59. [PMID: 38255166 PMCID: PMC10812935 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010059] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Explosive developments in mRNA vaccine technology in the last decade have made it possible to achieve great success in clinical trials of mRNA vaccines to prevent infectious diseases and develop cancer treatments and mRNA-based gene therapy products. The approval of the mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has led to mass vaccination (with mRNA vaccines) of several hundred million people around the world, including children. Despite its effectiveness in the fight against COVID-19, rare adverse effects of the vaccination have been shown in some studies, including vascular microcirculation disorders and autoimmune and allergic reactions. The biodistribution of mRNA vaccines remains one of the most poorly investigated topics. This mini-review discussed the results of recent experimental studies on humans and rodents regarding the biodistribution of mRNA vaccines, their constituents (mRNA and lipid nanoparticles), and their encoded antigens. We focused on the dynamics of the biodistribution of mRNA vaccine products and on the possibility of crossing the blood-brain and blood-placental barriers as well as transmission to infants through breast milk. In addition, we critically assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the detection methods that have been applied in these articles, whose results' reliability is becoming a subject of debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildus Pateev
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Kristina Seregina
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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18
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Deo S, Desai K, Patare A, Wadapurkar R, Rade S, Mahudkar S, Sathe M, Srivastava S, Prasanna P, Singh A. Evaluation of self-amplifying mRNA platform for protein expression and genetic stability: Implication for mRNA therapies. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:108-118. [PMID: 37738900 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The consecutive launch of mRNA vaccines like mRNA-1273, BNT 162b2, and GEMCOVAC®-19 against COVID-19 has triggered the debate of long-term expression, safety, and genomic integration of the mRNA vaccine platforms. In the present study, we examined the longevity of antigenic protein expression of mRNA-614 and mRNA-S1LC based on self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) in Expi-293F™, HEK-293 T, and ARPE-19 cells. The protein expression was checked by sandwich-ELISA, FACS, luciferase activity assay, and Western blot. The transcribed antigenic mRNA was sequenced and found to be un-mutated. Additionally, no genomic integration of the reverse transcribed mRNA was observed even up to 7 days post-transfection as verified by PCR. Furthermore, we have generated high-quality 3D structures of non-structural proteins (nsPs) in silico and the genes encoding for the nsPs were cloned and expressed using the T7 system. Findings from the current study have strengthened the fact that the alphavirus-based SAM platform has the potential to become a modality in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarda Deo
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Kaushik Desai
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Aishwarya Patare
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Rucha Wadapurkar
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Saniya Rade
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Siddhi Mahudkar
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Madhura Sathe
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Shalini Srivastava
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Pragya Prasanna
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India
| | - Ajay Singh
- Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. ITBT Park, Hinjawadi Phase 2 Road, Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411057, India.
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19
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Wang YS, Kumari M, Chen GH, Hong MH, Yuan JPY, Tsai JL, Wu HC. mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics: an in-depth survey of current and upcoming clinical applications. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:84. [PMID: 37805495 PMCID: PMC10559634 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based drugs have tremendous potential as clinical treatments, however, a major challenge in realizing this drug class will promise to develop methods for safely delivering the bioactive agents with high efficiency and without activating the immune system. With regard to mRNA vaccines, researchers have modified the mRNA structure to enhance its stability and promote systemic tolerance of antigenic presentation in non-inflammatory contexts. Still, delivery of naked modified mRNAs is inefficient and results in low levels of antigen protein production. As such, lipid nanoparticles have been utilized to improve delivery and protect the mRNA cargo from extracellular degradation. This advance was a major milestone in the development of mRNA vaccines and dispelled skepticism about the potential of this technology to yield clinically approved medicines. Following the resounding success of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, many other mRNA-based drugs have been proposed for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This review begins with a discussion of mRNA modifications and delivery vehicles, as well as the factors that influence administration routes. Then, we summarize the potential applications of mRNA-based drugs and discuss further key points pertaining to preclinical and clinical development of mRNA drugs targeting a wide range of diseases. Finally, we discuss the latest market trends and future applications of mRNA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shiuan Wang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Monika Kumari
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Hong Chen
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsiang Hong
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Joyce Pei-Yi Yuan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ling Tsai
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan.
