1
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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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2
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Elwakeel A, Bridgewater HE, Bennett J. Unlocking Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine Efficacy through Genetic Modulation-How Soon Is Now? Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2118. [PMID: 38136940 PMCID: PMC10743214 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122118] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The dendritic cell (DC) vaccine anti-cancer strategy involves tumour-associated antigen loading and maturation of autologous ex vivo cultured DCs, followed by infusion into the cancer patient. This strategy stemmed from the idea that to induce a robust anti-tumour immune response, it was necessary to bypass the fundamental immunosuppressive mechanisms of the tumour microenvironment that dampen down endogenous innate immune cell activation and enable tumours to evade immune attack. Even though the feasibility and safety of DC vaccines have long been confirmed, clinical response rates remain disappointing. Hence, the full potential of DC vaccines has yet to be reached. Whether this cellular-based vaccination approach will fully realise its position in the immunotherapy arsenal is yet to be determined. Attempts to increase DC vaccine immunogenicity will depend on increasing our understanding of DC biology and the signalling pathways involved in antigen uptake, maturation, migration, and T lymphocyte priming to identify amenable molecular targets to improve DC vaccine performance. This review evaluates various genetic engineering strategies that have been employed to optimise and boost the efficacy of DC vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elwakeel
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK; (A.E.); (H.E.B.)
| | - Hannah E. Bridgewater
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK; (A.E.); (H.E.B.)
| | - Jason Bennett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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3
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Xie C, Yao R, Xia X. The advances of adjuvants in mRNA vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:162. [PMID: 37884526 PMCID: PMC10603121 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00760-5] [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] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The remarkable success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has propelled the rapid development of this vaccination technology in recent years. Over the last three decades, numerous studies have shown the considerable potential of mRNA vaccines that elicit protective immune responses against pathogens or cancers in preclinical studies or clinical trials. These effective mRNA vaccines usually contain specific adjuvants to obtain the desired immune effect. Vaccine adjuvants traditionally are immunopotentiators that bind to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of innate immune cells to increase the magnitude or achieve qualitative alteration of immune responses, finally enhancing the efficacy of vaccines. Generally, adjuvants are necessary parts of competent vaccines. According to the existing literature, adjuvants in mRNA vaccines can be broadly classified into three categories: 1) RNA with self-adjuvant characteristics, 2) components of the delivery system, and 3) exogenous immunostimulants. This review summarizes the three types of adjuvants used in mRNA vaccines and provides a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms by which adjuvants exert their functions in mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ruhui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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4
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Muslimov A, Tereshchenko V, Shevyrev D, Rogova A, Lepik K, Reshetnikov V, Ivanov R. The Dual Role of the Innate Immune System in the Effectiveness of mRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14820. [PMID: 37834268 PMCID: PMC10573212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic. The concept of nucleic acid therapy with mRNA originated in 1990 when Wolff et al. reported successful expression of proteins in target organs by direct injection of either plasmid DNA or mRNA. It took decades to bring the transfection efficiency of mRNA closer to that of DNA. The next few decades were dedicated to turning in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA from a promising delivery tool for gene therapy into a full-blown therapeutic modality, which changed the biotech market rapidly. Hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway using mRNA for prophylaxis and therapy of infectious diseases and cancers, in regenerative medicine, and genome editing. The potential of IVT mRNA to induce an innate immune response favors its use for vaccination and immunotherapy. Nonetheless, in non-immunotherapy applications, the intrinsic immunostimulatory activity of mRNA directly hinders the desired therapeutic effect since it can seriously impair the target protein expression. Targeting the same innate immune factors can increase the effectiveness of mRNA therapeutics for some indications and decrease it for others, and vice versa. The review aims to present the innate immunity-related 'barriers' or 'springboards' that may affect the development of immunotherapies and non-immunotherapy applications of mRNA medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Muslimov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Daniil Shevyrev
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Anna Rogova
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Saint-Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University, Professora Popova 14, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
- School of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, Lomonosova 9, 191002 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
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5
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Lee KW, Yam JWP, Mao X. Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A Shift from Conventional Approach to New Generations. Cells 2023; 12:2147. [PMID: 37681880 PMCID: PMC10486560 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the emerging era of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and adoptive cell transfer therapies (ACTs) have gained significant attention. However, their therapeutic efficacies are limited due to the presence of cold type tumors, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and immune-related side effects. On the other hand, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have been suggested as a new cancer immunotherapy regimen that can address the limitations encountered by ICBs and ACTs. Despite the success of the first generation of DC-based vaccines, represented by the first FDA-approved DC-based therapeutic cancer vaccine Provenge, several challenges remain unsolved. Therefore, new DC vaccine strategies have been actively investigated. This review addresses the limitations of the currently most adopted classical DC vaccine and evaluates new generations of DC vaccines in detail, including biomaterial-based, immunogenic cell death-inducing, mRNA-pulsed, DC small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-based, and tumor sEV-based DC vaccines. These innovative DC vaccines are envisioned to provide a significant breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy landscape and are expected to be supported by further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Won Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
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6
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Schunke J, Mailänder V, Landfester K, Fichter M. Delivery of Immunostimulatory Cargos in Nanocarriers Enhances Anti-Tumoral Nanovaccine Efficacy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12174. [PMID: 37569548 PMCID: PMC10419017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512174] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding a long-term cure for tumor patients still represents a major challenge. Immunotherapies offer promising therapy options, since they are designed to specifically prime the immune system against the tumor and modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Using nucleic-acid-based vaccines or cellular vaccines often does not achieve sufficient activation of the immune system in clinical trials. Additionally, the rapid degradation of drugs and their non-specific uptake into tissues and cells as well as their severe side effects pose a challenge. The encapsulation of immunomodulatory molecules into nanocarriers provides the opportunity of protected cargo transport and targeted uptake by antigen-presenting cells. In addition, different immunomodulatory cargos can be co-delivered, which enables versatile stimulation of the immune system, enhances anti-tumor immune responses and improves the toxicity profile of conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Schunke
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Volker Mailänder
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Fichter
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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7
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Zhang Y, Lu L, Song F, Zou X, Liu Y, Zheng X, Qian J, Gu C, Huang P, Yang Y. Research progress on non-protein-targeted drugs for cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:62. [PMID: 36918935 PMCID: PMC10011800 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02635-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-protein target drugs, especially RNA-based gene therapies for treating hereditary diseases, have been recognized worldwide. As cancer is an insurmountable challenge, no miracle drug is currently available. With the advancements in the field of biopharmaceuticals, research on cancer therapy has gradually focused on non-protein target-targeted drugs, especially RNA therapeutics, including oligonucleotide drugs and mRNA vaccines. This review mainly summarizes the clinical research progress in RNA therapeutics and highlights that appropriate target selection and optimized delivery vehicles are key factors in increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatment in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Feifeng Song
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zou
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yujia Liu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinjun Qian
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chunyan Gu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China. .,Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Ye Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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8
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de Mey W, Locy H, De Ridder K, De Schrijver P, Autaers D, Lakdimi A, Esprit A, Franceschini L, Thielemans K, Verdonck M, Breckpot K. An mRNA mix redirects dendritic cells towards an antiviral program, inducing anticancer cytotoxic stem cell and central memory CD8 + T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111523. [PMID: 36860873 PMCID: PMC9969480 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111523] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-maturation stimuli determine the potency of these antigen-presenting cells and, therefore, the quality of the T-cell response. Here we describe that the maturation of DCs via TriMix mRNA, encoding CD40 ligand, a constitutively active variant of toll-like receptor 4 and the co-stimulatory molecule CD70, enables an antibacterial transcriptional program. Besides, we further show that the DCs are redirected into an antiviral transcriptional program when CD70 mRNA in TriMix is replaced with mRNA encoding interferon-gamma and a decoy interleukin-10 receptor alpha, forming a four-component mixture referred to as TetraMix mRNA. The resulting TetraMixDCs show a high potential to induce tumor antigen-specific T cells within bulk CD8+ T cells. Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) are emerging and attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy. As T-cell receptors recognizing TSAs are predominantly present on naive CD8+ T cells (TN), we further addressed the activation of tumor antigen-specific T cells when CD8+ TN cells are stimulated by TriMixDCs or TetraMixDCs. In both conditions, the stimulation resulted in a shift from CD8+ TN cells into tumor antigen-specific stem cell-like memory, effector memory and central memory T cells with cytotoxic capacity. These findings suggest that TetraMix mRNA, and the antiviral maturation program it induces in DCs, triggers an antitumor immune reaction in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirsten De Ridder
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Phaedra De Schrijver
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dorien Autaers
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Asma Lakdimi
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Esprit
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Aljabali AAA, Bashatwah RM, Obeid MA, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Serrano-Aroca Á, Lundstrom K, Tambuwala MM. Current state of, prospects for, and obstacles to mRNA vaccine development. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103458. [PMID: 36427779 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Given their superior efficacy, rapid engineering, low-cost manufacturing, and safe delivery prospects, mRNA vaccines offer an intriguing alternative to conventional vaccination technologies. Several mRNA vaccine platforms targeting infectious diseases and various types of cancer have exhibited beneficial results both in vivo and in vitro. Issues related to mRNA stability and immunogenicity have been addressed. Current mRNA vaccines can generate robust immune responses, without being constrained by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype of the recipient. Given that mRNA vaccinations are the only transient genetic information carriers, they are also safe. In this review, we provide an update and overview on mRNA vaccines, including their current state, and the problems that have prevented them from being used in more general therapeutic ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan.
| | - Rasha M Bashatwah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A Obeid
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan.
