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Schoettler FI, Fatehi Hassanabad A, Jadli AS, Patel VB, Fedak PWM. Exploring the role of pericardial miRNAs and exosomes in modulating cardiac fibrosis. Cardiovasc Pathol 2024; 73:107671. [PMID: 38906439 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2024.107671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential of the pericardial space as a therapeutic delivery tool for cardiac fibrosis and heart failure (HF) treatment has yet to be elucidated. Recently, miRNAs and exosomes have been discovered to be present in human pericardial fluid (PF). Novel studies have shown characteristic human PF miRNA compositions associated with cardiac diseases and higher miRNA expressions in PF compared to peripheral blood. Five key studies found differentially expressed miRNAs in HF, angina pectoris, aortic stenosis, ventricular tachycardia, and congenital heart diseases with either atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm. As miRNA-based therapeutics for cardiac fibrosis and HF showed promising results in several in vivo studies for multiple miRNAs, we hypothesize a potential role of miRNA-based therapeutics delivered through the pericardial cavity. This is underlined by the favorable results of the first phase 1b clinical trial in this emerging field. Presenting the first human miRNA antisense drug trial, inhibition of miR-132 by intravenous administration of a novel antisense oligonucleotide, CDR132L, established efficacy in reducing miR-132 in plasma samples in a dose-dependent manner. We screened the literature, provided an overview of the miRNAs and exosomes present in PF, and drew a connection to those miRNAs previously elucidated in cardiac fibrosis and HF. Further, we speculate about clinical implications and potential delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike I Schoettler
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ali Fatehi Hassanabad
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Sciences, Section of Cardiac Surgery, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anshul S Jadli
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vaibhav B Patel
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Sciences, Section of Cardiac Surgery, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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2
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Wang L, Han H. Strategies for improving the genome-editing efficiency of class 2 CRISPR/Cas system. Heliyon 2024; 10:e38588. [PMID: 39397905 PMCID: PMC11471210 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38588] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its advent, gene-editing technology has been widely used in microorganisms, animals, plants, and other species. This technology shows remarkable application prospects, giving rise to a new biotechnological industry. In particular, third-generation gene editing technology, represented by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, has become the mainstream gene editing technology owing to its advantages of high efficiency, simple operation, and low cost. These systems can be widely used because they have been modified and optimized, leading to notable improvements in the efficiency of gene editing. This review introduces the characteristics of popular CRISPR/Cas systems and optimization methods aimed at improving the editing efficiency of class 2 CRISPR/Cas systems, providing a reference for the development of superior gene editing systems. Additionally, the review discusses the development and optimization of base editors, primer editors, gene activation and repression tools, as well as the advancement and refinement of compact systems such as IscB, TnpB, Fanzor, and Cas12f.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongbing Han
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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3
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Karimi-Sani I, Molavi Z, Naderi S, Mirmajidi SH, Zare I, Naeimzadeh Y, Mansouri A, Tajbakhsh A, Savardashtaki A, Sahebkar A. Personalized mRNA vaccines in glioblastoma therapy: from rational design to clinical trials. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:601. [PMID: 39367418 PMCID: PMC11453023 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumors, presenting significant challenges for treatment due to their invasive nature and localization in critical brain regions. Standard treatment includes surgical resection followed by radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Recent advances in immunotherapy, including the use of mRNA vaccines, offer promising alternatives. This review focuses on the emerging use of mRNA vaccines for GBM treatment. We summarize recent advancements, evaluate current obstacles, and discuss notable successes in this field. Our analysis highlights that while mRNA vaccines have shown potential, their use in GBM treatment is still experimental. Ongoing research and clinical trials are essential to fully understand their therapeutic potential. Future developments in mRNA vaccine technology and insights into GBM-specific immune responses may lead to more targeted and effective treatments. Despite the promise, further research is crucial to validate and optimize the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in combating GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Karimi-Sani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Molavi
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Naderi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Habibeh Mirmajidi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co. Ltd., Shiraz, 7178795844, Iran
| | - Yasaman Naeimzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Atena Mansouri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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4
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Lokras AG, Bobak TR, Baghel SS, Sebastiani F, Foged C. Advances in the design and delivery of RNA vaccines for infectious diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 213:115419. [PMID: 39111358 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