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20
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Kimura T, Leal JM, Simpson A, Warner NL, Berube BJ, Archer JF, Park S, Kurtz R, Hinkley T, Nicholes K, Sharma S, Duthie MS, Berglund P, Reed SG, Khandhar AP, Erasmus JH. A localizing nanocarrier formulation enables multi-target immune responses to multivalent replicating RNA with limited systemic inflammation. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2360-2375. [PMID: 37403357 PMCID: PMC10422015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA vaccines possess significant clinical promise in counteracting human diseases caused by infectious or cancerous threats. Self-amplifying replicon RNA (repRNA) has been thought to offer the potential for enhanced potency and dose sparing. However, repRNA is a potent trigger of innate immune responses in vivo, which can cause reduced transgene expression and dose-limiting reactogenicity, as highlighted by recent clinical trials. Here, we report that multivalent repRNA vaccination, necessitating higher doses of total RNA, could be safely achieved in mice by delivering multiple repRNAs with a localizing cationic nanocarrier formulation (LION). Intramuscular delivery of multivalent repRNA by LION resulted in localized biodistribution accompanied by significantly upregulated local innate immune responses and the induction of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses in the absence of systemic inflammatory responses. In contrast, repRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) showed generalized biodistribution, a systemic inflammatory state, an increased body weight loss, and failed to induce neutralizing antibody responses in a multivalent composition. These findings suggest that in vivo delivery of repRNA by LION is a platform technology for safe and effective multivalent vaccination through mechanisms distinct from LNP-formulated repRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishi Kimura
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
| | - Joseph M Leal
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Adrian Simpson
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Nikole L Warner
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Bryan J Berube
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Jacob F Archer
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Stephanie Park
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Ryan Kurtz
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Troy Hinkley
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | | | - Shibbu Sharma
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | | | - Peter Berglund
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Steven G Reed
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Amit P Khandhar
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, 750 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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21
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Kitonsa J, Kamacooko O, Ruzagira E, Nambaziira F, Abaasa A, Serwanga J, Gombe B, Lunkuse J, Naluyinda H, Tukamwesiga N, Namata T, Kigozi A, Kafeero P, Basajja V, Joseph S, Pierce BF, Shattock R, Kaleebu P. A phase I COVID-19 vaccine trial among SARS-CoV-2 seronegative and seropositive individuals in Uganda utilizing a self-amplifying RNA vaccine platform: Screening and enrollment experiences. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2240690. [PMID: 37553178 PMCID: PMC10411305 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2240690] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the screening and enrollment process for a phase I vaccine trial in Masaka, Uganda that investigated the safety and immunogenicity of a self-amplifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA vaccine amongst individuals with and without antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Participant screening and enrollment were conducted between December 2021 and April 2022. Individuals were eligible if they were aged between 18 and 45 years, healthy, and never vaccinated against COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 antibody status was determined using two point-of-care rapid tests, i.e. Multi G (MGFT3) and Standard Q (Standard Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Plus). Data were entered and managed in OpenClinica. Analyses were performed and presented descriptively. A total of 212 individuals were screened and 43(20.3%) enrolled. The most common reasons for exclusion were ≥ grade 1 laboratory abnormalities (39, 18.4%), followed by discordant SARS-CoV-2 antibody results (23, 10.9%). While the first 38 participants were quickly enrolled over a period of 9 weeks, it took another 9 weeks to enroll the remaining five, as antibody negative participants became scarce during the surge of the Omicron variant. The SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity rate was determined to be 60.8% and 84.4% in each half of the 18 months of screening respectively. The mean age (±Standard Deviation, SD) of screened and enrolled participants was 27.7 (±8.1) and 30.2 (±8.3) years respectively. We demonstrated that it is feasible to successfully screen and enroll participants for COVID-19 vaccine trials in Uganda in the time of a pandemic. Our experiences may be useful for investigators planning to undertake similar work in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kitonsa
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Onesmus Kamacooko
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Eugene Ruzagira
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Florence Nambaziira
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Andrew Abaasa
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Serwanga
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Ben Gombe
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jane Lunkuse
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Hadijah Naluyinda
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Naboth Tukamwesiga
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Tamara Namata
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Antony Kigozi
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Paddy Kafeero
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Vincent Basajja
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sarah Joseph
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Robin Shattock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
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22
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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23
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Williams JA, Biancucci M, Lessen L, Tian S, Balsaraf A, Chen L, Chesterman C, Maruggi G, Vandepaer S, Huang Y, Mallett CP, Steff AM, Bottomley MJ, Malito E, Wahome N, Harshbarger WD. Structural and computational design of a SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen with improved expression and immunogenicity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg0330. [PMID: 37285422 PMCID: PMC10246912 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern challenge the efficacy of approved vaccines, emphasizing the need for updated spike antigens. Here, we use an evolutionary-based design aimed at boosting protein expression levels of S-2P and improving immunogenic outcomes in mice. Thirty-six prototype antigens were generated in silico and 15 were produced for biochemical analysis. S2D14, which contains 20 computationally designed mutations within the S2 domain and a rationally engineered D614G mutation in the SD2 domain, has an ~11-fold increase in protein yield and retains RBD antigenicity. Cryo-electron microscopy structures reveal a mixture of populations in various RBD conformational states. Vaccination of mice with adjuvanted S2D14 elicited higher cross-neutralizing antibody titers than adjuvanted S-2P against the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and four variants of concern. S2D14 may be a useful scaffold or tool for the design of future coronavirus vaccines, and the approaches used for the design of S2D14 may be broadly applicable to streamline vaccine discovery.
