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Li J, Zhang Y, Yang YG, Sun T. Advancing mRNA Therapeutics: The Role and Future of Nanoparticle Delivery Systems. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3743-3763. [PMID: 38953708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the critical role of mRNA-based vaccines as powerful, adaptable, readily manufacturable, and safe methodologies for prophylaxis. mRNA-based treatments are emerging as a hopeful avenue for a plethora of conditions, encompassing infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases, and rare disorders. Nonetheless, the in vivo delivery of mRNA faces challenges due to its instability, suboptimal delivery, and potential for triggering undesired immune reactions. In this context, the development of effective drug delivery systems, particularly nanoparticles (NPs), is paramount. Tailored with biophysical and chemical properties and susceptible to surface customization, these NPs have demonstrated enhanced mRNA delivery in vivo and led to the approval of several NPs-based formulations for clinical use. Despite these advancements, the necessity for developing a refined, targeted NP delivery system remains imperative. This review comprehensively surveys the biological, translational, and clinical progress in NPs-mediated mRNA therapeutics for both the prevention and treatment of diverse diseases. By addressing critical factors for enhancing existing methodologies, it aims to inform the future development of precise and efficacious mRNA-based therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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2
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Ferraresso F, Leung J, Kastrup CJ. RNA therapeutics to control fibrinolysis: review on applications in biology and medicine. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:2103-2114. [PMID: 38663489 PMCID: PMC11269028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Regulation of fibrinolysis, the process that degrades blood clots, is pivotal in maintaining hemostasis. Dysregulation leads to thrombosis or excessive bleeding. Proteins in the fibrinolysis system include fibrinogen, coagulation factor XIII, plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator, α2-antiplasmin, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, α2-macroglobulin, and others. While each of these is a potential therapeutic target for diseases, they lack effective or long-acting inhibitors. Rapid advances in RNA-based technologies are creating powerful tools to control the expression of proteins. RNA agents can be long-acting and tailored to either decrease or increase production of a specific protein. Advances in nucleic acid delivery, such as by lipid nanoparticles, have enabled the delivery of RNA to the liver, where most proteins of coagulation and fibrinolysis are produced. This review will summarize the classes of RNA that induce 1) inhibition of protein synthesis, including small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides; 2) protein expression, including messenger RNA and self-amplifying RNA; and 3) gene editing for gene knockdown and precise editing. It will review specific examples of RNA therapies targeting proteins in the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems and comment on the wide range of opportunities for controlling fibrinolysis for biological applications and future therapeutics using state-of-the-art RNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferraresso
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jerry Leung
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian J Kastrup
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departments of Surgery, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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3
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Dussouillez C, Lointier M, Sebane MK, Fournel S, Bechinger B, Kichler A. N-terminal modification of an LAH4-derived peptide increases mRNA delivery in the presence of serum. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3597. [PMID: 38523558 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The recently developed mRNA-based coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 vaccines highlighted the great therapeutic potential of the mRNA technology. Although the lipid nanoparticles used for the delivery of the mRNA are very efficient, they showed, in some cases, the induction of side effects as well as the production of antibodies directed against particle components. Thus, the development of alternative delivery systems is of great interest in the pursuit of more effective mRNA treatments. In the present work, we evaluated the mRNA transfection capacities of a series of cationic histidine-rich amphipathic peptides derived from LAH4. We found that while the LAH4-A1 peptide was an efficient carrier for mRNA, its activity was highly serum sensitive. Interestingly, modification of this cell penetrating peptide at the N-terminus with two tyrosines or with salicylic acid allowed to confer serum resistance to the carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Dussouillez
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives UMR7199 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 3BioTeam, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
- Inserm UMR_S 1121, EMR 7003 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Morane Lointier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mohammed-Karim Sebane
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives UMR7199 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 3BioTeam, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
- Inserm UMR_S 1121, EMR 7003 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylvie Fournel
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives UMR7199 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 3BioTeam, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
- Inserm UMR_S 1121, EMR 7003 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Burkhard Bechinger
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, Strasbourg, France
| | - Antoine Kichler
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives UMR7199 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 3BioTeam, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
- Inserm UMR_S 1121, EMR 7003 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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4
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Kuzmin IV, Soto Acosta R, Pruitt L, Wasdin PT, Kedarinath K, Hernandez KR, Gonzales KA, Hill K, Weidner NG, Mire C, Engdahl TB, Moon WJ, Popov V, Crowe JE, Georgiev IS, Garcia-Blanco MA, Abbott RK, Bukreyev A. Comparison of uridine and N1-methylpseudouridine mRNA platforms in development of an Andes virus vaccine. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6421. [PMID: 39080316 PMCID: PMC11289437 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50774-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The rodent-borne Andes virus (ANDV) causes a severe disease in humans. We developed an ANDV mRNA vaccine based on the M segment of the viral genome, either with regular uridine (U-mRNA) or N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ-mRNA). Female mice immunized by m1Ψ-mRNA developed slightly greater germinal center (GC) responses than U-mRNA-immunized mice. Single cell RNA and BCR sequencing of the GC B cells revealed similar levels of activation, except an additional cluster of cells exhibiting interferon response in animals vaccinated with U-mRNA but not m1Ψ-mRNA. Similar immunoglobulin class-switching and somatic hypermutations were observed in response to the vaccines. Female Syrian hamsters were immunized via a prime-boost regimen with two doses of each vaccine. The titers of glycoprotein-binding antibodies were greater for U-mRNA construct than for m1Ψ-mRNA construct; however, the titers of ANDV-neutralizing antibodies were similar. Vaccinated animals were challenged with a lethal dose of ANDV, along with a naïve control group. All control animals and two animals vaccinated with a lower dose of m1Ψ-mRNA succumbed to infection whereas other vaccinated animals survived without evidence of virus replication. The data demonstrate the development of a protective vaccine against ANDV and the lack of a substantial effect of m1Ψ modification on immunogenicity and protection in rodents.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Mice
- Mesocricetus
- Uridine
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Orthohantavirus/immunology
- Orthohantavirus/genetics
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Germinal Center/immunology
- Pseudouridine/immunology
- Cricetinae
- mRNA Vaccines
- Hemorrhagic Fever, American/prevention & control
- Hemorrhagic Fever, American/immunology
- Hemorrhagic Fever, American/virology
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Humans
- Vaccine Development
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Kuzmin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ruben Soto Acosta
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Layne Pruitt
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Perry T Wasdin
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kritika Kedarinath
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Keziah R Hernandez
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kristyn A Gonzales
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kharighan Hill
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nicole G Weidner
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Chad Mire
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Taylor B Engdahl
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Vsevolod Popov
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - James E Crowe
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ivelin S Georgiev
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mariano A Garcia-Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert K Abbott
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Alexander Bukreyev
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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5
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Ahmed S, Herschhorn A. mRNA-based HIV-1 vaccines. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024:e0004124. [PMID: 39016564 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00041-24] [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: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe success of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 mRNA vaccines to lessen/prevent severe COVID-19 opened new opportunities to develop RNA vaccines to fight other infectious agents. HIV-1 is a lentivirus that integrates into the host cell genome and persists for the lifetime of infected cells. Multiple mechanisms of immune evasion have posed significant obstacles to the development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine over the last four decades since the identification of HIV-1. Recently, attempts to address some of these challenges have led to multiple studies that manufactured, optimized, and tested, in different animal models, mRNA-based HIV-1 vaccines. Several clinical trials have also been initiated or are planned to start soon. Here, we review the current strategies applied to HIV-1 mRNA vaccines, discuss different targeting approaches, summarize the latest findings, and offer insights into the challenges and future of HIV-1 mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Ahmed
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alon Herschhorn
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- The College of Veterinary Medicine Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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6