RNA medicines represent a paradigm shift in treatment and prevention of critical diseases of global significance, e.g., infectious diseases. The highly successful messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were developed at record speed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A consequence of this is exceptionally shortened vaccine development times, which in combination with adaptability makes the RNA vaccine technology highly attractive against infectious diseases and for pandemic preparedness. Here, we review state of the art in the design and delivery of RNA vaccines for infectious diseases based on different RNA modalities, including linear mRNA, self-amplifying RNA, trans-amplifying RNA, and circular RNA. We provide an overview of the clinical pipeline of RNA vaccines for infectious diseases, and present analytical procedures, which are paramount for characterizing quality attributes and guaranteeing their quality, and we discuss future perspectives for using RNA vaccines to combat pathogens beyond SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijeet Girish Lokras
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Thomas Rønnemoes Bobak
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Saahil Sandeep Baghel
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Federica Sebastiani
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 22100, Lund, Sweden
| | - Camilla Foged
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Cai J, Chen S, Liu Z, Li H, Wang P, Yang F, Li Y, Chen K, Sun M, Qiu M. RNA technology and nanocarriers empowering in vivo chimeric antigen receptor therapy. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 39340367 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13861] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The remarkable success of mRNA-based coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines has propelled the advancement of nanomedicine, specifically in the realm of RNA technology and nanomaterial delivery systems. Notably, significant strides have been made in the development of RNA-based in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. In comparison to the conventional ex vivo CAR therapy, in vivo CAR therapy offers several benefits including simplified preparation, reduced costs, broad applicability and decreased potential for carcinogenic effects. This review summarises the RNA-based CAR constructs in in vivo CAR therapy, discusses the current applications of in vivo delivery vectors and outlines the immune cells edited with CAR molecules. We aim for the conveyed messages to contribute towards the advancement of in vivo CAR application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsheng Cai
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoyi Chen
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Li
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiyu Wang
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yang
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Li
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kezhong Chen
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Sun
- Department of Oncology Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mantang Qiu
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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6
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Liu B, Pan T. Building better mRNA for therapeutics. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02424-8. [PMID: 39313648 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Bei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Tao Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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7
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Mrksich K, Padilla MS, Mitchell MJ. Breaking the final barrier: Evolution of cationic and ionizable lipid structure in lipid nanoparticles to escape the endosome. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 214:115446. [PMID: 39293650 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115446] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
In the past decade, nucleic acid therapies have seen a boon in development and clinical translation largely due to advances in nanotechnology that have enabled their safe and targeted delivery. Nanoparticles can protect nucleic acids from degradation by serum enzymes and can facilitate entry into cells. Still, achieving endosomal escape to allow nucleic acids to enter the cytoplasm has remained a significant barrier, where less than 5% of nanoparticles within the endo-lysosomal pathway are able to transfer their cargo to the cytosol. Lipid-based drug delivery vehicles, particularly lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), have been optimized to achieve potent endosomal escape, and thus have been the vector of choice in the clinic as demonstrated by their utilization in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The success of LNPs is in large part due to the rational design of lipids that can specifically overcome endosomal barriers. In this review, we chart the evolution of lipid structure from cationic lipids to ionizable lipids, focusing on structure-function relationships, with a focus on how they relate to endosomal escape. Additionally, we examine recent advancements in ionizable lipid structure as well as discuss the future of lipid design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Mrksich
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marshall S Padilla
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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8