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24
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Komori M, Nogimori T, Morey AL, Sekida T, Ishimoto K, Hassett MR, Masuta Y, Ode H, Tamura T, Suzuki R, Alexander J, Kido Y, Matsuda K, Fukuhara T, Iwatani Y, Yamamoto T, Smith JF, Akahata W. saRNA vaccine expressing membrane-anchored RBD elicits broad and durable immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2810. [PMID: 37208330 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Several vaccines have been widely used to counteract the global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. However, due to the rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), further development of vaccines that confer broad and longer-lasting protection against emerging VOCs are needed. Here, we report the immunological characteristics of a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine expressing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) receptor binding domain (RBD), which is membrane-anchored by fusing with an N-terminal signal sequence and a C-terminal transmembrane domain (RBD-TM). Immunization with saRNA RBD-TM delivered in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) efficiently induces T-cell and B-cell responses in non-human primates (NHPs). In addition, immunized hamsters and NHPs are protected against SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Importantly, RBD-specific antibodies against VOCs are maintained for at least 12 months in NHPs. These findings suggest that this saRNA platform expressing RBD-TM will be a useful vaccine candidate inducing durable immunity against emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Komori
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc. 704 Quince Orchard Rd. #110, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Takuto Nogimori
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Amber L Morey
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc. 704 Quince Orchard Rd. #110, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Takashi Sekida
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc. 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 100-0003, Japan
| | - Keiko Ishimoto
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc. 704 Quince Orchard Rd. #110, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassett
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc. 704 Quince Orchard Rd. #110, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Yuji Masuta
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ode
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi, 460-0001, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Tamura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Rigel Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Jeff Alexander
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc. 704 Quince Orchard Rd. #110, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Yasutoshi Kido
- Department of Virology & Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, 545-0051, Japan
| | - Kenta Matsuda
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc. 704 Quince Orchard Rd. #110, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Takasuke Fukuhara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Iwatani
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi, 460-0001, Japan
- Division of Basic Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.
- Laboratory of Aging and Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Jonathan F Smith
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc. 704 Quince Orchard Rd. #110, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA.
| | - Wataru Akahata
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc. 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 100-0003, Japan.