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Wang J, Fang Y, Luo Z, Wang J, Zhao Y. Emerging mRNA Technology for Liver Disease Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17378-17406. [PMID: 38916747 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases have consistently posed substantial challenges to global health. It is crucial to find innovative methods to effectively prevent and treat these diseases. In recent times, there has been an increasing interest in the use of mRNA formulations that accumulate in liver tissue for the treatment of hepatic diseases. In this review, we start by providing a detailed introduction to the mRNA technology. Afterward, we highlight types of liver diseases, discussing their causes, risks, and common therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases. This includes systems based on hepatocyte growth factor, hepatitis B virus antibody, left-right determination factor 1, human hepatocyte nuclear factor α, interleukin-12, methylmalonyl-coenzyme A mutase, etc. Lastly, we provide an outlook on the potential of mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases, while also highlighting the various technical challenges that need to be addressed. Despite these difficulties, mRNA-based therapeutic strategies may change traditional treatment methods, bringing hope to patients with liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yile Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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7
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Masum MHU, Wajed S, Hossain MI, Moumi NR, Talukder A, Rahman MM. An mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer designed by applying in silico immunoinformatics and reverse vaccinology approaches. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305413. [PMID: 38976715 PMCID: PMC11230540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent pancreatic cancer, which is considered a significant global health concern. Chemotherapy and surgery are the mainstays of current pancreatic cancer treatments; however, a few cases are suitable for surgery, and most of the cases will experience recurrent episodes. Compared to DNA or peptide vaccines, mRNA vaccines for pancreatic cancer have more promise because of their delivery, enhanced immune responses, and lower proneness to mutation. We constructed an mRNA vaccine by analyzing S100 family proteins, which are all major activators of receptors for advanced glycation end products. We applied immunoinformatic approaches, including physicochemical properties analysis, structural prediction and validation, molecular docking study, in silico cloning, and immune simulations. The designed mRNA vaccine was estimated to have a molecular weight of 165023.50 Da and was highly soluble (grand average of hydropathicity of -0.440). In the structural assessment, the vaccine seemed to be a well-stable and functioning protein (Z score of -8.94). Also, the docking analysis suggested that the vaccine had a high affinity for TLR-2 and TLR-4 receptors. Additionally, the molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation analysis of the "Vaccine-TLR-2" (-141.07 kcal/mol) and "Vaccine-TLR-4" (-271.72 kcal/mol) complexes also suggests a strong binding affinity for the receptors. Codon optimization also provided a high expression level with a GC content of 47.04% and a codon adaptation index score 1.0. The appearance of memory B-cells and T-cells was also observed over a while, with an increased level of helper T-cells and immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG). Moreover, the minimum free energy of the mRNA vaccine was predicted at -1760.00 kcal/mol, indicating the stability of the vaccine following its entry, transcription, and expression. This hypothetical vaccine offers a groundbreaking tool for future research and therapeutic development of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Habib Ullah Masum
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Shah Wajed
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Infectiology: Biology of Infectious Diseases, Universite Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Md Imam Hossain
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Rahman Moumi
- Medical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Talukder
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Md Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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8
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Iqbal Z, Rehman K, Mahmood A, Shabbir M, Liang Y, Duan L, Zeng H. Exosome for mRNA delivery: strategies and therapeutic applications. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:395. [PMID: 38965553 PMCID: PMC11225225 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic molecule with numerous clinical applications in treating central nervous system disorders, tumors, COVID-19, and other diseases. mRNA therapies must be encapsulated into safe, stable, and effective delivery vehicles to preserve the cargo from degradation and prevent immunogenicity. Exosomes have gained growing attention in mRNA delivery because of their good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, small size, unique capacity to traverse physiological barriers, and cell-specific tropism. Moreover, these exosomes can be engineered to utilize the natural carriers to target specific cells or tissues. This targeted approach will enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of mRNAs. However, difficulties such as a lack of consistent and reliable methods for exosome purification and the efficient encapsulation of large mRNAs into exosomes must be addressed. This article outlines current breakthroughs in cell-derived vesicle-mediated mRNA delivery and its biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Iqbal
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Khurrum Rehman
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Agriculture, D.I.Khan, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Shabbir
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yujie Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
| | - Li Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
| | - Hui Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
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9
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Cullis PR, Felgner PL. The 60-year evolution of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024:10.1038/s41573-024-00977-6. [PMID: 38965378 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00977-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Delivery of genetic information to the interior of target cells in vivo has been a major challenge facing gene therapies. This barrier is now being overcome, owing in part to dramatic advances made by lipid-based systems that have led to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that enable delivery of nucleic acid-based vaccines and therapeutics. Examples include the clinically approved COVID-19 LNP mRNA vaccines and Onpattro (patisiran), an LNP small interfering RNA therapeutic to treat transthyretin-induced amyloidosis (hATTR). In addition, a host of promising LNP-enabled vaccines and gene therapies are in clinical development. Here, we trace this success to two streams of research conducted over the past 60 years: the discovery of the transfection properties of lipoplexes composed of positively charged cationic lipids complexed with nucleic acid cargos and the development of lipid nanoparticles using ionizable cationic lipids. The fundamental insights gained from these two streams of research offer potential delivery solutions for most forms of gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - P L Felgner
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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10
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Mahaling B, Roy C, Ghosh S. Silk-gelatin hybrid hydrogel: a potential carrier for RNA therapeutics. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:6203-6220. [PMID: 38833304 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00491d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have exhibited remarkable potential in targeting genetic factors for disease intervention, exemplified by recent mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. Nevertheless, the intrinsic instability of RNA and challenges related to its translational efficiency remain significant obstacles to the development of RNA as therapeutics. This study introduces an innovative RNA delivery approach using a silk fibroin (SF) and positively charged gelatin (Gel) hydrogel matrix to enhance RNA stability for controlled release. As a proof of concept, whole-cell RNA was incorporated into the hydrogel to enhance interactions with RNA molecules. Additionally, molecular modeling studies were conducted to explore the interactions between SF, collagen, chitosan (Chi), and the various RNA species including ribosomal RNAs (28S, 18S, 8.5S, and 5S rRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNA-ALA, tRNA-GLN, and tRNA-Leu), as well as messenger RNAs (mRNA-GAPDH, mRNA-β actin, and mRNA-Nanog), shedding light on the RNA-polymer interaction and RNA stability; SF exhibits a more robust interaction with RNA compared to collagen/gel and chitosan. We confirmed the molecular interactions of SF and RNA by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, which were further supported by AFM and contact angle measurement. This research introduces a novel RNA delivery platform and insights into biopolymer-RNA interactions, paving the way for tailored RNA delivery systems in therapeutics and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binapani Mahaling
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Chandrashish Roy
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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11
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Acosta CJ, Nordio F, Boltz DA, Baldwin WR, Hather G, Kpamegan E. Predicting Efficacy of a Purified Inactivated Zika Virus Vaccine in Flavivirus-Naïve Humans Using an Immunological Correlate of Protection in Non-Human Primates. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1177. [PMID: 38930559 PMCID: PMC11206130 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A traditional phase 3 clinical efficacy study for a Zika vaccine may be unfeasible because of the current low transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV). An alternative clinical development approach to evaluate Zika vaccine efficacy (VE) is therefore required, delineated in the US FDA's Accelerated Approval Program for licensure, which utilizes an anti-Zika neutralizing antibody (Zika NAb) titer correlated with non-human primate (NHP) protection as a surrogate endpoint. In this accelerated approval approach, the estimation of VE would be inferred from the percentage of phase 3 trial participants achieving the established surrogate endpoint. We provide a statistical framework to predict the probability of protection for human participants vaccinated with a purified inactivated ZIKV vaccine (TAK-426), in the absence of VE measurements, using NHP data under a single-correlate model. Based on a logistic regression (LR) with bias-reduction model, a probability of 90% protection in humans is expected with a ZIKV NAb geometric mean titer (GMT) ≥ 3.38 log10 half-maximal effective concentration (EC50). The predicted probability of protection of TAK-426 against ZIKV infection was determined using the two-parameter LR model that fit the calculated VE in rhesus macaques and the flavivirus-naïve phase 1 trial participants' ZIKV NAb GMTs log10 EC50, measured by a ZIKV reporter virus particle assay, at 1 month post dose 2. The TAK-426 10 µg dose predicted a probability of protection from infection of 98% among flavivirus-naïve phase 1 trial participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo J. Acosta
- Takeda Vaccines Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; (F.N.); (D.A.B.); (W.R.B.); (G.H.); (E.K.)