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Moskowitzova K, Naus AE, Dang TT, Zurakowski D, Fauza DO. Transamniotic Delivery of Surfactant Protein B mRNA in a Healthy Model. Fetal Diagn Ther 2024:1-7. [PMID: 39265536 DOI: 10.1159/000541429] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to determine whether exogenous surfactant protein B (SPB) mRNA could be incorporated and translated by the fetal lung after simple transamniotic administration. METHODS Fetuses (n = 149) of twelve time-dated dams underwent intra-amniotic injections of either human SPB (hSPB) mRNA encapsulated into lipopolyplex (mRNA, n = 99) or lipopolyplex without mRNA (control; n = 50) on gestational day 17 (E17, term = E21-22). Lungs were screened for hSPB by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay daily until term. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (a surrogate for surfactant production) was measured in the amniotic fluid by fluorometric assay. Statistical analysis included nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS Significantly improved survival in the mRNA group compared to controls was observed at E18 (100% vs. 85.7%) and E20 (100% vs. 83.3%) (both p < 0.001). When controlled by mRNA-free injections, hSPB protein was detected in the mRNA group's lungs at E18, 19, and term (p = 0.002 to <0.001). Amniotic fluid PC levels were increased compared to control at term [285.9 (251.1, 363.9) μM versus 263.1 (222.8, 309.1) μM]; however, this did not reach significance (p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS Encapsulated exogenous SPB mRNA can be incorporated and translated by fetal lung cells following intra-amniotic injection in a healthy rat model. Transamniotic mRNA delivery could become a novel strategy for perinatal surfactant protein replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Moskowitzova
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abbie E Naus
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tanya T Dang
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Zurakowski
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dario O Fauza
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Lu RM, Hsu HE, Perez SJLP, Kumari M, Chen GH, Hong MH, Lin YS, Liu CH, Ko SH, Concio CAP, Su YJ, Chang YH, Li WS, Wu HC. Current landscape of mRNA technologies and delivery systems for new modality therapeutics. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:89. [PMID: 39256822 PMCID: PMC11389359 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Realizing the immense clinical potential of mRNA-based drugs will require continued development of methods to safely deliver the bioactive agents with high efficiency and without triggering side effects. In this regard, lipid nanoparticles have been successfully utilized to improve mRNA delivery and protect the cargo from extracellular degradation. Encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles was an essential factor in the successful clinical application of mRNA vaccines, which conclusively demonstrated the technology's potential to yield approved medicines. In this review, we begin by describing current advances in mRNA modifications, design of novel lipids and development of lipid nanoparticle components for mRNA-based drugs. Then, we summarize key points pertaining to preclinical and clinical development of mRNA therapeutics. Finally, we cover topics related to targeted delivery systems, including endosomal escape and targeting of immune cells, tumors and organs for use with mRNA vaccines and new treatment modalities for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruei-Min Lu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-En Hsu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | | | - Monika Kumari
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Hong Chen
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsiang Hong
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Shiou Lin
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hang Liu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Han Ko
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | | | - Yi-Jen Su
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Han Chang
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shan Li
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan.
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan.
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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10
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Wolfson DW, Kim NK, Lee KH, Beyersdorf JP, Langberg JJ, Fernandez N, Choi D, Zureick N, Kim TY, Bae S, Gu JM, Kirschman JL, Fan J, Sheng CY, Gottlieb Sen D, Mettler B, Sung JH, Yoon YS, Park SJ, Santangelo PJ, Cho HC. Transient pacing in pigs with complete heart block via myocardial injection of mRNA coding for the T-box transcription factor 18. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:1124-1141. [PMID: 38698155 PMCID: PMC11410671 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01211-9] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The adenovirus-mediated somatic transfer of the embryonic T-box transcription factor 18 (TBX18) gene can convert chamber cardiomyocytes into induced pacemaker cells. However, the translation of therapeutic TBX18-induced cardiac pacing faces safety challenges. Here we show that the myocardial expression of synthetic TBX18 mRNA in animals generates de novo pacing and limits innate and inflammatory immune responses. In rats, intramyocardially injected mRNA remained localized, whereas direct myocardial injection of an adenovirus carrying a reporter gene resulted in diffuse expression and in substantial spillover to the liver, spleen and lungs. Transient expression of TBX18 mRNA in rats led to de novo automaticity and pacemaker properties and, compared with the injection of adenovirus, to substantial reductions in the expression of inflammatory genes and in activated macrophage populations. In rodent and clinically relevant porcine models of complete heart block, intramyocardially injected TBX18 mRNA provided rate-adaptive cardiac pacing for one month that strongly correlated with the animal's sinus rhythm and physical activity. TBX18 mRNA may aid the development of biological pacemakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Wolfson
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nam Kyun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ki Hong Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jared P Beyersdorf
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jonathan J Langberg
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Natasha Fernandez
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dahim Choi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nadine Zureick
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tae Yun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Seongho Bae