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials & Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | | | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
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10
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Valenza C, Rizzo G, Passalacqua MI, Boldrini L, Corti C, Trapani D, Curigliano G. Evolving treatment landscape of immunotherapy in breast cancer: current issues and future perspectives. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359221146129. [PMID: 36743524 PMCID: PMC9893403 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221146129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) deeply changed the treatment landscape of breast cancer (BC). In particular, anti-programmed-death (ligand) 1 antibodies were approved for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), both in first line for metastatic disease and in neoadjuvant setting, on the basis of a demonstrated improvement of the survival outcomes. In light of these results, current clinical trials aim at improving this benefit investigating novel combinations and strategies, at exploring the role of ICIs beyond TNBC, and at better selecting the patients in order to spare non-responders from avoidable toxicities. This narrative review aims at summarizing and discussing the evolving landscape of immunotherapeutic treatments for BC, highlighting the current challenges and the future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Valenza
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milano
| | - Graziella Rizzo
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Ilenia Passalacqua
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy,Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Boldrini
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milano
| | - Chiara Corti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milano
| | - Dario Trapani
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milano
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11
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Gilboa E, Boczkowski D, Nair SK. The Quest for mRNA Vaccines. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:449-456. [PMID: 36346283 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 is nothing short of a medical revolution. Given its chemical lability the use of mRNA as a therapeutic has been counterintuitive and met with skepticism. The development of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines was the culmination of long and painstaking efforts by many investigators spanning over 30 years and culminating with the seminal studies of Kariko and Weissman. This review will describe one chapter in this saga, studies that have shown that mRNA can function as a therapeutic. It started with our seminal observation that dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with mRNA in vitro administered to mice inhibits tumor growth, and led to first-in-human clinical trials with mRNA vaccines in cancer patients. The clinical development of this patient-specific DCs-mRNA approach and use on a larger scale was hindered by the challenges associated with personalized cell therapies. Confirmed and extended by many investigators, these studies did serve as impetus and motivation that led scientists to persevere, eventually leading to the development of simple, broadly applicable, and highly effective protocols of directly injecting mRNA into patients, culminating in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - David Boczkowski
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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12
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De Mey W, Esprit A, Thielemans K, Breckpot K, Franceschini L. RNA in Cancer Immunotherapy: Unlocking the Potential of the Immune System. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3929-3939. [PMID: 35583609 PMCID: PMC9475240 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the manufacturing, modification, purification, and cellular delivery of ribonucleic acid (RNA) have enabled the development of RNA-based therapeutics for a broad array of applications. The approval of two SARS-CoV-2-targeting mRNA-based vaccines has highlighted the advances of this technology. Offering rapid and straightforward manufacturing, clinical safety, and versatility, this paves the way for RNA therapeutics to expand into cancer immunotherapy. Together with ongoing trials on RNA cancer vaccination and cellular therapy, RNA therapeutics could be introduced into clinical practice, possibly stewarding future personalized approaches. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in RNA-based immuno-oncology together with an update on ongoing clinical applications and their current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout De Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Esprit
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Corresponding Author: Karine Breckpot, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: 32-2-477-45-66; E-mail:
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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de Mey W, De Schrijver P, Autaers D, Pfitzer L, Fant B, Locy H, Esprit A, Lybaert L, Bogaert C, Verdonck M, Thielemans K, Breckpot K, Franceschini L. A synthetic DNA template for fast manufacturing of versatile single epitope mRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:943-954. [PMID: 36159589 PMCID: PMC9464653 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A flexible, affordable, and rapid vaccine platform is necessary to unlock the potential of personalized cancer vaccines in order to achieve full clinical efficiency. mRNA cancer vaccine manufacture relies on the rigid sequence design of multiepitope constructs produced by laborious bacterial cloning and time-consuming plasmid preparation. Here, we introduce a synthetic DNA template (SDT) assembly process, which allows cost- and time-efficient manufacturing of single (neo)epitope mRNA. We benchmarked SDT-derived mRNA against mRNA derived from a plasmid DNA template (PDT), showing that monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) electroporated with SDT-mRNA or PDT-mRNA, encoding HLA-I- or HLA-II-restricted (neo)epitopes, equally activated T cells that were modified to express the cognate T cell receptors. Furthermore, we validated the SDT-mRNA platform for neoepitope immunogenicity screening using the characterized HLA-A2-restricted neoepitope DHX40B and four new candidate HLA-A2-restricted melanoma neoepitopes. Finally, we compared SDT-mRNA with PDT-mRNA for vaccine development purposes. moDCs electroporated with mRNA encoding the HLA-A2-restricted, mutated Melan-A/Mart-1 epitope together with TriMix mRNA-generated high levels of functional Melan-A/Mart-1-specific CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, SDT single epitope mRNA can be manufactured in a more flexible, cost-efficient, and time-efficient way compared with PDT-mRNA, allowing prompt neoepitope immunogenicity screening, and might be exploited for the development of personalized cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Phaedra De Schrijver
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dorien Autaers
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lena Pfitzer
- myNEO, Ottergemsesteenweg-Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Fant
- myNEO, Ottergemsesteenweg-Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanne Locy
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Esprit
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lien Lybaert
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- myNEO, Ottergemsesteenweg-Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Magali Verdonck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Franceschini
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Corresponding author Lorenzo Franceschini, Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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14
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Bevers S, Kooijmans SAA, Van de Velde E, Evers MJW, Seghers S, Gitz-Francois JJJM, van Kronenburg NCH, Fens MHAM, Mastrobattista E, Hassler L, Sork H, Lehto T, Ahmed KE, El Andaloussi S, Fiedler K, Breckpot K, Maes M, Van Hoorick D, Bastogne T, Schiffelers RM, De Koker S. mRNA-LNP vaccines tuned for systemic immunization induce strong antitumor immunity by engaging splenic immune cells. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3078-3094. [PMID: 35821637 PMCID: PMC9273295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have recently proven to be highly effective against SARS-CoV-2. Key to their success is the lipid-based nanoparticle (LNP), which enables efficient mRNA expression and endows the vaccine with adjuvant properties that drive potent antibody responses. Effective cancer vaccines require long-lived, qualitative CD8 T cell responses instead of antibody responses. Systemic vaccination appears to be the most effective route, but necessitates adaptation of LNP composition to deliver mRNA to antigen presenting cells. Using a design-of-experiments methodology, we tailored mRNA-LNP compositions to achieve high magnitude tumor-specific CD8 T cell responses within a single round of optimization. Optimized LNP compositions resulted in enhanced mRNA uptake by multiple splenic immune cell populations. Type I interferon and phagocytes were found essential for the T cell response. Surprisingly, we also discovered a yet unidentified role of B cells in stimulating the vaccine-elicited CD8 T cell response. Optimized LNPs displayed a similar, spleen-centered biodistribution profile in non-human primates and did not trigger histopathological changes in liver and spleen, warranting their further assessment in clinical studies. Taken together, our study clarifies the relationship between nanoparticle composition and their T cell stimulatory capacity and provides novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of effective mRNA-LNP based antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Bevers
- eTheRNA Immunotherapies, 2845 Niel, Belgium; Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Free University of Brussels, 1090 Jette, Belgium
| | - Sander A A Kooijmans
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martijn J W Evers
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nicky C H van Kronenburg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel H A M Fens
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Helena Sork
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Taavi Lehto
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinksa Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kariem E Ahmed
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinksa Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinksa Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Free University of Brussels, 1090 Jette, Belgium
| | | | | | - Thierry Bastogne
- CYBERnano, 54000 Nancy, France; CRAN, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INRIA BIGS, 54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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15