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12
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Gong L, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zhao X, Wang L, Qiu X, Yang X, Zhu W, Lv L, Kang Y, Wu Y, Zhang A, Du Y, Wang X, Zhang G, Sun A, Zhuang G. Advancing vaccine development: Evaluation of a mannose-modified lipid nanoparticle-based candidate for African swine fever p30 mRNA vaccine eliciting robust immune response in mice. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132432. [PMID: 38761609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132432] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The African swine fever virus (ASFV) continues to pose significant economic and pandemic risks. Consequently, discovering new, efficient vaccines is crucial. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as promising candidates, providing minimal risk of insertional mutagenesis, high safety profiles, effectiveness, rapid scalability in production, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, we have developed an ASF p30 mRNA vaccine candidate (mRNA/Man-LNP) employing mannose-modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The mRNA/Man-LNP exhibited effective antigen presentation and facilitated dendritic cells (DCs) maturation. Notably, it elicited strong IgG titers and activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in immunized mice, all while adhering to stringent biosafety standards. This investigation demonstrates that mRNA/Man-LNP can trigger both humoral and cellular immune responses, suggesting its potential as a potent and promising vaccine candidate for controlling African swine fever (ASF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xuyang Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lucai Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiangqi Qiu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xilong Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Wenhui Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lijie Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yunzhe Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yanan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Angke Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yongkun Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xuannian Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Longhu Laboratory of Advanced Immunology, Zhengzhou 450046, China; School of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Aijun Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Guoqing Zhuang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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13
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Movahed F, Darzi S, Mahdavi P, Salih Mahdi M, Qutaiba B Allela O, Naji Sameer H, Adil M, Zarkhah H, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O. The potential use of therapeutics and prophylactic mRNA vaccines in human papillomavirus (HPV). Virol J 2024; 21:124. [PMID: 38822328 PMCID: PMC11143593 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02397-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) and other malignant malignancies are acknowledged to be primarily caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Historically, vaccinations against viruses that produce neutralizing antibodies unique to the virus have been an affordable way to manage viral diseases. CC risk is decreased, but not eliminated, by HPV vaccinations. Since vaccinations have been made available globally, almost 90% of HPV infections have been successfully avoided. On the lesions and diseases that are already present, however, no discernible treatment benefit has been shown. As a result, therapeutic vaccines that elicit immune responses mediated by cells are necessary for the treatment of established infections and cancers. mRNA vaccines possess remarkable potential in combating viral diseases and malignancy as a result of their superior industrial production, safety, and efficacy. Furthermore, considering the expeditiousness of production, the mRNA vaccine exhibits promise as a therapeutic approach targeting HPV. Given that the HPV-encoded early proteins, including oncoproteins E6 and E7, are consistently present in HPV-related cancers and pre-cancerous lesions and have crucial functions in the progression and persistence of HPV-related diseases, they serve as ideal targets for therapeutic HPV vaccines. The action mechanism of HPV and HPV-related cancer mRNA vaccines, their recent advancements in clinical trials, and the potential for their therapeutic applications are highlighted in this study, which also offers a quick summary of the present state of mRNA vaccines. Lastly, we highlight a few difficulties with mRNA HPV vaccination clinical practice and provide our thoughts on further advancements in this quickly changing sector. It is expected that mRNA vaccines will soon be produced quickly for clinical HPV prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Movahed
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Satinik Darzi
- Department Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Parya Mahdavi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | | | - Hayder Naji Sameer
- Collage of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, 64001, Iraq
| | - Mohaned Adil
- Pharmacy college, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hasna Zarkhah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tabriz University of Medical Siences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
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14
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Aleem MT, Munir F, Shakoor A, Gao F. mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases and future direction. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 135:112320. [PMID: 38788451 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112320] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Vaccines are used for the control of infectious diseases of animals. Over other types of vaccinations like live attenuated or killed vaccines, mRNA-based vaccines have significant advantages. As only a small portion of the pathogen's genetic material is employed and the dose rate of mRNA-based vaccines is low, there is the least possibility that the pathogen will reverse itself. A carrier or vehicle that shields mRNA-based vaccines from the host's cellular RNases is necessary for their delivery. mRNA vaccines have been shown to be effective and to induce both a cell-mediated immune response and a humoral immune response in clinical trials against various infectious diseases (viral and parasitic) affecting the animals, including rabies, foot and mouth disease, toxoplasmosis, Zikavirus, leishmaniasis, and COVID-19. The current review aims to highlight the use of mRNA-based vaccines both in viral and parasitic diseases of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Clevaland State University, Clevaland, OH 44115, USA.
| | - Furqan Munir
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Amna Shakoor
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Fenfei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
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15
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Koehler S, Hengel FE, Dumoulin B, Damashek L, Holzman LB, Susztak K, Huber TB. The 14th International Podocyte Conference 2023: from podocyte biology to glomerular medicine. Kidney Int 2024; 105:935-952. [PMID: 38447880 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.01.042] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The 14th International Podocyte Conference took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA from May 23 to 26, 2023. It commenced with an early-career researchers' meeting on May 23, providing young scientists with a platform to present and discuss their research findings. Throughout the main conference, 29 speakers across 9 sessions shared their insights on podocyte biology, glomerular medicine, novel technologic advancements, and translational approaches. Additionally, the event featured 3 keynote lectures addressing engineered chimeric antigen receptor T cell- and mRNA-based therapies and the use of biobanks for enhanced disease comprehension. Furthermore, 4 brief oral abstract sessions allowed scientists to present their findings to a broad audience. The program also included a panel discussion addressing the challenges of conducting human research within the American Black community. Remarkably, after a 5-year hiatus from in-person conferences, the 14th International Podocyte Conference successfully convened scientists from around the globe, fostering the presentation and discussion of crucial research findings, as summarized in this review. Furthermore, to ensure continuous and sustainable education, research, translation, and trial medicine related to podocyte and glomerular diseases for the benefit of patients, the International Society of Glomerular Disease was officially launched during the conference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Koehler
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas E Hengel
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Dumoulin
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laurel Damashek
- International Society of Glomerular Disease, Florence, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence B Holzman
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katalin Susztak
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Institute of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; International Society of Glomerular Disease, Florence, Massachusetts, USA.
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16
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Pawar S, Pingale P, Garkal A, Osmani RAM, Gajbhiye K, Kulkarni M, Pardeshi K, Mehta T, Rajput A. Unlocking the potential of nanocarrier-mediated mRNA delivery across diverse biomedical frontiers: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131139. [PMID: 38615863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131139] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has gained marvelous attention for managing and preventing various conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's, infectious diseases, etc. Due to the quick development and success of the COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines, mRNA has recently grown in prominence. A lot of products are in clinical trials and some are already FDA-approved. However, still improvements in line of optimizing stability and delivery, reducing immunogenicity, increasing efficiency, expanding therapeutic applications, scalability and manufacturing, and long-term safety monitoring are needed. The delivery of mRNA via a nanocarrier system gives a synergistic outcome for managing chronic and complicated conditions. The modified nanocarrier-loaded mRNA has excellent potential as a therapeutic strategy. This emerging platform covers a wide range of diseases, recently, several clinical studies are ongoing and numerous publications are coming out every year. Still, many unexplained physical, biological, and technical problems of mRNA for safer human consumption. These complications were addressed with various nanocarrier formulations. This review systematically summarizes the solved problems and applications of nanocarrier-based mRNA delivery. The modified nanocarrier mRNA meaningfully improved mRNA stability and abridged its immunogenicity issues. Furthermore, several strategies were discussed that can be an effective solution in the future for managing complicated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Pawar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga (E), Mumbai 400019, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prashant Pingale
- Department of Pharmaceutics, GES's Sir Dr. M. S. Gosavi College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nashik 422005, Maharashtra, India
| | - Atul Garkal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India; Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Riyaz Ali M Osmani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavita Gajbhiye
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Erandwane, Pune 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Madhur Kulkarni
- SCES's Indira College of Pharmacy, New Pune Mumbai Highway, Tathwade 411033, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Krutika Pardeshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sandip University, Nashik 422213, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tejal Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Amarjitsing Rajput
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Erandwane, Pune 411038, Maharashtra, India.