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jin-Mo Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jonathan L Kirschman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jinqi Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christina Y Sheng
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Danielle Gottlieb Sen
- Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bret Mettler
- Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jung Hoon Sung
- Department of Cardiology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Young-Sup Yoon
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sung-Jin Park
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Philip J Santangelo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Hee Cheol Cho
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center, The Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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11
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Mangiavacchi A, Morelli G, Reppe S, Saera-Vila A, Liu P, Eggerschwiler B, Zhang H, Bensaddek D, Casanova EA, Medina Gomez C, Prijatelj V, Della Valle F, Atinbayeva N, Izpisua Belmonte JC, Rivadeneira F, Cinelli P, Gautvik KM, Orlando V. LINE-1 RNA triggers matrix formation in bone cells via a PKR-mediated inflammatory response. EMBO J 2024; 43:3587-3603. [PMID: 38951609 PMCID: PMC11377738 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00143-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic modules of viral derivation that have been co-opted to become modulators of mammalian gene expression. TEs are a major source of endogenous dsRNAs, signaling molecules able to coordinate inflammatory responses in various physiological processes. Here, we provide evidence for a positive involvement of TEs in inflammation-driven bone repair and mineralization. In newly fractured mice bone, we observed an early transient upregulation of repeats occurring concurrently with the initiation of the inflammatory stage. In human bone biopsies, analysis revealed a significant correlation between repeats expression, mechanical stress and bone mineral density. We investigated a potential link between LINE-1 (L1) expression and bone mineralization by delivering a synthetic L1 RNA to osteoporotic patient-derived mesenchymal stem cells and observed a dsRNA-triggered protein kinase (PKR)-mediated stress response that led to strongly increased mineralization. This response was associated with a strong and transient inflammation, accompanied by a global translation attenuation induced by eIF2α phosphorylation. We demonstrated that L1 transfection reshaped the secretory profile of osteoblasts, triggering a paracrine activity that stimulated the mineralization of recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Mangiavacchi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gabriele Morelli
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sjur Reppe
- Oslo University Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo, Norway
- Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Unger-Vetlesen Institute, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo University Hospital, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Peng Liu
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Benjamin Eggerschwiler
- Department of Trauma, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huoming Zhang
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalila Bensaddek
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Elisa A Casanova
- Department of Trauma, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Vid Prijatelj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Francesco Della Valle
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nazerke Atinbayeva
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fernando Rivadeneira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paolo Cinelli
- Department of Trauma, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Valerio Orlando
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal, 23500-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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12
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Macht A, Huang Y, Reinert LS, Grass V, Lohmer K, Aristizabal Prada ET, Babel E, Semmler A, Zhang W, Wegner A, Lichtenegger-Hartl E, Haas S, Hasenpusch G, Meyer S, Paludan SR, Pichlmair A, Rudolph C, Langenickel T. Mucosal IFNλ1 mRNA-based immunomodulation effectively reduces SARS-CoV-2 induced mortality in mice. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:3777-3788. [PMID: 39060455 PMCID: PMC11387833 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00216-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA vaccines elicit protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2, but the use of mRNA as an antiviral immunotherapeutic is unexplored. Here, we investigate the activity of lipidoid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated mRNA encoding human IFNλ1 (ETH47), which is a critical driver of innate immunity at mucosal surfaces protecting from viral infections. IFNλ1 mRNA administration promotes dose-dependent protein translation, induction of interferon-stimulated genes without relevant signs of unspecific immune stimulation, and dose-dependent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Pulmonary administration of IFNλ1 mRNA in mice results in a potent reduction of virus load, virus-induced body weight loss and significantly increased survival. These data support the development of inhaled administration of IFNλ1 mRNA as a potential prophylactic option for individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or at risk suffering from COVID-19. Based on the broad antiviral activity of IFNλ1 regardless of virus or variant, this approach might also be utilized for other respiratory viral infections or pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiqi Huang
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Line S Reinert
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vincent Grass
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Søren R Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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13