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Gómez-Aguado I, Rodríguez-Castejón J, Beraza-Millor M, Rodríguez-Gascón A, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Solinís MÁ. mRNA delivery technologies: Toward clinical translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 372:207-293. [PMID: 36064265 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-therapies have recently taken a huge step toward clinic thanks to the first mRNA-based medicinal products marketed. mRNA features for clinical purposes are improved by chemical modifications, but the inclusion in a delivery system is a regular requirement. mRNA nanomedicines must be designed for the specific therapeutic purpose, protecting the nucleic acid and facilitating the overcoming of biological barriers. Polymers, polypeptides, and cationic lipids are the main used materials to design mRNA delivery systems. Among them, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most advanced ones, and currently they are at the forefront of preclinical and clinical evaluation in several fields, including immunotherapy (against infectious diseases and cancer), protein replacement, gene editing and regenerative medicine. This chapter includes an overview on mRNA delivery technologies, with special interest in LNPs, and the most recent advances in their clinical application. Liposomes are the mRNA delivery technology with the highest clinical translation among LNPs, whereas the first clinical trial of a therapeutic mRNA formulated in exosomes has been recently approved for protein replacement therapy. The first mRNA products approved by the regulatory agencies worldwide are LNP-based mRNA vaccines against viral infections, specifically against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The clinical translation of mRNA-therapies for cancer is mainly focused on three strategies: anti-cancer vaccination by means of delivering cancer antigens or acting as an adjuvant, mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs), and expression of antibodies and immunomodulators. Cancer immunotherapy and, more recently, COVID-19 vaccines spearhead the advance of mRNA clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Gómez-Aguado
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Julen Rodríguez-Castejón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marina Beraza-Millor
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Antimicrobial Agents, and Gene Therapy, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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16
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Kaur A, Baldwin J, Brar D, Salunke DB, Petrovsky N. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists as a driving force behind next-generation vaccine adjuvants and cancer therapeutics. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 70:102172. [PMID: 35785601 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, the development of new human adjuvants was held back by a poor understanding of their mechanisms of action. The field was revolutionized by the discovery of the toll-like receptors (TLRs), innate immune receptors that directly or indirectly are responsible for detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and respond to them by activating innate and adaptive immune pathways. Hundreds of ligands targeting various TLRs have since been identified and characterized as vaccine adjuvants. This work has important implications not only for the development of vaccines against infectious diseases but also for immuno-therapies against cancer, allergy, Alzheimer's disease, drug addiction and other diseases. Each TLR has its own specific tissue localization and downstream gene signalling pathways, providing researchers the opportunity to precisely tailor adjuvants with specific immune effects. TLR agonists can be combined with other TLR or alternative adjuvants to create combination adjuvants with synergistic or modulatory effects. This review provides an introduction to the various classes of TLR adjuvants and their respective signalling pathways. It provides an overview of recent advancements in the TLR field in the past 2-3 years and discusses criteria for selecting specific TLR adjuvants based on considerations, such as disease mechanisms and correlates of protection, TLR immune biasing capabilities, route of administration, antigen compatibility, new vaccine technology platforms, and age- and species-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshpreet Kaur
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; National Interdisciplinary Centre of Vaccines, Immunotherapeutics and Antimicrobials, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Deshkanwar Brar
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; National Interdisciplinary Centre of Vaccines, Immunotherapeutics and Antimicrobials, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Deepak B Salunke
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; National Interdisciplinary Centre of Vaccines, Immunotherapeutics and Antimicrobials, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., Bedford Park, Adelaide 5042, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia.
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17
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Giugliano F, Valenza C, Tarantino P, Curigliano G. Immunotherapy for triple negative breast cancer: How can pathologic responses to experimental drugs in early-stage disease be enhanced? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:855-874. [PMID: 35762248 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2095260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : The treatment landscape of early triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has recently expanded after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of pembrolizumab in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The addition of this immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has shown to significantly increased pathological complete response (pCR) rate and event free survival (EFS) in the KEYNOTE-522 phase 3 trial. Several additional studies are ongoing with the goal of further improving outcomes and achieving an optimal integration of ICIs in the treatment of TNBC. AREAS COVERED : The article examines pCR and survival rates in TNBC. It appraises clinical trials investigating neoadjuvant ICIs for TNBC and the improvement of pCR rates (biomarker-driven escalation of treatment, optimization of chemotherapy backbone and addition of locoregional treatments or innovative agents). Insights on the role of pCR as surrogate endpoint and the possibility of enhancing pCR rates for women affected by early TNBC are offered. EXPERT OPINION : The pharmacopoeia of early TNBC is growing and becoming more heterogeneous with the advent of ICIs; to enhance the clinical benefit of patients, it is necessary to develop response endpoints that consider the mechanism of action of experimental drugs, to optimize patient selection through validated biomarkers, and to compare the most promising treatment strategies in randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giugliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine Valenza
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Tarantino
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Breast Oncology Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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18
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Qureischi M, Mohr J, Arellano-Viera E, Knudsen SE, Vohidov F, Garitano-Trojaola A. mRNA-based therapies: Preclinical and clinical applications. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 372:1-54. [PMID: 36064262 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
At the fundamental level, messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics involves the delivery of in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA into the cytoplasm of a target cell, where it is translated into the desired protein. IVT mRNA presents various advantages compared to DNA and recombinant protein-based approaches that make it ideal for a broad range of therapeutic applications. IVT mRNA, which is translated in the cytoplasm after transfection into cells, can encode virtually any target protein. Notably, it does not enter the nucleus, which avoids its integration into the genome and the risk of insertional mutagenesis. The large-scale production of IVT mRNA is less complex than production of recombinant proteins, and Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant mRNA production is easily scalable, ideally poising mRNA for not only off-the-shelf, but more personalized treatment approaches. IVT mRNA's safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, including its inherent immunostimulatory capacity, can be optimized for different therapeutic applications by harnessing a wide array of optimized sequence elements, chemical modifications, purification techniques, and delivery methods. The value of IVT mRNA was recently proved during the COVID-19 pandemic when mRNA-based vaccines outperformed the efficacy of established technologies, and millions of doses were rapidly deployed. In this review, we will discuss chemical modifications of IVT mRNA and highlight numerous preclinical and clinical applications including vaccines for cancer and infectious diseases, cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement, gene editing, and cell reprogramming.
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Qin S, Tang X, Chen Y, Chen K, Fan N, Xiao W, Zheng Q, Li G, Teng Y, Wu M, Song X. mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:166. [PMID: 35597779 PMCID: PMC9123296 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of messenger RNA (mRNA) has fueled great hope to combat a wide range of incurable diseases. Recent rapid advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine have enabled the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body by introducing mRNA as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. This represents a rising precision medicine field with great promise for preventing and treating many intractable or genetic diseases. In addition, in vitro transcribed mRNA has achieved programmed production, which is more effective, faster in design and production, as well as more flexible and cost-effective than conventional approaches that may offer. Based on these extraordinary advantages, mRNA vaccines have the characteristics of the swiftest response to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as the currently devastating pandemic COVID-19. It has always been the scientists’ desire to improve the stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery system to achieve efficient and safe delivery of mRNA. Excitingly, these scientific dreams have gradually been realized with the rapid, amazing achievements of molecular biology, RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we comprehensively describe mRNA-based therapeutics, including their principles, manufacture, application, effects, and shortcomings. We also highlight the importance of mRNA optimization and delivery systems in successful mRNA therapeutics and discuss the key challenges and opportunities in developing these tools into powerful and versatile tools to combat many genetic, infectious, cancer, and other refractory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kepan Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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20
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He Q, Gao H, Tan D, Zhang H, Wang JZ. mRNA cancer vaccines: Advances, trends and challenges. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2969-2989. [PMID: 35345451 PMCID: PMC8942458 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients exhibit good tolerance to messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, and the choice of encoded molecules is flexible and diverse. These vaccines can be engineered to express full-length antigens containing multiple epitopes without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction, are relatively easy to control and can be rapidly mass produced. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, which has generated enthusiasm for mRNA vaccine research and development. Based on the above characteristics and the development of mRNA vaccines, mRNA cancer vaccines have become a research hotspot and have undergone rapid development, especially in the last five years. This review analyzes the advances in mRNA cancer vaccines from various perspectives, including the selection and expression of antigens/targets, the application of vectors and adjuvants, different administration routes, and preclinical evaluation, to reflect the trends and challenges associated with these vaccines.