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17
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Zhuang Z, Zhuo J, Yuan Y, Chen Z, Zhang S, Zhu A, Zhao J, Zhao J. Harnessing T-Cells for Enhanced Vaccine Development against Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:478. [PMID: 38793729 PMCID: PMC11125924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant strides in vaccine research and the availability of vaccines for many infectious diseases, the threat posed by both known and emerging infectious diseases persists. Moreover, breakthrough infections following vaccination remain a concern. Therefore, the development of novel vaccines is imperative. These vaccines must exhibit robust protective efficacy, broad-spectrum coverage, and long-lasting immunity. One promising avenue in vaccine development lies in leveraging T-cells, which play a crucial role in adaptive immunity and regulate immune responses during viral infections. T-cell recognition can target highly variable or conserved viral proteins, and memory T-cells offer the potential for durable immunity. Consequently, T-cell-based vaccines hold promise for advancing vaccine development efforts. This review delves into the latest research advancements in T-cell-based vaccines across various platforms and discusses the associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianfen Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yaochang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zhao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Airu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jingxian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
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18
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Pedrera M, McLean RK, Medfai L, Thakur N, Todd S, Marsh G, Bailey D, Donofrio G, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Weissman D, Graham SP. Evaluation of the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored Nipah virus vaccine candidate in pigs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384417. [PMID: 38726013 PMCID: PMC11079202 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) poses a significant threat to human and livestock populations across South and Southeast Asia. Vaccines are required to reduce the risk and impact of spillover infection events. Pigs can act as an intermediate amplifying host for NiV and, separately, provide a preclinical model for evaluating human vaccine candidate immunogenicity. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored NiV vaccine candidate in pigs. Pigs were immunized twice with 100 μg nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine encoding soluble G glycoprotein from the Malaysia strain of NiV, formulated in lipid nanoparticles. Potent antigen-binding and virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in serum following the booster immunization. Antibody responses effectively neutralized both the Malaysia and Bangladesh strains of NiV but showed limited neutralization of the related (about 80% amino acid sequence identity for G) Hendra virus. Antibodies were also capable of neutralizing NiV glycoprotein mediated cell-cell fusion. NiV G-specific T cell cytokine responses were also measurable following the booster immunization with evidence for induction of both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. These data support the further evaluation of mRNA vectored NiV G as a vaccine for both pigs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lobna Medfai
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Nazia Thakur
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Shawn Todd
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn Marsh
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Dalan Bailey
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Medical-Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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19
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Wu Y, Yu S, de Lázaro I. Advances in lipid nanoparticle mRNA therapeutics beyond COVID-19 vaccines. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:6820-6836. [PMID: 38502114 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00019f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The remarkable success of two lipid nanoparticle-mRNA vaccines against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has placed the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of messenger RNA (mRNA) in the spotlight. It has also drawn attention to the indispensable role of lipid nanoparticles in enabling the effects of this nucleic acid. To date, lipid nanoparticles are the most clinically advanced non-viral platforms for mRNA delivery. This is thanks to their favorable safety profile and efficiency in protecting the nucleic acid from degradation and allowing its cellular uptake and cytoplasmic release upon endosomal escape. Moreover, the development of lipid nanoparticle-mRNA therapeutics was already a very active area of research even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has likely only begun to bear its fruits. In this Review, we first discuss key aspects of the development of lipid nanoparticles as mRNA carriers. We then highlight promising preclinical and clinical studies involving lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulations against infectious diseases and cancer, and to enable protein replacement or supplementation and genome editing. Finally, we elaborate on the challenges in advancing lipid nanoparticle-mRNA technology to widespread therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeung Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, USA.
| | - Sinuo Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, USA.
| | - Irene de Lázaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, USA.
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, USA
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20
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Häfner SJ. A tale of Science - The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2023. Biomed J 2024; 47:100716. [PMID: 38490530 PMCID: PMC10982558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Julia Häfner
- University of Copenhagen, Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, Lund Group, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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21
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Ghafoor D, Zeb A, Ali SS, Ali M, Akbar F, Ud Din Z, Ur Rehman S, Suleman M, Khan W. Immunoinformatic based designing of potential immunogenic novel mRNA and peptide-based prophylactic vaccines against H5N1 and H7N9 avian influenza viruses. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3641-3658. [PMID: 37222664 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2214228] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Influenza viruses are the most common cause of serious respiratory illnesses worldwide and are responsible for a significant number of annual fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial to look for new immunogenic sites that might trigger an effective immune response. In the present study, bioinformatics tools were used to design mRNA and multiepitope-based vaccines against H5N1 and H7N9 subtypes of avian influenza viruses. Several Immunoinformatic tools were employed to extrapolate T and B lymphocyte epitopes of HA and NA proteins of both subtypes. The molecular docking approach was used to dock the selected HTL and CTL epitopes with the corresponding MHC molecules. Eight (8) CTL, four (4) HTL, and Six (6) linear B cell epitopes were chosen for the structural arrangement of mRNA and of peptide-based prophylactic vaccine designs. Different physicochemical characteristics of the selected epitopes fitted with suitable linkers were analyzed. High antigenic, non-toxic, and non-allergenic features of the designed vaccines were noted at a neutral physiological pH. Codon optimization tool was used to check the GC content and CAI value of constructed MEVC-Flu vaccine, which were recorded to be 50.42% and 0.97 respectively. the GC content and CAI value verify the stable expression of vaccine in pET28a + vector. In-silico immunological simulation the MEVC-Flu vaccine construct revealed a high level of immune responses. The molecular dynamics simulation and docking results confirmed the stable interaction of TLR-8 and MEVC-Flu vaccine. Based on these parameters, vaccine constructs can be regarded as an optimistic choice against H5N1 and H7N9 strains of the influenza virus. Further experimental testing of these prophylactic vaccine designs against pathogenic avian influenza strains may clarify their safety and efficacy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawood Ghafoor
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Adnan Zeb
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Akbar
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ud Din
- Center for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology, University of Balochistan Quetta, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Shoaib Ur Rehman
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Wajid Khan
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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22
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Wang J, Zhu H, Gan J, Liang G, Li L, Zhao Y. Engineered mRNA Delivery Systems for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308029. [PMID: 37805865 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutic strategies have shown remarkable promise in preventing and treating a staggering range of diseases. Optimizing the structure and delivery system of engineered mRNA has greatly improved its stability, immunogenicity, and protein expression levels, which has led to a wider range of uses for mRNA therapeutics. Herein, a thorough analysis of the optimization strategies used in the structure of mRNA is first provided and delivery systems are described in great detail. Furthermore, the latest advancements in biomedical engineering for mRNA technology, including its applications in combatting infectious diseases, treating cancer, providing protein replacement therapy, conducting gene editing, and more, are summarized. Lastly, a perspective on forthcoming challenges and prospects concerning the advancement of mRNA therapeutics is offered. Despite these challenges, mRNA-based therapeutics remain promising, with the potential to revolutionize disease treatment and contribute to significant advancements in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Haofang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jingjing Gan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
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23
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Parhiz H, Atochina-Vasserman EN, Weissman D. mRNA-based therapeutics: looking beyond COVID-19 vaccines. Lancet 2024; 403:1192-1204. [PMID: 38461842 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in mRNA technology and its delivery have enabled mRNA-based therapeutics to enter a new era in medicine. The rapid, potent, and transient nature of mRNA-encoded proteins, without the need to enter the nucleus or the risk of genomic integration, makes them desirable tools for treatment of a range of diseases, from infectious diseases to cancer and monogenic disorders. The rapid pace and ease of mass-scale manufacturability of mRNA-based therapeutics supported the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, challenges remain with regards to mRNA stability, duration of expression, delivery efficiency, and targetability, to broaden the applicability of mRNA therapeutics beyond COVID-19 vaccines. By learning from the rapidly expanding preclinical and clinical studies, we can optimise the mRNA platform to meet the clinical needs of each disease. Here, we will summarise the recent advances in mRNA technology; its use in vaccines, immunotherapeutics, protein replacement therapy, and genomic editing; and its delivery to desired specific cell types and organs for development of a new generation of targeted mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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24