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25
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Wilson DR, Tzeng SY, Rui Y, Neshat SY, Conge MJ, Luly KM, Wang E, Firestone JL, McAuliffe J, Maruggi G, Jalah R, Johnson R, Doloff JC, Green JJ. Biodegradable Polyester Nanoparticle Vaccines Deliver Self-Amplifying mRNA in Mice at Low Doses. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2023; 6:2200219. [PMID: 37743930 PMCID: PMC10516528 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) has high potential for infectious disease vaccination due its self-adjuvating and dose-sparing properties. Yet a challenge is the susceptibility of SAM to degradation and the need for SAM to reach the cytosol fully intact to enable self-amplification. Lipid nanoparticles have been successfully deployed at incredible speed for mRNA vaccination, but aspects such as cold storage, manufacturing, efficiency of delivery, and the therapeutic window would benefit from further improvement. To investigate alternatives to lipid nanoparticles, we developed a class of >200 biodegradable end-capped lipophilic poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAEs) that enable efficient delivery of SAM in vitro and in vivo as assessed by measuring expression of SAM encoding reporter proteins. We evaluated the ability of these polymers to deliver SAM intramuscularly in mice, and identified a polymer-based formulation that yielded up to 37-fold higher intramuscular (IM) expression of SAM compared to injected naked SAM. Using the same nanoparticle formulation to deliver a SAM encoding rabies virus glycoprotein, the vaccine elicited superior immunogenicity compared to naked SAM delivery, leading to seroconversion in mice at low RNA injection doses. These biodegradable nanomaterials may be useful in the development of next-generation RNA vaccines for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Yuan Rui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Sarah Y Neshat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Marranne J Conge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Kathryn M Luly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ellen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joshua C Doloff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Neurosurgery, Oncology, and Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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26
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prior to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the potential use of mRNA vaccines for a rapid pandemic response had been well described in the scientific literature, however during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak we witnessed the large-scale deployment of the platform in a real pandemic setting. Of the three RNA platforms evaluated in clinical trials, including 1) conventional, non-amplifying mRNA (mRNA), 2) base-modified, non-amplifying mRNA (bmRNA), which incorporate chemically modified nucleotides, and 3) self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), the bmRNA technology emerged with superior clinical efficacy. AREAS COVERED This review describes the current state of these mRNA vaccine technologies, evaluates their strengths and limitations, and argues that saRNA may have significant advantages if the limitations of stability and complexities of manufacturing can be overcome. EXPERT OPINION The success of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines has been remarkable. However, several challenges remain to be addressed before this technology can successfully be applied broadly to other disease targets. Innovation in the areas of mRNA engineering, novel delivery systems, antigen design, and high-quality manufacturing will be required to achieve the full potential of this disruptive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoltan Kis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jeffrey B Ulmer
- Immorna Biotherapeutics, Morrisville, North Carolina.,TechImmune LLC, Newport Beach, CA, USA
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27
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Schmidt C, Schnierle BS. Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Candidates: Alternative Platforms for mRNA Vaccine Development. Pathogens 2023; 12:138. [PMID: 36678486 PMCID: PMC9863218 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The present use of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has shown for the first time the potential of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases. Here we will summarize the current knowledge about improved mRNA vaccines, i.e., the self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines. This approach may enhance antigen expression by amplification of the antigen-encoding RNA. RNA design, RNA delivery, and the innate immune responses induced by RNA will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Schmidt
- Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Barbara S. Schnierle
- Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
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28
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Madi S, Xie F, Farhangi K, Hsu CY, Cheng SH, Aweda T, Radaram B, Slania S, Lambert T, Rambo M, Skedzielewski T, Cole A, Sherina V, McKearnan S, Tran H, Alsaid H, Doan M, Stokes AH, O’Hagan DT, Maruggi G, Bertholet S, Temmerman ST, Johnson R, Jucker BM. MRI/PET multimodal imaging of the innate immune response in skeletal muscle and draining lymph node post vaccination in rats. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1081156. [PMID: 36713458 PMCID: PMC9874296 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1081156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to utilize a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging approach to assess the local innate immune response in skeletal muscle and draining lymph node following vaccination in rats using two different vaccine platforms (AS01 adjuvanted protein and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated Self-Amplifying mRNA (SAM)). MRI and 18FDG PET imaging were performed temporally at baseline, 4, 24, 48, and 72 hr post Prime and Prime-Boost vaccination in hindlimb with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) gB and pentamer proteins formulated with AS01, LNP encapsulated CMV gB protein-encoding SAM (CMV SAM), AS01 or with LNP carrier controls. Both CMV AS01 and CMV SAM resulted in a rapid MRI and PET signal enhancement in hindlimb muscles and draining popliteal lymph node reflecting innate and possibly adaptive immune response. MRI signal enhancement and total 18FDG uptake observed in the hindlimb was greater in the CMV SAM vs CMV AS01 group (↑2.3 - 4.3-fold in AUC) and the MRI signal enhancement peak and duration were temporally shifted right in the CMV SAM group following both Prime and Prime-Boost administration. While cytokine profiles were similar among groups, there was good temporal correlation only between IL-6, IL-13, and MRI/PET endpoints. Imaging mass cytometry was performed on lymph node sections at 72 hr post Prime and Prime-Boost vaccination to characterize the innate and adaptive immune cell signatures. Cell proximity analysis indicated that each follicular dendritic cell interacted with more follicular B cells in the CMV AS01 than in the CMV SAM group, supporting the stronger humoral immune response observed in the CMV AS01 group. A strong correlation between lymph node MRI T2 value and nearest-neighbor analysis of follicular dendritic cell and follicular B cells was observed (r=0.808, P<0.01). These data suggest that spatiotemporal imaging data together with AI/ML approaches may help establish whether in vivo imaging biomarkers can predict local and systemic immune responses following vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fang Xie
- Bioimaging, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tammy Lambert
- Non Clinical Safety, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | - Mary Rambo
- Bioimaging, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | | | - Austin Cole
- Research Statistics, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Hoang Tran
- Research Statistics, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | - Hasan Alsaid
- Bioimaging, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | - Minh Doan
- Bioimaging, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | - Alan H. Stokes
- Non Clinical Safety, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | - Derek T. O’Hagan
- Vaccines Research & Development, GSK, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Sylvie Bertholet
- Vaccines Research & Development, GSK, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Russell Johnson
- Vaccines Research & Development, GSK, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Beat M. Jucker
- Clinical Imaging, GSK, Collegeville, PA, United States,*Correspondence: Beat M. Jucker,
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Donahue DA, Ballesteros C, Maruggi G, Glover C, Ringenberg MA, Marquis M, Ben Abdeljelil N, Ashraf A, Rodriguez LA, Stokes AH. Nonclinical Safety Assessment of Lipid Nanoparticle-and Emulsion-Based Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccines in Rats. Int J Toxicol 2023; 42:37-49. [PMID: 36472205 DOI: 10.1177/10915818221138781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines containing mRNA with the capacity to self-amplify represent an alternative to the mRNA vaccines that came to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. To gain further insights on the safety profile of self-amplifying mRNA- (SAM-) vaccines, this preclinical toxicology study in rats evaluated the effect of (i) the type of delivery system (lipid nanoparticle [LNP] vs cationic nano-emulsion [CNE]); (ii) antigen-encoding sequence (rabies glycoprotein G vs SARS-CoV-2 Spike); and (iii) RNA amplification. Further analyses also evaluated gene expression in peripheral blood after vaccination, and the biodistribution of vaccine RNA. The SAM vaccines administered as two doses 2-weeks apart had acceptable safety profiles in rats, with respect to clinical signs, blood biochemistry, and macroscopic and microscopic pathology. A transient increase in ALT/AST ratio occurred only in female rats and in the absence of muscle and liver damage was dependent on RNA amplification and appeared related to the greater quantities of vaccine RNA in the muscle and livers of female rats vs male rats. The RNA and delivery-vehicle components, but not the nature of the antigen-coding sequence or the requirement for RNA amplification, affected aspects of the stimulation of innate-immune activity, which was consistent with the transient activation of type I and type II interferon signaling. The delivery vehicle, LNP, differed from CNE as vaccine RNA in CNE compositions appeared independently to stimulate innate-immune activity at 4 hours after vaccination. Our analysis supports further studies to assess whether these differences in innate-immune activity affect safety and efficacy of the SAM vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Asma Ashraf
- Charles River Laboratories, Laval, QC, Canada
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30
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Mufamadi MS, Ngoepe MP, Nobela O, Maluleke N, Phorah B, Methula B, Maseko T, Masebe DI, Mufhandu HT, Katata-Seru LM. Next-Generation Vaccines: Nanovaccines in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2 Virus and beyond SARS-CoV-2. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:4588659. [PMID: 37181817 PMCID: PMC10175023 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4588659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The virus responsible for the coronavirus viral pandemic is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants caused by distinctive mutations within the viral spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 are considered the cause for the rapid spread of the disease and make it challenging to treat SARS-CoV-2. The manufacturing of appropriate efficient vaccines and therapeutics is the only option to combat this pandemic. Nanomedicine has enabled the delivery of nucleic acids and protein-based vaccines to antigen-presenting cells to produce protective immunity against the coronavirus. Nucleic acid-based vaccines, particularly mRNA nanotechnology vaccines, are the best prevention option against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic worldwide, and they are effective against the novel coronavirus and its multiple variants. This review will report on progress made thus far with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and beyond employing nanotechnology-based nucleic acid vaccine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maluta Steven Mufamadi
- DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6059, South Africa
- Nabio Consulting (Pty) Ltd., Pretoria 0183, South Africa
| | - Mpho Phehello Ngoepe
- DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6059, South Africa
| | - Ofentse Nobela
- Nabio Consulting (Pty) Ltd., Pretoria 0183, South Africa
| | | | | | - Banele Methula
- Nabio Consulting (Pty) Ltd., Pretoria 0183, South Africa
| | - Thapelo Maseko
- DSI-Mandela Nanomedicine Platform, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6059, South Africa
- Nabio Consulting (Pty) Ltd., Pretoria 0183, South Africa
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31
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Pourseif MM, Masoudi-Sobhanzadeh Y, Azari E, Parvizpour S, Barar J, Ansari R, Omidi Y. Self-amplifying mRNA vaccines: Mode of action, design, development and optimization. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103341. [PMID: 35988718 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mRNA-based vaccines are quality-by-design (QbD) immunotherapies that provide safe, tunable, scalable, streamlined and potent treatment possibilities against different types of diseases. The self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines, as a highly advantageous class of mRNA vaccines, are inspired by the intracellular self-multiplication nature of some positive-sense RNA viruses. Such vaccine platforms provide a relatively increased expression level of vaccine antigen(s) together with self-adjuvanticity properties. Lined with the QbD saRNA vaccines, essential optimizations improve the stability, safety, and immunogenicity of the vaccine constructs. Here, we elaborate on the concepts and mode-of-action of mRNA and saRNA vaccines, articulate the potential limitations or technical bottlenecks, and explain possible solutions or optimization methods in the process of their design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Pourseif
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yosef Masoudi-Sobhanzadeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Erfan Azari
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Parvizpour
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rais Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
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Papukashvili D, Rcheulishvili N, Liu C, Ji Y, He Y, Wang PG. Self-Amplifying RNA Approach for Protein Replacement Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12884. [PMID: 36361673 PMCID: PMC9655356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has already been successfully tested preclinically and there are ongoing clinical trials for protein replacement purposes; however, more effort has been put into the development of prevention strategies against infectious diseases. Apparently, mRNA vaccine approval against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a landmark for opening new opportunities for managing diverse health disorders based on this approach. Indeed, apart from infectious diseases, it has also been widely tested in numerous directions including cancer prevention and the treatment of inherited disorders. Interestingly, self-amplifying RNA (saRNA)-based technology is believed to display more developed RNA therapy compared with conventional mRNA technique in terms of its lower dosage requirements, relatively fewer side effects, and possessing long-lasting effects. Nevertheless, some challenges still exist that need to be overcome in order to achieve saRNA-based drug approval in clinics. Hence, the current review discusses the feasibility of saRNA utility for protein replacement therapy on various health disorders including rare hereditary diseases and also provides a detailed overview of saRNA advantages, its molecular structure, mechanism of action, and relevant delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yunjiao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Peng George Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China
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McCafferty S, Haque AKMA, Vandierendonck A, Weidensee B, Plovyt M, Stuchlíková M, François N, Valembois S, Heyndrickx L, Michiels J, Ariën KK, Vandekerckhove L, Abdelnabi R, Foo CS, Neyts J, Sahu I, Sanders NN. A dual-antigen self-amplifying RNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induces potent humoral and cellular immune responses and protects against SARS-CoV-2 variants through T cell-mediated immunity. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2968-2983. [PMID: 35450821 PMCID: PMC9020838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-amplifying RNA vaccines may induce equivalent or more potent immune responses at lower doses compared to non-replicating mRNA vaccines via amplified antigen expression. In this paper, we demonstrate that 1 μg of an LNP-formulated dual-antigen self-amplifying RNA vaccine (ZIP1642), encoding both the S-RBD and N antigen, elicits considerably higher neutralizing antibody titers against Wuhan-like Beta B.1.351 and Delta B.1.617.2 SARS-CoV-2 variants compared to those of convalescent patients. In addition, ZIP1642 vaccination in mice expanded both S- and N-specific CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells and caused a Th1 shifted cytokine response. We demonstrate that the induction of such dual antigen-targeted cell-mediated immune response may provide better protection against variants displaying highly mutated Spike proteins, as infectious viral loads of both Wuhan-like and Beta variants were decreased after challenge of ZIP1642 vaccinated hamsters. Supported by these results, we encourage redirecting focus toward the induction of multiple antigen-targeted cell-mediated immunity in addition to neutralizing antibody responses to bypass waning antibody responses and attenuate infectious breakthrough and disease severity of future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean McCafferty