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McGee JE, Kirsch JR, Kenney D, Cerbo F, Chavez EC, Shih TY, Douam F, Wong WW, Grinstaff MW. Complete substitution with modified nucleotides in self-amplifying RNA suppresses the interferon response and increases potency. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02306-z. [PMID: 38977924 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02306-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The use of modified nucleotides to suppress the interferon response and maintain translation of self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), which has been achieved for mRNA, has not yet succeeded. We identify modified nucleotides that, when substituted at 100% in saRNA, confer innate immune evasion and robust long-term protein expression, and when formulated as a vaccine, protect against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. This discovery advances saRNA therapeutics by enabling prolonged protein expression at low doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E McGee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jack R Kirsch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Devin Kenney
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Faith Cerbo
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Chavez
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ting-Yu Shih
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florian Douam
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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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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15
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Bush A. Learning from cystic fibrosis: How can we start to personalise treatment of Children's Interstitial Lung Disease (chILD)? Paediatr Respir Rev 2024; 50:46-53. [PMID: 37996258 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disorder cause by mutations in the CF Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) gene. The prognosis of cystic fibrosis has been transformed by the discovery of highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT). Treatment has changed from reactive therapy dealing with complications of the disease to pro-active correction of the underlying molecular functional abnormality. This has come about by discovering the detailed biology of the different CF molecular sub-endotypes; the development of biomarkers to assess response even in mild disease or young children; the performance of definitive large randomised controlled trials in patients with a common mutation and the development of in vitro testing systems to test efficacy in those patients with rare CFTR mutations. As a result, CF is now an umbrella term, rather than a specific diagnostic label; we have moved from clinical phenotypes to molecular subendotypes. Children's Interstitial Lung Diseases (chILDs) comprise more than 200 entities, and are a diverse group of diseases, for an increasing number of which an underlying gene mutation has been discovered. Many of these entities are umbrella terms, such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis, for each of which there are multiple and very different endotypes. Even those chILDs for which a specific gene mutation has been discovered comprise, as with CF, different molecular subendotypes likely mandating different therapies. For most chILDs, current treatment is non-specific (corticosteroids, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine). The variability of the different entities means that there is little evidence for the efficacy of any treatment. This review considers how some of the lessons of the success story of CF are being applied to chILD, thus opening the opportunities for truly personalised medicine in these conditions. Advances in knowledge in the molecular biology of surfactant protein C and Adenosine triphosphate binding cassette subfamily A member 3 (ABCA3), and the possibilities of discovering novel therapies by in vitro studies will especially be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bush
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, and Imperial Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Consultant Paediatric Chest Physician, Royal Brompton Hospital, UK.
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16
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Hurley K, Ozaki M, Philippot Q, Galvin L, Crosby D, Kirwan M, Gill DR, Alysandratos KD, Jenkins G, Griese M, Nathan N, Borie R. A roadmap to precision treatments for familial pulmonary fibrosis. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105135. [PMID: 38718684 PMCID: PMC11096859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105135] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in adults and children (chILD) are a heterogeneous group of lung disorders leading to inflammation, abnormal tissue repair and scarring of the lung parenchyma often resulting in respiratory failure and death. Inherited factors directly cause, or contribute significantly to the risk of developing ILD, so called familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF), and monogenic forms may have a poor prognosis and respond poorly to current treatments. Specific, variant-targeted or precision treatments are lacking. Clinical trials of repurposed drugs, anti-fibrotic medications and specific treatments are emerging but for many patients no interventions exist. We convened an expert working group to develop an overarching framework to address the existing research gaps in basic, translational, and clinical research and identified areas for future development of preclinical models, candidate medications and innovative clinical trials. In this Position Paper, we summarise working group discussions, recommendations, and unresolved questions concerning precision treatments for FPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Hurley
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Mari Ozaki
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Quentin Philippot
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PHERE, Hôpital Bichat, AP-HP, Service de Pneumologie A, Centre Constitutif du Centre de Référence des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, FHU APOLLO, Paris, France; Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Respiratory Diseases, Inserm U1152, UFR de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Liam Galvin