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Estapé Senti M, García Del Valle L, Schiffelers RM. mRNA delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy: Lipid nanoparticles and beyond. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 206:115190. [PMID: 38307296 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115190] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-based vaccines are emerging as a promising alternative to standard cancer treatments and the conventional vaccines. Moreover, the FDA-approval of three nucleic acid based therapeutics (Onpattro, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) has further increased the interest and trust on this type of therapeutics. In order to achieve a significant therapeutic efficacy, the mRNA needs from a drug delivery system. In the last years, several delivery platforms have been explored, being the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) the most well characterized and studied. A better understanding on how mRNA-based therapeutics operate (both the mRNA itself and the drug delivery system) will help to further improve their efficacy and safety. In this review, we will provide an overview of what mRNA cancer vaccines are and their mode of action and we will highlight the advantages and challenges of the different delivery platforms that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Estapé Senti
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lucía García Del Valle
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond M Schiffelers
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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25
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Krammer F, Palese P. Profile of Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman: 2023 Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400423121. [PMID: 38381788 PMCID: PMC10907315 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400423121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
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26
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Wang HY, Li L, Nelson CS, Barfield R, Valencia S, Chan C, Muramatsu H, Lin PJC, Pardi N, An Z, Weissman D, Permar SR. Multivalent cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B nucleoside modified mRNA vaccines did not demonstrate a greater antibody breadth. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:38. [PMID: 38378950 PMCID: PMC10879498 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00821-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains the most common congenital infection and infectious complication in immunocompromised patients. The most successful HCMV vaccine to date, an HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) subunit vaccine adjuvanted with MF59, achieved 50% efficacy against primary HCMV infection. A previous study demonstrated that gB/MF59 vaccinees were less frequently infected with HCMV gB genotype strains most similar to the vaccine strain than strains encoding genetically distinct gB genotypes, suggesting strain-specific immunity accounted for the limited efficacy. To determine whether vaccination with multiple HCMV gB genotypes could increase the breadth of anti-HCMV gB humoral and cellular responses, we immunized 18 female rabbits with monovalent (gB-1), bivalent (gB-1+gB-3), or pentavalent (gB-1+gB-2+gB-3+gB-4+gB-5) gB lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated nucleoside-modified RNA (mRNA-LNP) vaccines. The multivalent vaccine groups did not demonstrate a higher magnitude or breadth of the IgG response to the gB ectodomain or cell-associated gB compared to that of the monovalent vaccine. Also, the multivalent vaccines did not show an increase in the breadth of neutralization activity and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis against HCMV strains encoding distinct gB genotypes. Interestingly, peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived gB-2-specific T-cell responses elicited by multivalent vaccines were of a higher magnitude compared to that of monovalent vaccinated animals against a vaccine-mismatched gB genotype at peak immunogenicity. Yet, no statistical differences were observed in T cell response against gB-3 and gB-5 variable regions among the three vaccine groups. Our data suggests that the inclusion of multivalent gB antigens is not an effective strategy to increase the breadth of anti-HCMV gB antibody and T cell responses. Understanding how to increase the HCMV vaccine protection breadth will be essential to improve the vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Leike Li
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Cody S Nelson
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Richard Barfield
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Sarah Valencia
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Cliburn Chan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paulo J C Lin
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sallie R Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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27
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Aboshi M, Matsuda K, Kawakami D, Kono K, Kazami Y, Sekida T, Komori M, Morey AL, Suga S, Smith JF, Fukuhara T, Iwatani Y, Yamamoto T, Sato N, Akahata W. Safety and immunogenicity of VLPCOV-02, a SARS-CoV-2 self-amplifying RNA vaccine with a modified base, 5-methylcytosine. iScience 2024; 27:108964. [PMID: 38352232 PMCID: PMC10863314 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108964] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Continuing emergence of variants of concern resulting in reduced SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy necessitates additional prevention strategies. The structure of VLPCOV-01, a lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated, self-amplifying RNA COVID-19 vaccine with a comparable immune response to BNT162b2, was revised by incorporating a modified base, 5-methylcytosine, to reduce reactogenicity, and an updated receptor-binding domain derived from the Brazil (gamma) variant. Interim analyses of a phase 1 dose-escalation booster vaccination study with the resulting construct, VLPCOV-02, in healthy, previously vaccinated Japanese individuals (N = 96) are reported (jRCT2051230005). A dose-related increase in solicited local and systemic adverse events was observed, which were generally rated mild or moderate. The most commonly occurring events were tenderness, pain, fatigue, and myalgia. Serum SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin titers increased during the 4 weeks post-immunization. VLPCOV-02 demonstrated a favorable safety profile compared with VLPCOV-01, with reduced adverse events and fewer fever events at an equivalent dose. These findings support further study of VLPCOV-02.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Aboshi
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc., 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | | | - Daisuke Kawakami
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc., 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kono
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc., 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | - Yoko Kazami
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc., 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | - Takashi Sekida
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc., 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | - Mai Komori
- VLP Therapeutics, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | | | - Shigeru Suga
- National Hospital Organization, Mie National Hospital, Tsu, Mie 514-0125, Japan
| | | | - Takasuke Fukuhara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0815, Japan
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Iwatani
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0001, Japan
- Division of Basic Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Sato
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc., 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | - Wataru Akahata
- VLP Therapeutics Japan, Inc., 1-16-4 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
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28
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Elliott KC, Mattapallil JJ. Zika Virus-A Reemerging Neurotropic Arbovirus Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Neuropathogenesis. Pathogens 2024; 13:177. [PMID: 38392915 PMCID: PMC10892292 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020177] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a reemerging flavivirus that is primarily spread through bites from infected mosquitos. It was first discovered in 1947 in sentinel monkeys in Uganda and has since been the cause of several outbreaks, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas. Unlike earlier outbreaks, the 2015-2016 epidemic in Brazil was characterized by the emergence of neurovirulent strains of ZIKV strains that could be sexually and perinatally transmitted, leading to the Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in newborns, and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) along with encephalitis and meningitis in adults. The immune response elicited by ZIKV infection is highly effective and characterized by the induction of both ZIKV-specific neutralizing antibodies and robust effector CD8+ T cell responses. However, the structural similarities between ZIKV and Dengue virus (DENV) lead to the induction of cross-reactive immune responses that could potentially enhance subsequent DENV infection, which imposes a constraint on the development of a highly efficacious ZIKV vaccine. The isolation and characterization of antibodies capable of cross-neutralizing both ZIKV and DENV along with cross-reactive CD8+ T cell responses suggest that vaccine immunogens can be designed to overcome these constraints. Here we review the structural characteristics of ZIKV along with the evidence of neuropathogenesis associated with ZIKV infection and the complex nature of the immune response that is elicited by ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth C. Elliott
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The Henry M Jackson Foundation for Military Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Joseph J. Mattapallil
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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29
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Wu L, Li X, Qian X, Wang S, Liu J, Yan J. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery Carrier-Assisted Targeted Controlled Release mRNA Vaccines in Tumor Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:186. [PMID: 38400169 PMCID: PMC10891594 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have attracted extensive attention in tumor immunotherapy. Targeting immune cells in cancer therapy has become a strategy of great research interest. mRNA vaccines are a potential choice for tumor immunotherapy, due to their ability to directly encode antigen proteins and stimulate a strong immune response. However, the mode of delivery and lack of stability of mRNA are key issues limiting its application. LNPs are an excellent mRNA delivery carrier, and their structural stability and biocompatibility make them an effective means for delivering mRNA to specific targets. This study summarizes the research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity. The role of LNPs in improving mRNA stability, immunogenicity, and targeting is discussed. This review aims to systematically summarize the latest research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity to provide new ideas and strategies for tumor immunotherapy, as well as to provide more effective treatment plans for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liusheng Wu