- Ziphius Vaccines NV, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nathalie François
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Michiels
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Linos Vandekerckhove
- HIV Cure and Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rana Abdelnabi
- University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caroline S Foo
- University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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34
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Gu Y, Duan J, Yang N, Yang Y, Zhao X. mRNA vaccines in the prevention and treatment of diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e167. [PMID: 36033422 PMCID: PMC9409637 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines made their successful public debut in the effort against the COVID-19 outbreak starting in late 2019, although the history of mRNA vaccines can be traced back decades. This review provides an overview to discuss the historical course and present situation of mRNA vaccine development in addition to some basic concepts that underly mRNA vaccines. We discuss the general preparation and manufacturing of mRNA vaccines and also discuss the scientific advances in the in vivo delivery system and evaluate popular approaches (i.e., lipid nanoparticle and protamine) in detail. Next, we highlight the clinical value of mRNA vaccines as potent candidates for therapeutic treatment and discuss clinical progress in the treatment of cancer and coronavirus disease 2019. Data suggest that mRNA vaccines, with several prominent advantages, have achieved encouraging results and increasing attention due to tremendous potential in disease management. Finally, we suggest some potential directions worthy of further investigation and optimization. In addition to basic research, studies that help to facilitate storage and transportation will be indispensable for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhuo Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
| | - Jiangyao Duan
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Na Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Xing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan University; Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduChina
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center/School of Basic Medical SciencesGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
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35
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Zarębska-Michaluk D, Hu C, Brzdęk M, Flisiak R, Rzymski P. COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Strategies for Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant: Effectiveness and Future Prospects. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081223. [PMID: 36016111 PMCID: PMC9412973 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the light of the lack of authorized COVID-19 vaccines adapted to the Omicron variant lineage, the administration of the first and second booster dose is recommended. It remains important to monitor the efficacy of such an approach in order to inform future preventive strategies. The present paper summarizes the research progress on the effectiveness of the first and second booster doses of COVID-19. It also discusses the potential approach in vaccination strategies that could be undertaken to maintain high levels of protection during the waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Although this approach can be based, with some shortcomings, on the first-generation vaccines, other vaccination strategies should be explored, including developing multiple antigen-based (multivariant-adapted) booster doses with enhanced durability of immune protection, e.g., through optimization of the half-life of generated antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland; (D.Z.-M.); (M.B.)
| | - Chenlin Hu
- College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
| | - Michał Brzdęk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland; (D.Z.-M.); (M.B.)
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-540 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznań, Poland
- Correspondence:
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36
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Deviatkin AA, Simonov RA, Trutneva KA, Maznina AA, Khavina EM, Volchkov PY. Universal Flu mRNA Vaccine: Promises, Prospects, and Problems. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050709. [PMID: 35632465 PMCID: PMC9145388 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The seasonal flu vaccine is, essentially, the only known way to prevent influenza epidemics. However, this approach has limited efficacy due to the high diversity of influenza viruses. Several techniques could potentially overcome this obstacle. A recent first-in-human study of a chimeric hemagglutinin-based universal influenza virus vaccine demonstrated promising results. The coronavirus pandemic triggered the development of fundamentally new vaccine platforms that have demonstrated their effectiveness in humans. Currently, there are around a dozen messenger RNA and self-amplifying RNA flu vaccines in clinical or preclinical trials. However, the applicability of novel approaches for a universal influenza vaccine creation remains unclear. The current review aims to cover the current state of this problem and to suggest future directions for RNA-based flu vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A. Deviatkin
- The National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, 117036 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.D.); (K.A.T.)
- Genome Engineering Lab, Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia; (R.A.S.); (A.A.M.); (E.M.K.)
| | - Ruslan A. Simonov
- Genome Engineering Lab, Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia; (R.A.S.); (A.A.M.); (E.M.K.)
| | - Kseniya A. Trutneva
- The National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, 117036 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.D.); (K.A.T.)