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21
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Zeng C, Zhang C, Walker PG, Dong Y. Formulation and Delivery Technologies for mRNA Vaccines. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:71-110. [PMID: 32483657 PMCID: PMC8195316 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have become a versatile technology for the prevention of infectious diseases and the treatment of cancers. In the vaccination process, mRNA formulation and delivery strategies facilitate effective expression and presentation of antigens, and immune stimulation. mRNA vaccines have been delivered in various formats: encapsulation by delivery carriers, such as lipid nanoparticles, polymers, peptides, free mRNA in solution, and ex vivo through dendritic cells. Appropriate delivery materials and formulation methods often boost the vaccine efficacy which is also influenced by the selection of a proper administration route. Co-delivery of multiple mRNAs enables synergistic effects and further enhances immunity in some cases. In this chapter, we overview the recent progress and existing challenges in the formulation and delivery technologies of mRNA vaccines with perspectives for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Zeng
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chengxiang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Patrick G Walker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA. .,The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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22
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Vaccine-Based Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236041. [PMID: 34885150 PMCID: PMC8656843 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Therapeutic vaccines are given to patients with cancer, as opposed to prophylactic vaccines given to a healthy population. The challenge for therapeutic oncological vaccines is to stimulate an immune T cell response against endogenous (or derived) antigens that is sufficiently potent to induce cytotoxic activity and broad enough to take tumor heterogeneity into account. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of the prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines that target viral or non-viral antigens, particularly in head and neck cancers. Abstract In 2019, the FDA approved pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, for the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancers, despite only a limited number of patients benefiting from the treatment. Promising effects of therapeutic vaccination led the FDA to approve the use of the first therapeutic vaccine in prostate cancer in 2010. Research in the field of therapeutic vaccination, including possible synergistic effects with anti-PD(L)1 treatments, is evolving each year, and many vaccines are in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The aim of this review article is to discuss vaccines as a new therapeutic strategy, particularly in the field of head and neck cancers. Different vaccination technologies are discussed, as well as the results of the first clinical trials in HPV-positive, HPV-negative, and EBV-induced head and neck cancers.
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23
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Tarantino P, Antonarelli G, Ascione L, Curigliano G. Investigational immunomodulatory drugs for enhancement of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) immunotherapy: early phase development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:499-513. [PMID: 34569405 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1972968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy through the blockade of PD1-PDL1 axis has shown to improve outcomes in advanced and early triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). To further enhance immune-stimulation, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, a wide variety of next-generation immunotherapies (NGIO) is being developed for this disease. AREAS COVERED In the present article, we discuss the immune landscape of TNBC and recapitulate the rationale and available clinical evidence of NGIO under early phase development for TNBC, highlighting challenges and opportunities in this emerging field of research. EXPERT OPINION Multiple immunotherapeutic strategies beyond PD-(L)1 blockade have been tested for TNBC, including the targeting of further inhibitory checkpoints, the agonism of costimulatory molecules, the intratumoral administration of immunotherapies and cancer vaccines. Most of these strategies have demonstrated to be safe in early clinical trials, with some exhibiting early signs of antitumor activity. To optimally harness the potential of NGIO, a refined patient selection based on emerging immune biomarkers will be required, through an adaptation of immunotherapeutic strategies based on patient and tumor characteristics. More mature data from ongoing clinical trials, added to the progressively increasing knowledge on breast cancer immune landscape, will hopefully clarify the role of NGIO for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tarantino
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Antonarelli
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Liliana Ascione
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development and Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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24
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Bidram M, Zhao Y, Shebardina NG, Baldin AV, Bazhin AV, Ganjalikhany MR, Zamyatnin AA, Ganjalikhani-hakemi M. mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccines: A Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Melanoma Patients. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1060. [PMID: 34696168 PMCID: PMC8540049 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and the leading cause of death from skin tumors. Given the increased incidence of melanoma diagnoses in recent years, it is essential to develop effective treatments to control this disease. In this regard, the use of cancer vaccines to enhance cell-mediated immunity is considered to be one of the most modern immunotherapy options for cancer treatment. The most recent cancer vaccine options are mRNA vaccines, with a focus on their usage as modern treatments. Advantages of mRNA cancer vaccines include their rapid production and low manufacturing costs. mRNA-based vaccines are also able to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. In addition to the many advantages of mRNA vaccines for the treatment of cancer, their use is associated with a number of challenges. For this reason, before mRNA vaccines can be used for the treatment of cancer, comprehensive information about them is required and a large number of trials need to be conducted. Here, we reviewed the general features of mRNA vaccines, including their basis, stabilization, and delivery methods. We also covered clinical trials involving the use of mRNA vaccines in melanoma cancer and the challenges involved with this type of treatment. This review also emphasized the combination of treatment with mRNA vaccines with the use of immune-checkpoint blockers to enhance cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bidram
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran; (M.B.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (Y.Z.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Natalia G. Shebardina
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey V. Baldin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (Y.Z.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Mohamad Reza Ganjalikhany
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran; (M.B.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7X, UK
| | - Mazdak Ganjalikhani-hakemi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran
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25
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Usero L, Miralles L, Esteban I, Pastor-Quiñones C, Maleno MJ, Leal L, García F, Plana M. Feasibility of using monocyte-derived dendritic cells obtained from cryopreserved cells for DC-based vaccines. J Immunol Methods 2021; 498:113133. [PMID: 34480950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2021.113133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The study of the effect of cryopreservation on the functionality of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and dendritic cells (DCs) is essential for their use in different clinical applications such as DCs-based vaccines. Its full maturation and its optimal functionality are crucial for DCs based immunotherapy. In this study, we compared MDDCs derived from fresh and cryopreserved PBMCs in the aspects of phenotype and its effect on T cells at the level of proliferation and cytokine secretion. We pulsed MDDCs obtained from fresh and cryopreserved PBMCs with two different stimuli, CEF and SEA, and the expression maturation markers and cytokine secretion were analyzed. Our results showed that the cryopreservation had no effects in the phenotype of the MDDCs obtained, cell viability, maturation markers expression and/or cytokines secretion, independently whether MDDCs had been generated from fresh or cryopreserved PBMCs. Thus, this study suggests that the use of cryopreserved cells is a good method to keep the cells before use in immunotherapy, avoiding the variability within same individual due to severe blood draws. Even so, the interpretation and comparison of different results should be done considering the different cryopreservation techniques and assays, and their effects on PBMCs, specifically on MDDC and DC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Usero
- AIDS Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) - Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laia Miralles
- AIDS Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) - Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ignasi Esteban
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Maria José Maleno
- AIDS Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) - Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lorna Leal
- Infectious Diseases Service and AIDS Research Group, IDIBAPS - Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Felipe García
- Infectious Diseases Service and AIDS Research Group, IDIBAPS - Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Plana
- AIDS Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) - Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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26
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Salah A, Wang H, Li Y, Ji M, Ou WB, Qi N, Wu Y. Insights Into Dendritic Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy: From Bench to Clinical Applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:686544. [PMID: 34262904 PMCID: PMC8273339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.686544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are efficient antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and potent activators of naïve T cells. Therefore, they act as a connective ring between innate and adaptive immunity. DC subsets are heterogeneous in their ontogeny and functions. They have proven to potentially take up and process tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). In this regard, researchers have developed strategies such as genetically engineered or TAA-pulsed DC vaccines; these manipulated DCs have shown significant outcomes in clinical and preclinical models. Here, we review DC classification and address how DCs are skewed into an immunosuppressive phenotype in cancer patients. Additionally, we present the advancements in DCs as a platform for cancer immunotherapy, emphasizing the technologies used for in vivo targeting of endogenous DCs, ex vivo generated vaccines from peripheral blood monocytes, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived DCs (iPSC-DCs) to boost antitumoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Salah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China.,Hangzhou Biaomo Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.,Asia Stem Cell Therapies Co., Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Ji
- Hangzhou Biaomo Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nianmin Qi
- Hangzhou Biaomo Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.,Asia Stem Cell Therapies Co., Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuehong Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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27
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De Keersmaecker B, Claerhout S, Carrasco J, Bar I, Corthals J, Wilgenhof S, Neyns B, Thielemans K. TriMix and tumor antigen mRNA electroporated dendritic cell vaccination plus ipilimumab: link between T-cell activation and clinical responses in advanced melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000329. [PMID: 32114500 PMCID: PMC7057443 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously reported that dendritic cell-based mRNA vaccination plus ipilimumab (TriMixDC-MEL IPI) results in an encouraging rate of tumor responses in patients with pretreated advanced melanoma. Here, we report the TriMixDC-MEL IPI-induced T-cell responses detected in the peripheral blood. Methods Monocyte-derived dendritic cells electroporated with mRNA encoding CD70, CD40 ligand, and constitutively active TLR4 (TriMix) as well as the tumor-associated antigens tyrosinase, gp100, MAGE-A3, or MAGE-C2 were administered together with IPI for four cycles. For 18/39 patients, an additional vaccine was administered before the first IPI administration. We evaluated tumor-associated antigen specific T-cell responses in previously collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells, available from 15 patients. Results Vaccine-induced enzyme-linked immunospot assay responses detected after in vitro T-cell stimulation were shown in 12/15 patients. Immune responses detected in patients with a complete or partial response were significantly stronger and broader, and exhibited a higher degree of multifunctionality compared with responses in patients with stable or progressive disease. CD8+ T-cell responses from patients with an ongoing clinical response, either elicited by TriMixDC-MEL IPI or on subsequent pembrolizumab treatment, exhibited the highest degree of multifunctionality. Conclusions TriMixDC-MEL IPI treatment results in robust CD8+ T-cell responses in a meaningful portion of stage III or IV melanoma patients, and obviously in patients with a clinical response. The levels of polyfunctional and multiantigen T-cell responses measured in patients with a complete response, particularly in patients evidently cured after 5+ years of follow-up, may provide a benchmark for the level of immune stimulation needed to achieve a durable clinical remission. Trial registration number NCT01302496.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Javier Carrasco