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Xinye Qian
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Shuang Wang
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Jixian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Jun Yan
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
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30
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Peng ZY, Yang S, Lu HZ, Wang LM, Li N, Zhang HT, Xing SY, Du YN, Deng SQ. A review on Zika vaccine development. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftad036. [PMID: 38192053 PMCID: PMC10901608 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad036] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family, is mainly transmitted via the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. In newborns, ZIKV infection can cause severe symptoms such as microcephaly, while in adults, it can lead to Guillain‒Barré syndrome (GBS). Due to the lack of specific therapeutic methods against ZIKV, the development of a safe and effective vaccine is extremely important. Several potential ZIKV vaccines, such as live attenuated, inactivated, nucleic acid, viral vector, and recombinant subunit vaccines, have demonstrated promising outcomes in clinical trials involving human participants. Therefore, in this review, the recent developmental progress, advantages and disadvantages of these five vaccine types are examined, and practical recommendations for future development are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Yu Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Song Yang
- Institute of Agro-products Processing, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Hong-Zheng Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lin-Min Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ni Li
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Ting Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yi-Nan Du
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sheng-Qun Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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31
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VanKeulen-Miller R, Fenton OS. Messenger RNA Therapy for Female Reproductive Health. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:393-409. [PMID: 38189262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has traditionally been an underrepresented area of research in the drug delivery sciences. This disparity is also seen in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics, a class of medicines that promises to treat and prevent disease by upregulating protein expression in the body. Here, we review advances in mRNA therapies through the lens of improving female reproductive health. Specifically, we begin our review by discussing the fundamental structure and biochemical modifications associated with mRNA-based drugs. Then, we discuss various packaging technologies, including lipid nanoparticles, that can be utilized to protect and transport mRNA drugs to target cells in the body. Last, we conclude our review by discussing the usage of mRNA therapy for addressing pregnancy-related health and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases in women. Of note, we also highlight relevant clinical trials using mRNA for female reproductive health while also providing their corresponding National Clinical Trial identifiers. In undertaking this review, our aim is to provide a fundamental background understanding of mRNA therapy and its usage to specifically address female health issues with an overarching goal of providing information toward addressing gender disparity in certain aspects of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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32
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Antas P, Carvalho C, Cabral-Teixeira J, de Lemos L, Seabra MC. Toward low-cost gene therapy: mRNA-based therapeutics for treatment of inherited retinal diseases. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:136-146. [PMID: 38044158 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) stem from genetic mutations that result in vision impairment. Gene therapy shows promising therapeutic potential, exemplified by the encouraging initial results with voretigene neparvovec. Nevertheless, the associated costs impede widespread access, particularly in low-to-middle income countries. The primary challenge remains: how can we make these therapies globally affordable? Leveraging advancements in mRNA therapies might offer a more economically viable alternative. Furthermore, transitioning to nonviral delivery systems could provide a dual benefit of reduced costs and increased scalability. Relevant stakeholders must collaboratively devise and implement a research agenda to realize the potential of mRNA strategies in equitable access to treatments to prevent vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Antas
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Carvalho
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Luísa de Lemos
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Lu C, Li Y, Chen R, Hu X, Leng Q, Song X, Lin X, Ye J, Wang J, Li J, Yao L, Tang X, Kuang X, Zhang G, Sun M, Zhou Y, Li H. Safety, Immunogenicity, and Mechanism of a Rotavirus mRNA-LNP Vaccine in Mice. Viruses 2024; 16:211. [PMID: 38399987 PMCID: PMC10892174 DOI: 10.3390/v16020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rotaviruses (RVs) are a major cause of diarrhea in young children worldwide. The currently available and licensed vaccines contain live attenuated RVs. Optimization of live attenuated RV vaccines or developing non-replicating RV (e.g., mRNA) vaccines is crucial for reducing the morbidity and mortality from RV infections. Herein, a nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and encoding the VP7 protein from the G1 type of RV was developed. The 5' untranslated region of an isolated human RV was utilized for the mRNA vaccine. After undergoing quality inspection, the VP7-mRNA vaccine was injected by subcutaneous or intramuscular routes into mice. Mice received three injections in 21 d intervals. IgG antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, cellular immunity, and gene expression from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated. Significant differences in levels of IgG antibodies were not observed in groups with adjuvant but were observed in groups without adjuvant. The vaccine without adjuvant induced the highest antibody titers after intramuscular injection. The vaccine elicited a potent antiviral immune response characterized by antiviral clusters of differentiation CD8+ T cells. VP7-mRNA induced interferon-γ secretion to mediate cellular immune responses. Chemokine-mediated signaling pathways and immune response were activated by VP7-mRNA vaccine injection. The mRNA LNP vaccine will require testing for protective efficacy, and it is an option for preventing rotavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Zhou
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-13888340684 (Y.Z.); +86-13888918945 (H.L.)
| | - Hongjun Li
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-13888340684 (Y.Z.); +86-13888918945 (H.L.)
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Phan LMT, Duong Pham TT, Than VT. RNA therapeutics for infectious diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 204:109-132. [PMID: 38458735 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acids (RNAs), including the messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), play important roles in living organisms and viruses. In recent years, the RNA-based technologies including the RNAs inhibiting other RNA activities, the RNAs targeting proteins, the RNAs reprograming genetic information, and the RNAs encoding therapeutical proteins, are useful methods to apply in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current application of the RNA therapeutics, especially on mRNA vaccines which have potential for prevention and treatment against human and animal infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Minh Tu Phan
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, The University of Danang, Danang, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thuy Duong Pham
- Department of Intelligence Energy and Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Thai Than
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Teixeira FME, Oliveira LDM, Branco ACCC, Alberca RW, de Sousa ESA, Leite BHDS, Adan WCDS, Duarte AJDS, Lins RD, Sato MN, Viana IFT. Enhanced immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice following a Zika DNA vaccine designed by modulation of membrane-anchoring regions and its association to adjuvants. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1307546. [PMID: 38361945 PMCID: PMC10867427 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1307546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging pathogen with high morbidity associated to congenital infection. Despite the scientific advances since the last outbreak in the Americas, there are no approved specific treatment or vaccines. As the development of an effective prophylactic approach remains unaddressed, DNA vaccines surge as a powerful and attractive candidate due to the efficacy of sequence optimization in achieving strong immune response. In this study, we developed four DNA vaccine constructs encoding the ZIKV prM/M (pre-membrane/membrane) and E (envelope) proteins in conjunction with molecular adjuvants. The DNA vaccine candidate (called ZK_ΔSTP), where the entire membrane-anchoring regions were completely removed, was far more immunogenic compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, inclusion of the tPA-SP leader sequence led to high expression and secretion of the target vaccine antigens, therefore contributing to adequate B cell stimulation. The ZK_ΔSTP vaccine induced high cellular and humoral response in C57BL/6 adult mice, which included high neutralizing antibody titers and the generation of germinal center B cells. Administration of ZK-ΔSTP incorporating aluminum hydroxide (Alum) adjuvant led to sustained neutralizing response. In consistency with the high and long-term protective response, ZK_ΔSTP+Alum protected adult mice upon viral challenge. Collectively, the ZK_ΔSTP+Alum vaccine formulation advances the understanding of the requirements for a successful and protective vaccine against flaviviruses and is worthy of further translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Mendonça Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Cláudia Calvielli Castelo Branco
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wesley Alberca
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emanuella Sarmento Alho de Sousa
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alberto José da Silva Duarte
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Dias Lins
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Brazil
| | - Maria Notomi Sato