- Genome Engineering Lab, Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia; (R.A.S.); (A.A.M.); (E.M.K.)
| | - Anna A. Maznina
- Genome Engineering Lab, Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia; (R.A.S.); (A.A.M.); (E.M.K.)
| | - Elena M. Khavina
- Genome Engineering Lab, Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia; (R.A.S.); (A.A.M.); (E.M.K.)
| | - Pavel Y. Volchkov
- The National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, 117036 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.D.); (K.A.T.)
- Genome Engineering Lab, Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), 141700 Dolgoprudniy, Russia; (R.A.S.); (A.A.M.); (E.M.K.)
- Correspondence:
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37
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Rzymski P, Pazgan-Simon M, Kamerys J, Moniuszko-Malinowska A, Sikorska K, Wernik J, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Supronowicz Ł, Sobala-Szczygieł B, Skrzat-Klapaczyńska A, Simon K, Piekarska A, Czupryna P, Pawłowska M, Brzdęk M, Jaroszewicz J, Kowalska J, Renke M, Flisiak R. Severe Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases during Six Months of Delta Variant (B.1.617.2) Domination in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:557. [PMID: 35455306 PMCID: PMC9025315 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a highly transmissible and a more pathogenic B.1.617.2 (delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2 has brought concern over COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and the increased risk of severe breakthrough infections. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and the clinical characteristics of severe breakthrough COVID-19 cases recorded in 10 Polish healthcare units between 1 June and 31 December 2021, a period during which a rapid surge in the share of B.1.617.2 infections was seen, while a significant number of populations were already fully vaccinated. Overall, 723 individuals who completed the initial vaccination regime (fully vaccinated group) and an additional 18 who received a booster dose were identified—together, they represented 20.8% of all the COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the same period in the same healthcare institutions (0.5% in the case of a group that received a booster dose). Although laboratory and clinical parameters did not differ between both groups, patients who received a booster tended to have lower CRP, IL-6, PCT, and d-dimer levels and they required oxygen therapy less frequently. The most common early COVID-19 symptoms in the studied group were fatigue, cough, fever (>38 °C), and dyspnea. Individuals with no detectable anti-spike IgG antibodies constituted 13%; the odds of being a humoral non-responder to the vaccine were increased in patients aged >70 years. Fully vaccinated patients hospitalized after more than 180 days from the last vaccine dose were significantly older and they were predominantly represented by individuals over 70 years and with comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease. Contrary to mRNA vaccines, most patients vaccinated with adenoviral vector vaccines were infected within six months. A total of 102 fatal cases (14% of all deaths among vaccinated individuals; 0.7% in the case of a group that received a booster dose) were recorded, representing 17.6% of all the COVID-19 fatalities recorded in June−December 2021 in the considered healthcare units. The odds of death were significantly increased in men, individuals aged >70 years, patients with comorbidities, and those identified as humoral non-responders to vaccination; in fully vaccinated patients the odds were also increased when the second vaccine dose was given >180 days before the first COVID-19 symptoms. The mortality rate in immunocompromised subjects was 19%. The results indicate that compared to vaccinated individuals, severe COVID-19 and deaths in the unvaccinated group were significantly more prevalent during the B.1.617.2-dominated wave in Poland; and, it highlight the protective role of a booster dose, particularly for more vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Pazgan-Simon
- 1st Infectious Diseases Ward, Gromkowski Regional Specialist Hospital, 50-149 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wrocław Medical University, 51-149 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Juliusz Kamerys
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-549 Łódź, Poland; (J.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (P.C.)
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Joanna Wernik
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (J.W.); (M.P.)
| | - Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland; (D.Z.-M.); (M.B.)
| | - Łukasz Supronowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (Ł.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Barbara Sobala-Szczygieł
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (B.S.-S.); (J.J.)
| | - Agata Skrzat-Klapaczyńska
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-K.); (J.K.)
| | - Krzysztof Simon
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wrocław Medical University, 51-149 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Anna Piekarska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-549 Łódź, Poland; (J.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (P.C.)
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; (J.W.); (M.P.)
| | - Michał Brzdęk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland; (D.Z.-M.); (M.B.)
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (B.S.-S.); (J.J.)
| | - Justyna Kowalska
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.-K.); (J.K.)
| | - Marcin Renke
- Division of Occupational, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland;
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland; (Ł.S.); (R.F.)
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