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Institute of Pathology and Genetics, Grand Hopital de Charleroi, Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Bar
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Institute of Pathology and Genetics, Grand Hopital de Charleroi, Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Corthals
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Sofie Wilgenhof
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
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28
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Beck JD, Reidenbach D, Salomon N, Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Vormehr M, Kranz LM. mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:69. [PMID: 33858437 PMCID: PMC8047518 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA provides a template for the synthesis of any given protein, protein fragment or peptide and lends itself to a broad range of pharmaceutical applications, including different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. With the ease of rapid, large scale Good Manufacturing Practice-grade mRNA production, mRNA is ideally poised not only for off-the shelf cancer vaccines but also for personalized neoantigen vaccination. The ability to stimulate pattern recognition receptors and thus an anti-viral type of innate immune response equips mRNA-based vaccines with inherent adjuvanticity. Nucleoside modification and elimination of double-stranded RNA can reduce the immunomodulatory activity of mRNA and increase and prolong protein production. In combination with nanoparticle-based formulations that increase transfection efficiency and facilitate lymphatic system targeting, nucleoside-modified mRNA enables efficient delivery of cytokines, costimulatory receptors, or therapeutic antibodies. Steady but transient production of the encoded bioactive molecule from the mRNA template can improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety properties as compared to the respective recombinant proteins. This may be harnessed for applications that benefit from a higher level of expression control, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified adoptive T-cell therapies. This review highlights the advancements in the field of mRNA-based cancer therapeutics, providing insights into key preclinical developments and the evolving clinical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Reidenbach
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Lena M Kranz
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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29
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Heine A, Juranek S, Brossart P. Clinical and immunological effects of mRNA vaccines in malignant diseases. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:52. [PMID: 33722265 PMCID: PMC7957288 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01339-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed messenger RNA-based therapeutics represent a relatively novel and highly efficient class of drugs. Several recently published studies emphasize the potential efficacy of mRNA vaccines in treating different types of malignant and infectious diseases where conventional vaccine strategies and platforms fail to elicit protective immune responses. mRNA vaccines have lately raised high interest as potent vaccines against SARS-CoV2. Direct application of mRNA or its electroporation into dendritic cells was shown to induce polyclonal CD4+ and CD8+ mediated antigen-specific T cell responses as well as the production of protective antibodies with the ability to eliminate transformed or infected cells. More importantly, the vaccine composition may include two or more mRNAs coding for different proteins or long peptides. This enables the induction of polyclonal immune responses against a broad variety of epitopes within the encoded antigens that are presented on various MHC complexes, thus avoiding the restriction to a certain HLA molecule or possible immune escape due to antigen-loss. The development and design of mRNA therapies was recently boosted by several critical innovations including the development of technologies for the production and delivery of high quality and stable mRNA. Several technical obstacles such as stability, delivery and immunogenicity were addressed in the past and gradually solved in the recent years.This review will summarize the most recent technological developments and application of mRNA vaccines in clinical trials and discusses the results, challenges and future directions with a special focus on the induced innate and adaptive immune responses.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Humans
- Immunity
- Immunotherapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/pathology
- Neoplasms/etiology
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- RNA Stability
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Annkristin Heine
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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30
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Van Hoecke L, Verbeke R, Dewitte H, Lentacker I, Vermaelen K, Breckpot K, Van Lint S. mRNA in cancer immunotherapy: beyond a source of antigen. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:48. [PMID: 33658037 PMCID: PMC7926200 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have become the focus of molecular medicine research. Various mRNA applications have reached major milestones at high speed in the immuno-oncology field. This can be attributed to the knowledge that mRNA is one of nature's core building blocks carrying important information and can be considered as a powerful vector for delivery of therapeutic proteins to the patient.For a long time, the major focus in the use of in vitro transcribed mRNA was on development of cancer vaccines, using mRNA encoding tumor antigens to modify dendritic cells ex vivo. However, the versatility of mRNA and its many advantages have paved the path beyond this application. In addition, due to smart design of both the structural properties of the mRNA molecule as well as pharmaceutical formulations that improve its in vivo stability and selective targeting, the therapeutic potential of mRNA can be considered as endless.As a consequence, many novel immunotherapeutic strategies focus on the use of mRNA beyond its use as the source of tumor antigens. This review aims to summarize the state-of-the-art on these applications and to provide a rationale for their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Van Hoecke
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Lab for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heleen Dewitte
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Lab for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Lab for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karim Vermaelen
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Immuno-Oncology Network Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 MRB2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103 Building E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Immuno-Oncology Network Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 MRB2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
mRNA vaccines have become a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy. During vaccination, naked or vehicle loaded mRNA vaccines efficiently express tumor antigens in antigen-presenting cells (APCs), facilitate APC activation and innate/adaptive immune stimulation. mRNA cancer vaccine precedes other conventional vaccine platforms due to high potency, safe administration, rapid development potentials, and cost-effective manufacturing. However, mRNA vaccine applications have been limited by instability, innate immunogenicity, and inefficient in vivo delivery. Appropriate mRNA structure modifications (i.e., codon optimizations, nucleotide modifications, self-amplifying mRNAs, etc.) and formulation methods (i.e., lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, peptides, etc.) have been investigated to overcome these issues. Tuning the administration routes and co-delivery of multiple mRNA vaccines with other immunotherapeutic agents (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors) have further boosted the host anti-tumor immunity and increased the likelihood of tumor cell eradication. With the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of LNP-loaded mRNA vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 and the promising therapeutic outcomes of mRNA cancer vaccines achieved in several clinical trials against multiple aggressive solid tumors, we envision the rapid advancing of mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy in the near future. This review provides a detailed overview of the recent progress and existing challenges of mRNA cancer vaccines and future considerations of applying mRNA vaccine for cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Miao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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32
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De Lombaerde E, De Wever O, De Geest BG. Delivery routes matter: Safety and efficacy of intratumoral immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188526. [PMID: 33617921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many anticancer immunotherapeutic agents, including the monoclonal immune checkpoint blocking antibodies, toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines and immunostimulatory mRNA are commonly administrated by the intravenous route. Unfortunately, this route is prone to inducing, often life-threatening, side effects through accumulation of these immunotherapeutic agents at off-target tissues. Moreover, additional biological barriers need to be overcome before reaching the tumor microenvironment. By contrast, direct intratumoral injection allows for accomplishing local immune activation and multiple (pre)clinical studies have demonstrated decreased systemic toxicity, improved efficacy as well as abscopal effects. The approval of the oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) as first approved intratumoral oncolytic virotherapy has fueled the interest to study intensively other immunotherapeutic approaches in preclinical models as well as in clinical context. Moreover, it has been shown that intratumoral administration of immunostimulatory agents successfully synergizes with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Here we review the current state of the art in (pre)clinical intratumoral immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily De Lombaerde
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno G De Geest
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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33
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Luo J, Han X, Wei Y, Wei X. mRNA vaccine: a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:33. [PMID: 33593376 PMCID: PMC7884263 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have tremendous potential to fight against cancer and viral diseases due to superiorities in safety, efficacy and industrial production. In recent decades, we have witnessed the development of different kinds of mRNAs by sequence optimization to overcome the disadvantage of excessive mRNA immunogenicity, instability and inefficiency. Based on the immunological study, mRNA vaccines are coupled with immunologic adjuvant and various delivery strategies. Except for sequence optimization, the assistance of mRNA-delivering strategies is another method to stabilize mRNAs and improve their efficacy. The understanding of increasing the antigen reactiveness gains insight into mRNA-induced innate immunity and adaptive immunity without antibody-dependent enhancement activity. Therefore, to address the problem, scientists further exploited carrier-based mRNA vaccines (lipid-based delivery, polymer-based delivery, peptide-based delivery, virus-like replicon particle and cationic nanoemulsion), naked mRNA vaccines and dendritic cells-based mRNA vaccines. The article will discuss the molecular biology of mRNA vaccines and underlying anti-virus and anti-tumor mechanisms, with an introduction of their immunological phenomena, delivery strategies, their importance on Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related clinical trials against cancer and viral diseases. Finally, we will discuss the challenge of mRNA vaccines against bacterial and parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Ziqi Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Jingwen Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Xuejiao Han
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
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Abstract
The first proof-of-concept studies about the feasibility of genetic vaccines were published over three decades ago, opening the way for future development. The idea of nonviral antigen delivery had multiple advantages over the traditional live or inactivated pathogen-based vaccines, but a great deal of effort had to be invested to turn the idea of genetic vaccination into reality. Although early proof-of-concept studies were groundbreaking, they also showed that numerous aspects of genetic vaccines needed to be improved. Until the early 2000s, the vast majority of effort was invested into the development of DNA vaccines due to the potential issues of instability and low in vivo translatability of messenger RNA (mRNA). In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated the outstanding abilities of mRNA to elicit potent immune responses against infectious pathogens and different types of cancer, making it a viable platform for vaccine development. Multiple mRNA vaccine platforms have been developed and evaluated in small and large animals and humans and the results seem to be promising. RNA-based vaccines have important advantages over other vaccine approaches including outstanding efficacy, safety, and the potential for rapid, inexpensive, and scalable production. There is a substantial investment by new mRNA companies into the development of mRNA therapeutics, particularly vaccines, increasing the number of basic and translational research publications and human clinical trials underway. This review gives a broad overview about genetic vaccines and mainly focuses on the past and present of mRNA vaccines along with the future directions to bring this potent vaccine platform closer to therapeutic use.