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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Pederson T. Tributaries of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and lessons learned. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 30:101-104. [PMID: 37989583 PMCID: PMC10798239 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079874.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Almost without exception, scientific breakthroughs are not epistemological orphans. Historians of science have developed a body of scholarship on this, and the cases arising in our era continue to confirm the phenomenon. The work by Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman that proved foundational for the subsequent development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 had its antecedent roots yet is also a striking example of both serendipity and their persistence. Their receipt of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was greatly deserved and, as Alfred Nobel likely envisioned the broad impact to be for all the prizes, affirms to the public at large that there is such a thing as the scientific method, and that there are such things as facts. The importance of society recognizing this has always been critically important, perhaps never more so than now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoru Pederson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
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37
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Roncati L, Huo QT. Editorial: Post COVID-19: the nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (modRNA) platform. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1324610. [PMID: 38239608 PMCID: PMC10794485 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1324610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Roncati
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplantation, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Modena – Polyclinic, Modena, Italy
| | - Qun Treen Huo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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38
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Cerneckis J, Ming GL, Song H, He C, Shi Y. The rise of epitranscriptomics: recent developments and future directions. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:24-38. [PMID: 38103979 PMCID: PMC10843569 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The epitranscriptomics field has undergone tremendous growth since the discovery that the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is reversible and is distributed throughout the transcriptome. Efforts to map RNA modifications transcriptome-wide and reshape the epitranscriptome in disease settings have facilitated mechanistic understanding and drug discovery in the field. In this review we discuss recent advancements in RNA modification detection methods and consider how these developments can be applied to gain novel insights into the epitranscriptome. We also highlight drug discovery efforts aimed at developing epitranscriptomic therapeutics for cancer and other diseases. Finally, we consider engineering of the epitranscriptome as an emerging direction to investigate RNA modifications and their causal effects on RNA processing at high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, the Epigenetics Institute, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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39
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Medenbach J, Tschochner H. Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine in 2023: how to dupe the cellular innate immune system using modified RNA for therapeutic treatment. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:5-6. [PMID: 38087083 PMCID: PMC10758357 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Medenbach
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Herbert Tschochner
- Universität Regensburg, Regensburg Center of Biochemistry (RCB), Biochemistry III, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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40
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Poveda C, Chen YL, Strych U. Generation and Characterization of In Vitro Transcribed mRNA. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:147-165. [PMID: 38814393 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Here we describe the in vitro preparation of mRNA from DNA templates, including setting up the transcription reaction, mRNA capping, and mRNA labeling. We then describe methods used for mRNA characterization, including UV and fluorescence spectrophotometry, as well as gel electrophoresis. Moreover, characterization of the in vitro transcribed RNA using the Bioanalyzer instrument is described, allowing a higher resolution analysis of the target molecules. For the in vitro testing of the mRNA molecules, we include protocols for the transfection of various primary cell cultures and the confirmation of translation by intracellular staining and western blotting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Poveda
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yi-Lin Chen
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA.
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41
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Kaushik S, Kumari L, Deepak RK. Humanized mouse model for vaccine evaluation: an overview. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2024; 13:10-20. [PMID: 38362371 PMCID: PMC10864885 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2024.13.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal models are essential in medical research for testing drugs and vaccines. These models differ from humans in various respects, so their results are not directly translatable in humans. To address this issue, humanized mice engrafted with functional human cells or tissue can be helpful. We propose using humanized mice that support the engraftment of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) without irradiation to evaluate vaccines that influence patient immunity. For infectious diseases, several types of antigens and adjuvants have been developed and evaluated for vaccination. Peptide vaccines are generally used for their capability to fight cancer and infectious diseases. Evaluation of adjuvants is necessary as they induce inflammation, which is effective for an enhanced immune response but causes adverse effects in some individuals. A trial can be done on humanized mice to check the immunogenicity of a particular adjuvant and peptide combination. Messenger RNA has also emerged as a potential vaccine against viruses. These vaccines need to be tested with human immune cells because they work by producing a particular peptide of the pathogen. Humanized mice with human HSCs that can produce both myeloid and lymphoid cells show a similar immune response that these vaccines will produce in a patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lata Kumari
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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42
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Zimmermann L, Erbar S. Trans-Amplifying RNA Vaccines Against Infectious Diseases: A Comparison with Non-Replicating and Self-Amplifying RNA. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:135-144. [PMID: 38814392 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic as well as other past and recent outbreaks of newly or re-emerging viruses show the urgent need to develop potent new vaccine approaches, that enable a quick response to prevent global spread of infectious diseases. The breakthrough of first messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines 2019 approved only months after identification of the causative virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), opens a big new field for vaccine engineering. Currently, two major types of mRNA are being pursued as vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases. One is non-replicating mRNA, including nucleoside-modified mRNA, used in the current COVID-19 vaccines of Moderna and BioNTech (Sahin et al., Nat Rev Drug Discov 13(10):759-780, 2014; Baden et al., N Engl J Med 384(5):403-416, 2021; Polack et al., N Engl J Med 383(27):2603-2615, 2020), the other is self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) derived from RNA viruses. Recently, trans-amplifying RNA, a split vector system, has been described as a third class of mRNA (Spuul et al., J Virol 85(10):4739-4751, 2011; Blakney et al., Front Mol Biosci 5:71, 2018; Beissert et al., Mol Ther 28(1):119-128, 2020). In this chapter we review the different types of mRNA currently used for vaccine development with focus on trans-amplifying RNA.
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Khoshandam M, Soltaninejad H, Mousazadeh M, Hamidieh AA, Hosseinkhani S. Clinical applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system: Delivery options and challenges in precision medicine. Genes Dis 2024; 11:268-282. [PMID: 37588217 PMCID: PMC10425811 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is an effective gene editing tool with broad applications for the prevention or treatment of numerous diseases. It depends on CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) as a bacterial immune system and plays as a gene editing tool. Due to the higher specificity and efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 compared to other editing approaches, it has been broadly investigated to treat numerous hereditary and acquired illnesses, including cancers, hemolytic diseases, immunodeficiency disorders, cardiovascular diseases, visual maladies, neurodegenerative conditions, and a few X-linked disorders. CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to treat cancers through a variety of approaches, with stable gene editing techniques. Here, the applications and clinical trials of CRISPR/Cas9 in various illnesses are described. Due to its high precision and efficiency, CRISPR/Cas9 strategies may treat gene-related illnesses by deleting, inserting, modifying, or blocking the expression of specific genes. The most challenging barrier to the in vivo use of CRISPR/Cas9 like off-target effects will be discussed. The use of transfection vehicles for CRISPR/Cas9, including viral vectors (such as an Adeno-associated virus (AAV)), and the development of non-viral vectors is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Khoshandam
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom 3716986466, Iran
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran 14155-6463, Iran
| | - Hossein Soltaninejad
- Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14155-6559, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Mousazadeh
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14155-6559, Iran
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14117-13116, Iran
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Kunkeaw N, Nguitragool W, Takashima E, Kangwanrangsan N, Muramatsu H, Tachibana M, Ishino T, Lin PJC, Tam YK, Pichyangkul S, Tsuboi T, Pardi N, Sattabongkot J. A Pvs25 mRNA vaccine induces complete and durable transmission-blocking immunity to Plasmodium vivax. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:187. [PMID: 38092803 PMCID: PMC10719277 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00786-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) is the major malaria parasite outside of Africa and no vaccine is available against it. A vaccine that interrupts parasite transmission (transmission-blocking vaccine, TBV) is considered highly desirable to reduce the spread of P. vivax and to accelerate its elimination. However, the development of a TBV against this pathogen has been hampered by the inability to culture the parasite as well as the low immunogenicity of the vaccines developed to date. Pvs25 is the most advanced TBV antigen candidate for P. vivax. However, in previous phase I clinical trials, TBV vaccines based on Pvs25 yielded low antibody responses or had unacceptable safety profiles. As the nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccine platform proved to be safe and effective in humans, we generated and tested mRNA-LNP vaccines encoding several versions of Pvs25 in mice. We found that in a prime-boost vaccination schedule, all Pvs25 mRNA-LNP vaccines elicited robust antigen-specific antibody responses. Furthermore, when compared with a Pvs25 recombinant protein vaccine formulated with Montanide ISA-51 adjuvant, the full-length Pvs25 mRNA-LNP vaccine induced a stronger and longer-lasting functional immunity. Seven months after the second vaccination, vaccine-induced antibodies retained the ability to fully block P. vivax transmission in direct membrane feeding assays, whereas the blocking activity induced by the protein/ISA-51 vaccine dropped significantly. Taken together, we report on mRNA vaccines targeting P. vivax and demonstrate that Pvs25 mRNA-LNP outperformed an adjuvanted Pvs25 protein vaccine suggesting that it is a promising candidate for further testing in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawapol Kunkeaw