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Harizaj A, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I, Braeckmans K. Physical transfection technologies for macrophages and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 18:229-247. [PMID: 32985919 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1828340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, two important antigen presenting cells (APCs) of the innate immune system, are being explored for the use in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For this application, the therapeutic potential of patient-derived APCs is increased by delivering different types of functional macromolecules, such as mRNA and pDNA, into their cytosol. Compared to the use of viral and non-viral delivery vectors, physical intracellular delivery techniques are known to be more straightforward, more controllable, faster and generate high delivery efficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review starts with electroporation as the most traditional physical transfection method, before continuing with the more recent technologies such as sonoporation, nanowires and microfluidic cell squeezing. A description is provided of each of those intracellular delivery technologies with their strengths and weaknesses, especially paying attention to delivery efficiency and safety profile. EXPERT OPINION Given the common use of electroporation for the production of therapeutic APCs, it is recommended that more detailed studies are performed on the effect of electroporation on APC fitness, even down to the genetic level. Newer intracellular delivery technologies seem to have less impact on APC functionality but further work is needed to fully uncover their suitability to transfect APCs with different types of macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Xu S, Yang K, Li R, Zhang L. mRNA Vaccine Era-Mechanisms, Drug Platform and Clinical Prospection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6582. [PMID: 32916818 PMCID: PMC7554980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based drugs, notably mRNA vaccines, have been widely proven as a promising treatment strategy in immune therapeutics. The extraordinary advantages associated with mRNA vaccines, including their high efficacy, a relatively low severity of side effects, and low attainment costs, have enabled them to become prevalent in pre-clinical and clinical trials against various infectious diseases and cancers. Recent technological advancements have alleviated some issues that hinder mRNA vaccine development, such as low efficiency that exist in both gene translation and in vivo deliveries. mRNA immunogenicity can also be greatly adjusted as a result of upgraded technologies. In this review, we have summarized details regarding the optimization of mRNA vaccines, and the underlying biological mechanisms of this form of vaccines. Applications of mRNA vaccines in some infectious diseases and cancers are introduced. It also includes our prospections for mRNA vaccine applications in diseases caused by bacterial pathogens, such as tuberculosis. At the same time, some suggestions for future mRNA vaccine development about storage methods, safety concerns, and personalized vaccine synthesis can be found in the context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kunpeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
| | - Rose Li
- M.B.B.S., School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China;
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
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Faghfuri E, Pourfarzi F, Faghfouri AH, Abdoli Shadbad M, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Baradaran B. Recent developments of RNA-based vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:201-218. [PMID: 32842798 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1815704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer immunotherapy is more dependent on monoclonal antibodies, proteins, and cells, as therapeutic agents, to attain prominent outcomes. However, cancer immunotherapy's clinical benefits need to be enhanced, as many patients still do not respond well to existing treatments, or their diseases may relapse after temporary control. RNA-based approaches have provided new options for advancing cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, considerable efforts have been made to utilize RNA for vaccine production. RNA vaccines, which encode tumor-associated or specific epitopes, stimulate adaptive immunity. This adaptive immune response is capable of elimination or reduction of tumor burden. It is crucial to develop effective RNA transfer technologies that penetrate the lipid bilayer to reach the cytoplasm for translation into functional proteins. Two important delivery methods include the loading of mRNA into dendritic cells ex vivo; and direct injection of naked RNA with or without a carrier. AREAS COVERED The latest results of pre-clinical and clinical studies with RNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy are summarized in this review. EXPERT OPINION RNA vaccines are now in early clinical development with promising safety and efficacy outcomes. Also, the translation capacity and durability of these vaccines can be increased with chemical modifications and sequence engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Faghfuri
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences , Ardabil, Iran
| | - Farhad Pourfarzi
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences , Ardabil, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Faghfouri
- Student's Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Science , Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran
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Zhou LY, Qin Z, Zhu YH, He ZY, Xu T. Current RNA-based Therapeutics in Clinical Trials. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 19:172-196. [PMID: 31566126 DOI: 10.2174/1566523219666190719100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-term research on various types of RNAs has led to further understanding of diverse mechanisms, which eventually resulted in the rapid development of RNA-based therapeutics as powerful tools in clinical disease treatment. Some of the developing RNA drugs obey the antisense mechanisms including antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, small activating RNAs, and ribozymes. These types of RNAs could be utilized to inhibit/activate gene expression or change splicing to provide functional proteins. In the meantime, some others based on different mechanisms like modified messenger RNAs could replace the dysfunctional endogenous genes to manage some genetic diseases, and aptamers with special three-dimensional structures could bind to specific targets in a high-affinity manner. In addition, the recent most popular CRISPR-Cas technology, consisting of a crucial single guide RNA, could edit DNA directly to generate therapeutic effects. The desired results from recent clinical trials indicated the great potential of RNA-based drugs in the treatment of various diseases, but further studies on improving delivery materials and RNA modifications are required for the novel RNA-based drugs to translate to the clinic. This review focused on the advances and clinical studies of current RNA-based therapeutics, analyzed their challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhou Qin
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yang-Hui Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhi-Yao He
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Pharmacy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Ex vivo pulsed dendritic cell vaccination against cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:959-969. [PMID: 32366940 PMCID: PMC7470877 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most powerful antigen-presenting cell type, dendritic cells (DCs) can induce potent antigen-specific immune responses in vivo, hence becoming optimal cell population for vaccination purposes. DCs can be derived ex vivo in quantity and manipulated extensively to be endowed with adequate immune-stimulating capacity. After pulsing with cancer antigens in various ways, the matured DCs are administrated back into the patient. DCs home to lymphoid organs to present antigens to and activate specific lymphocytes that react to a given cancer. Ex vivo pulsed DC vaccines have been vigorously investigated for decades, registering encouraging results in relevant immunotherapeutic clinical trials, while facing some solid challenges. With more details in DC biology understood, new theory proposed, and novel technology introduced (featuring recently emerged mRNA vaccine technology), it is becoming increasingly likely that ex vivo pulsed DC vaccine will fulfill its potential in cancer immunotherapy.
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Jansen Y, Kruse V, Corthals J, Schats K, van Dam PJ, Seremet T, Heirman C, Brochez L, Kockx M, Thielemans K, Neyns B. A randomized controlled phase II clinical trial on mRNA electroporated autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (TriMixDC-MEL) as adjuvant treatment for stage III/IV melanoma patients who are disease-free following the resection of macrometastases. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2589-2598. [PMID: 32591862 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02618-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous monocyte-derived mRNA co-electroporated dendritic cells with mRNA encoding CD40 ligand (CD40L), CD70 and a constitutively activated TLR4 (caTLR4) (referred to as TriMixDC-MEL) have anti-tumor activity in advanced melanoma patients. We investigated the safety and activity of adjuvant TriMixDC-MEL in stage III/IV melanoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one patients were randomly assigned to treatment with TriMixDC-MEL (n = 21) and standard follow-up (n = 20). "Cross-over" was allowed at the time of non-salvageable recurrence. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients alive and disease-free at 1-year. For a subset of patients, (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), tumor tissue samples were available for mRNA expression profiling and PD-L1 immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were well balanced. One-year after randomization, 71% of patients in the study arm were alive and free of disease compared to 35% in the control arm. After a median follow-up of 53 months (range 3-67), 23 patients experienced a non-salvageable melanoma recurrence (TriMixDC-Mel arm n = 9 and control arm n = 14).The median time to non-salvageable recurrence was superior in the TriMixDC-MEL arm (median 8 months (range 1-6) vs. not reached; log-rank p 0.044). TriMixDC-MEL-related adverse events (AE) consisted of transient local skin reactions, flu-like symptoms and post-infusion chills. No grade ≥ 3 AE's occurred. The mRNA expression profiling revealed four genes (STAT2, TPSAB1, CD9 and CSF2) as potential predictive biomarkers. CONCLUSION TriMixDC-MEL id/iv as adjuvant therapy is tolerable and may improve the 1-year disease-free survival rate. Combination of optimized autologous monocyte-derived DC-formulations warrants further investigation in combination with currently approved adjuvant therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Jansen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Vibeke Kruse
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent (UZ Gent), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Corthals
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Teofila Seremet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieve Brochez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent (UZ Gent), Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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The Evolution of Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy against HIV-1 Infection: Improvements and Outlook. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:9470102. [PMID: 32537473 PMCID: PMC7267878 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9470102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are key phagocytic cells that play crucial roles in both the innate and adaptive immune responses against the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). By processing and presenting pathogen-derived antigens, dendritic cells initiate a directed response against infected cells. They activate the adaptive immune system upon recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on infected cells. During the course of HIV-1 infection, a successful adaptive (cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell) response is necessary for preventing the progression and spread of infection in a variety of cells. Dendritic cells have thus been recognized as a valuable tool in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches and vaccines effective against HIV-1. The advancements in dendritic cell vaccines in cancers have paved the way for applications of this form of immunotherapy to HIV-1 infection. Clinical trials with patients infected with HIV-1 who are well-suppressed by antiretroviral therapy (ART) were recently performed to assess the efficacy of DC vaccines, with the goal of mounting an HIV-1 antigen-specific T-cell response, ideally to clear infection and eliminate the need for long-term ART. This review summarizes and compares methods and efficacies of a number of DC vaccine trials utilizing autologous dendritic cells loaded with HIV-1 antigens. The potential for advancement and novel strategies of improving efficacy of this type of immunotherapy is also discussed.
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Weng Y, Li C, Yang T, Hu B, Zhang M, Guo S, Xiao H, Liang XJ, Huang Y. The challenge and prospect of mRNA therapeutics landscape. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107534. [PMID: 32088327 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics hold the potential to cause a major revolution in the pharmaceutical industry because they can be used for precise and individualized therapy, and enable patients to produce therapeutic proteins in their own bodies without struggling with the comprehensive manufacturing issues associated with recombinant proteins. Compared with the current therapeutics, the production of mRNA is much cost-effective, faster and more flexible because it can be easily produced by in vitro transcription, and the process is independent of mRNA sequence. Moreover, mRNA vaccines allow people to develop personalized medications based on sequencing results and/or personalized conditions rapidly. Along with the great potential from bench to bedside, technical obstacles facing mRNA pharmaceuticals are also obvious. The stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery are all pivotal issues need to be addressed. In the recently published research results, these issues are gradually being overcome by state-of-the-art development technologies. In this review, we describe the structural properties and modification technologies of mRNA, summarize the latest advances in developing mRNA delivery systems, review the preclinical and clinical applications, and put forward our views on the prospect and challenges of developing mRNA into a new class of drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Weng
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Chunhui Li
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Tongren Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Shuai Guo
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China.
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Ribonucleic Acid Engineering of Dendritic Cells for Therapeutic Vaccination: Ready 'N Able to Improve Clinical Outcome? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020299. [PMID: 32012714 PMCID: PMC7072269 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting and exploiting the immune system has become a valid alternative to conventional options for treating cancer and infectious disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) take a central place given their role as key orchestrators of immunity. Therapeutic vaccination with autologous DCs aims to stimulate the patient's own immune system to specifically target his/her disease and has proven to be an effective form of immunotherapy with very little toxicity. A great amount of research in this field has concentrated on engineering these DCs through ribonucleic acid (RNA) to improve vaccine efficacy and thereby the historically low response rates. We reviewed in depth the 52 clinical trials that have been published on RNA-engineered DC vaccination, spanning from 2001 to date and reporting on 696 different vaccinated patients. While ambiguity prevents reliable quantification of effects, these trials do provide evidence that RNA-modified DC vaccination can induce objective clinical responses and survival benefit in cancer patients through stimulation of anti-cancer immunity, without significant toxicity. Succinct background knowledge of RNA engineering strategies and concise conclusions from available clinical and recent preclinical evidence will help guide future research in the larger domain of DC immunotherapy.
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Role of Dendritic Cells in Exposing Latent HIV-1 for the Kill. Viruses 2019; 12:v12010037. [PMID: 31905690 PMCID: PMC7019604 DOI: 10.3390/v12010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of effective yet nontoxic strategies to target the latent human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) reservoir in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-suppressed individuals poses a critical barrier to a functional cure. The ‘kick and kill’ approach to HIV eradication entails proviral reactivation during ART, coupled with generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or other immune effectors equipped to eliminate exposed infected cells. Pharmacological latency reversal agents (LRAs) that have produced modest reductions in the latent reservoir ex vivo have not impacted levels of proviral DNA in HIV-infected individuals. An optimal cure strategy incorporates methods that facilitate sufficient antigen exposure on reactivated cells following the induction of proviral gene expression, as well as the elimination of infected targets by either polyfunctional HIV-specific CTLs or other immune-based strategies. Although conventional dendritic cells (DCs) have been used extensively for the purpose of inducing antigen-specific CTL responses in HIV-1 clinical trials, their immunotherapeutic potential as cellular LRAs has been largely ignored. In this review, we discuss the challenges associated with current HIV-1 eradication strategies, as well as the unharnessed potential of ex vivo-programmed DCs for both the ‘kick and kill’ of latent HIV-1.