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Niwat Kangwanrangsan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mayumi Tachibana
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ishino
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paulo J C Lin
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sathit Pichyangkul
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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45
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Brown BD, Fauci AS, Belkaid Y, Merad M. RNA vaccines: A transformational advance. Immunity 2023; 56:2665-2669. [PMID: 38091944 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines have stemmed many infectious diseases, but when SARS-CoV-2 emerged, traditional vaccine development would not have been fast enough. This year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognizes work that enabled the rapid development of mRNA vaccines, which halted the COVID-19 pandemic. The feat was a product of basic biological insights coupled with technological innovations, which have transformed vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Brown
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Anthony S Fauci
- Georgetown University, School of Medicine and McCourt School of Public Policy, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Yasmine Belkaid
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Miriam Merad
- Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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46
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Wang Z, Jacobus EJ, Stirling DC, Krumm S, Flight KE, Cunliffe RF, Mottl J, Singh C, Mosscrop LG, Santiago LA, Vogel AB, Kariko K, Sahin U, Erbar S, Tregoning JS. Reducing cell intrinsic immunity to mRNA vaccine alters adaptive immune responses in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102045. [PMID: 37876532 PMCID: PMC10591005 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The response to mRNA vaccines needs to be sufficient for immune cell activation and recruitment, but moderate enough to ensure efficacious antigen expression. The choice of the cap structure and use of N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) instead of uridine, which have been shown to reduce RNA sensing by the cellular innate immune system, has led to improved efficacy of mRNA vaccine platforms. Understanding how RNA modifications influence the cell intrinsic immune response may help in the development of more effective mRNA vaccines. In the current study, we compared mRNA vaccines in mice against influenza virus using three different mRNA formats: uridine-containing mRNA (D1-uRNA), m1Ψ-modified mRNA (D1-modRNA), and D1-modRNA with a cap1 structure (cC1-modRNA). D1-uRNA vaccine induced a significantly different gene expression profile to the modified mRNA vaccines, with an up-regulation of Stat1 and RnaseL, and increased systemic inflammation. This result correlated with significantly reduced antigen-specific antibody responses and reduced protection against influenza virus infection compared with D1-modRNA and cC1-modRNA. Incorporation of m1Ψ alone without cap1 improved antibodies, but both modifications were required for the optimum response. Therefore, the incorporation of m1Ψ and cap1 alters protective immunity from mRNA vaccines by altering the innate immune response to the vaccine material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyin Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - David C. Stirling
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Katie E. Flight
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Robert F. Cunliffe
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Charanjit Singh
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Lucy G. Mosscrop
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - John S. Tregoning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
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Monziani A, Ulitsky I. Noncoding snoRNA host genes are a distinct subclass of long noncoding RNAs. Trends Genet 2023; 39:908-923. [PMID: 37783604 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian genomes are pervasively transcribed into different noncoding (nc)RNA classes, each one with its own hallmarks and exceptions. Some of them are nested into each other, such as host genes for small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), which were long believed to simply act as molecular containers strictly facilitating snoRNA biogenesis. However, recent findings show that noncoding snoRNA host genes (ncSNHGs) display features different from those of 'regular' long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and, more importantly, they can exert independent and unrelated functions to those of the encoded snoRNAs. Here, we review and summarize past and recent evidence that ncSNHGs form a defined subclass among the plethora of lncRNAs, and discuss future research that can further elucidate their biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Monziani
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Igor Ulitsky
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel.
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Okuyama R. mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Platforms Utilized in COVID-19 Vaccines: Technologies, Ecosystem, and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1737. [PMID: 38140142 PMCID: PMC10748114 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121737] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
New technological platforms, such as mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines, have been utilized to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. These new modalities enable rapid and flexible vaccine design and cost-effective and swift manufacturing, effectively combating pandemics caused by mutating viruses. Innovation ecosystems, including universities, startups, investors, and governments are crucial for developing these cutting-edge technologies. This review summarizes the research and development trajectory of these vaccine technologies, their investments, and the support surrounding them, in addition to the technological details of each technology. In addition, this study examines the importance of an innovation ecosystem in developing novel technologies, comparing it with the case of Japan, which has lagged behind in COVID-19 vaccine development. It also explores the direction of vaccine development in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Okuyama
- College of International Management, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu 874-8577, Japan
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49
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Miliotou AN, Georgiou-Siafis SK, Ntenti C, Pappas IS, Papadopoulou LC. Recruiting In Vitro Transcribed mRNA against Cancer Immunotherapy: A Contemporary Appraisal of the Current Landscape. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9181-9214. [PMID: 37998753 PMCID: PMC10670245 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110576] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 100 innovative in vitro transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs are presently undergoing clinical trials, with a projected substantial impact on the pharmaceutical market in the near future. Τhe idea behind this is that after the successful cellular internalization of IVT-mRNAs, they are subsequently translated into proteins with therapeutic or prophylactic relevance. Simultaneously, cancer immunotherapy employs diverse strategies to mobilize the immune system in the battle against cancer. Therefore, in this review, the fundamental principles of IVT-mRNA to its recruitment in cancer immunotherapy, are discussed and analyzed. More specifically, this review paper focuses on the development of mRNA vaccines, the exploitation of neoantigens, as well as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells, showcasing their clinical applications and the ongoing trials for the development of next-generation immunotherapeutics. Furthermore, this study investigates the synergistic potential of combining the CAR immunotherapy and the IVT-mRNAs by introducing our research group novel, patented delivery method that utilizes the Protein Transduction Domain (PTD) technology to transduce the IVT-mRNAs encoding the CAR of interest into the Natural Killer (NK)-92 cells, highlighting the potential for enhancing the CAR NK cell potency, efficiency, and bioenergetics. While IVT-mRNA technology brings exciting progress to cancer immunotherapy, several challenges and limitations must be acknowledged, such as safety, toxicity, and delivery issues. This comprehensive exploration of IVT-mRNA technology, in line with its applications in cancer therapeutics, offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, setting the stage for future advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androulla N. Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Department of Health Sciences, KES College, 1055 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sofia K. Georgiou-Siafis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Charikleia Ntenti
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- 1st Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pappas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Lefkothea C. Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
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50
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Su H, Liu J, Yu J, Qiu Z, Liang W, Wu W, Mo H, Li H, Zhao W, Gu W. EDIII-Fc induces protective immune responses against the Zika virus in mice and rhesus macaque. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011770. [PMID: 37983259 PMCID: PMC10695381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus can infect the fetus through the placental barrier, causing ZIKV congenital syndrome and even miscarriage, which can cause great harm to pregnant women and infants. Currently, there is no vaccine and drug available to combat the Zika virus. In this study, we designed a fusion protein named EDIII-Fc, including the EDIII region of Zika E protein and human IgG Fc fragment, and obtained 293T cells that stably secreted EDIII-Fc protein using the lentiviral expression system. Mice were immunized with the EDIII-Fc protein, and it was observed that viral replication was significantly inhibited in the immunized mice compared to non-immunized mice. In rhesus macaques, we found that EDIII-Fc effectively induce the secretion of neutralizing antibodies and T cell immunity. These experimental data provide valid data for further use of Zika virus E protein to prepare an effective, safe, affordable Zika vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Su
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhai Yu
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Qiu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhan Liang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangsheng Wu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haifeng Mo
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwang Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
- Institute of Comparative Medicine & Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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