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Bosch NC, Voll RE, Voskens CJ, Gross S, Seliger B, Schuler G, Schaft N, Dörrie J. NF-κB activation triggers NK-cell stimulation by monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919891622. [PMID: 31853267 PMCID: PMC6909276 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919891622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In therapeutic cancer vaccination, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) efficiently activate specific T-cell responses; however, optimizing the activation of innate immune cells could support and improve the antitumor effects. A major disadvantage of moDCs matured with the standard cytokine cocktail (consisting of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and PGE2) is their inability to secrete IL-12p70. IL-12 prominently activates natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial in innate antitumor immunity, as they act as helper cells for the induction of a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response and are also able to directly kill the tumor. Methods: Previously we have shown that triggering the NF-κB pathway in moDCs by transfection of mRNA encoding constitutively active IKKβ (caIKKβ) led to IL-12p70 secretion and improved the dendritic cells’ capability to activate and expand CTLs with a memory-like phenotype. In this study, we examined whether such dendritic cells could activate autologous NK cells. Results: moDCs matured with the standard cytokine cocktail followed by transfection with the caIKKβ-RNA were able to activate autologous NK cells, detected by the upregulation of CD54, CD69, and CD25 on the NK cells, their ability to secrete IFNγ, and their high lytic activity. Moreover, the ability of NK-cell activation was not diminished by simultaneous T-cell activation. Conclusion: The capacity of caIKKβ-DCs to activate both the adaptive and innate immune response indicates an enhanced potential for clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bosch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Reinhard E Voll
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Caroline J Voskens
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gross
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Research Campus, Hartmannstraße 14, Erlangen, 91052, Germany
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Firdessa-Fite R, Creusot RJ. Nanoparticles versus Dendritic Cells as Vehicles to Deliver mRNA Encoding Multiple Epitopes for Immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 16:50-62. [PMID: 31871957 PMCID: PMC6909218 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of antigen-specific immunotherapy relies heavily on efficient antigen delivery to antigen-presenting cells and engagement of as many disease-relevant T cells as possible in various lymphoid tissues, which are challenging to achieve. Here, we compared two approaches to deliver mRNA encoding multiple epitopes targeting both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells: a lipid-based nanoparticle platform to target endogenous antigen-presenting cells in vivo versus ex vivo mRNA-electroporated dendritic cells. After intraperitoneal injection, the nanoparticle platform facilitated efficient entry of mRNA into various endogenous antigen-presenting cells, including lymph node stromal cells, and elicited robust T cell responses within a wider network of lymphoid tissues compared with dendritic cells. Following intravenous injection, mRNA-electroporated dendritic cells and the nanoparticle platform localized primarily in lung and spleen, respectively. When administered locally via an intradermal route, both platforms resulted in mRNA expression at the injection site and in robust T cell responses in draining lymph nodes. This study indicates that multiple epitopes, customizable for specific patient populations and encoded by mRNA, can be targeted to different lymphoid tissues based on delivery vehicle and route, and constitute the groundwork for future studies using mRNA to reprogram exogenous or endogenous APCs for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebuma Firdessa-Fite
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rémi J Creusot
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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47
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Joshi A, Tandel N, Tyagi P, Dalai SK, Bisen PS, Tyagi RK. RNA-loaded dendritic cells: more than a tour de force in cancer therapeutics. Immunotherapy 2019; 11:1129-1147. [PMID: 31390917 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide array of therapeutic strategies has been implemented against cancers, yet their clinical benefit is limited. The lack of clinical efficacy of the conventional treatment options might be due to the inept immune competency of the patients. Dendritic cells (DCs) have a vital role in initiating and directing immune responses and have been frequently used as delivery vehicles in clinical research. The recent clinical data suggest the potential use of DCs pulsed with nucleic acid, especially with RNA holds a great potential as an immunotherapeutic measure with compare to other cancer therapeutics. This review mainly deals with the DCs and their role in transfection with RNA in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Joshi
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, SG Highway, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Nikunj Tandel
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, SG Highway, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Priyanka Tyagi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, GD Goenka University, Gurugram 122103, India
| | - Sarat K Dalai
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, SG Highway, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Prakash S Bisen
- School of Studies in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 474001, India
| | - Rajeev K Tyagi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Payandeh Z, Yarahmadi M, Nariman-Saleh-Fam Z, Tarhriz V, Islami M, Aghdam AM, Eyvazi S. Immune therapy of melanoma: Overview of therapeutic vaccines. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14612-14621. [PMID: 30706472 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer which develops from the occurrence of genetic mutations in the melanocytes. Based on the features of melanoma tumors such as location, genetic profile and stage, there are several therapeutic strategies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, because of the appearance resistance mechanisms, the efficiency of these treatments strategies may be reduced. It has been demonstrated that therapeutic monoclonal antibodies can improve the efficiency of melanoma therapies. Recently, several mAbs, such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab, were approved for the immunotherapy of melanoma. The antibodies inhibit immune checkpoint receptors such as CTL4 and pd-1. Another therapeutic strategy for the treatment of melanoma is cancer vaccines, which improve clinical outcomes in patients. The combination therapy using antibodies and gene vaccine give us a new perspective in the treatment of melanoma patients. Herein, we present the recent progressions in the melanoma immunotherapy, especially dendritic cells mRNA vaccines by reviewing recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Payandeh
- Immunology Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maral Yarahmadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ziba Nariman-Saleh-Fam
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Islami
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Shirin Eyvazi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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49
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Single Domain Antibody-Mediated Blockade of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 on Dendritic Cells Enhances CD8 T-cell Activation and Cytokine Production. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7030085. [PMID: 31394834 PMCID: PMC6789804 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell [DC] vaccines can induce durable clinical responses, at least in a fraction of previously treated, late stage cancer patients. Several preclinical studies suggest that shielding programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1] on the DC surface may be an attractive strategy to extend such clinical benefits to a larger patient population. In this study, we evaluated the use of single domain antibody [sdAb] K2, a high affinity, antagonistic, PD-L1 specific sdAb, for its ability to enhance DC mediated T-cell activation and benchmarked it against the use of the monoclonal antibodies [mAbs], MIH1, 29E.2A3 and avelumab. Similar to mAbs, sdAb K2 enhanced antigen-specific T-cell receptor signaling in PD-1 positive (PD-1pos) reporter cells activated by DCs. We further showed that the activation and function of antigen-specific CD8 positive (CD8pos) T cells, activated by DCs, was enhanced by inclusion of sdAb K2, but not mAbs. The failure of mAbs to enhance T-cell activation might be explained by their low efficacy to bind PD-L1 on DCs when compared to binding of PD-L1 on non-immune cells, whereas sdAb K2 shows high binding to PD-L1 on immune as well as non-immune cells. These data provide a rationale for the inclusion of sdAb K2 in DC-based immunotherapy strategies.
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de Jong W, Aerts J, Allard S, Brander C, Buyze J, Florence E, van Gorp E, Vanham G, Leal L, Mothe B, Thielemans K, Plana M, Garcia F, Gruters R. iHIVARNA phase IIa, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of iHIVARNA-01 in chronically HIV-infected patients under stable combined antiretroviral therapy. Trials 2019; 20:361. [PMID: 31208472 PMCID: PMC6580477 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3409-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV therapeutic vaccination aims to improve the immune responses against HIV in order to control viral replication without the need for combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). iHIVARNA-01 is a novel vaccine combining mRNA delivery and T-cell immunogen (HTI) based on conserved targets of effective antiviral T-cell responses. In addition, it holds adequate stimuli required for activating antigen presenting cells (APC)s and co-activating specific T-cells (TriMix), including human CD40L, constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4) and CD70. We propose that in-vivo targeting of dendritic cells (DCs) by direct administration of a HIV mRNA encoding these immune modulating proteins might be an attractive alternative to target DCs in vitro. METHODS/DESIGN This is a phase-IIa, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter study in chronically HIV-1 infected patients under stable cART. One of the three study arms is randomly allocated to subjects. Three vaccinations with either HIVACAT T-cell immunogen (HTI)-TriMix (iHIVARNA-01), TriMix or water for injection (WFI) (weeks 0, 2 and 4) are administered by intranodal injection in the inguinal region. Two weeks after the last immunization (week 6) cART is stopped for 12 weeks. The two primary endpoints are: (1) safety and tolerability of intranodal iHIVARNA-01 vaccination compared with TriMix or WFI and (2) induced immunogenicity, i.e., increase in the frequency of HIV-specific T-cell responses between baseline, week 6 and 12 weeks after treatment interruption in iHIVARNA-01-treated patients as compared to the control groups, immunized with TriMix-mRNA or WFI measured by an IFNγ ELISPOT assay. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of time to viral rebound, plasma viral load (pVL) at w18, the proportion of patients with control of viral load, induction of T-cell responses to new HIV epitopes, polyfunctionality of HIV-specific T-cells, CD8+ T-cell in-vitro HIV suppressive capacity, the effect on viral reservoir (measured by proviral DNA and cell-associated RNA), assessment of viral immune escape by mutation and mRNA expression profiles of host immune genes. DISCUSSION This trial aims to direct target DC in situ with mRNA encoding HTI and TriMix for co-stimulation. Intranodal injection circumvents laborious DC isolation and handling in the laboratory. The trial extends on the safety results of a phase-I dose-escalating trial. This candidate vaccine could complement or even replace cART for chronic HIV infection and could be applicable to improve the care and cost of HIV infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2016-002724-83 (22 September 2016); ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02888756 . Registered on 23 August 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley de Jong
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joeri Aerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabine Allard
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Brander
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,AELIX Therapeutics, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric Florence
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric van Gorp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Vanham
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lorna Leal
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Mothe
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.,University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Montse Plana
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Félipe Garcia
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rob Gruters
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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