- European Pulmonary Fibrosis Federation, Overijse, Belgium
| | | | - Mary Kirwan
- Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deborah R Gill
- UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom; Gene Medicine Research Group, Radcliffe Department of Medicine (NDCLS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos-Dionysios Alysandratos
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA; The Pulmonary Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Gisli Jenkins
- Imperial College London, 4615, National Heart & Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Matthias Griese
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Nadia Nathan
- Sorbonne Université, Pediatric Pulmonology and Reference Center for Rare Lung Diseases RespiRare, Inserm U933 Laboratory of Childhood Genetic Diseases, Armand Trousseau Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Raphael Borie
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PHERE, Hôpital Bichat, AP-HP, Service de Pneumologie A, Centre Constitutif du Centre de Référence des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares, FHU APOLLO, Paris, France
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17
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Jolly KJ, Zhang F. IVT-mRNA reprogramming of myeloid cells for cancer immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 100:247-288. [PMID: 39034054 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.04.004] [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: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
In the past decade, in vitro transcribed messenger RNAs (IVT-mRNAs) have emerged as promising therapeutic molecules. The clinical success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, have demonstrated that IVT-mRNAs can be safely and successfully used in a clinical setting, and efforts are underway to develop IVT-mRNAs for therapeutic applications. Current applications of mRNA-based therapy have been focused on (1) mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer treatment; (2) protein replacement therapy; (3) gene editing therapy; and (4) cell-reprogramming therapies. Due to the recent clinical progress of cell-based immunotherapies, the last direction-the use of IVT-mRNAs as a therapeutic approach to program immune cells for the treatment of cancer has received extensive attention from the cancer immunotherapy field. Myeloid cells are important components of our immune system, and they play critical roles in mediating disease progression and regulating immunity against diseases. In this chapter, we discussed the progress of using IVT-mRNAs as a therapeutic approach to program myeloid cells against cancer and other immune-related diseases. Towards this direction, we first reviewed the pharmacology of IVT-mRNAs and the biology of myeloid cells as well as myeloid cell-targeting therapeutics. We then presented a few cases of current IVT-mRNA-based approaches to target and reprogram myeloid cells for disease treatment and discussed the advantages and limitations of these approaches. Finally, we presented our considerations in designing mRNA-based approaches to target myeloid cells for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevon J Jolly
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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18
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Shen G, Liu J, Yang H, Xie N, Yang Y. mRNA therapies: Pioneering a new era in rare genetic disease treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:696-721. [PMID: 38580137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases, often referred to as orphan diseases due to their low prevalence and limited treatment options, have long posed significant challenges to our medical system. In recent years, Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy has emerged as a highly promising treatment approach for various diseases caused by genetic mutations. Chemically modified mRNA is introduced into cells using carriers like lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), producing functional proteins that compensate for genetic deficiencies. Given the advantages of precise dosing, biocompatibility, transient expression, and minimal risk of genomic integration, mRNA therapies can safely and effectively correct genetic defects in rare diseases and improve symptoms. Currently, dozens of mRNA drugs targeting rare diseases are undergoing clinical trials. This comprehensive review summarizes the progress of mRNA therapy in treating rare genetic diseases. It introduces the development, molecular design, and delivery systems of mRNA therapy, highlighting their research progress in rare genetic diseases based on protein replacement and gene editing. The review also summarizes research progress in various rare disease models and clinical trials. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and future prospects of mRNA therapy. Researchers are encouraged to join this field and collaborate to advance the clinical translation of mRNA therapy, bringing hope to patients with rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobo Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanmei Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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19
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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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20
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Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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21
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Obexer R, Nassir M, Moody ER, Baran PS, Lovelock SL. Modern approaches to therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing. Science 2024; 384:eadl4015. [PMID: 38603508 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic oligonucleotides are a powerful drug modality with the potential to treat many diseases. The rapidly growing number of therapies that have been approved and that are in advanced clinical trials will place unprecedented demands on our capacity to manufacture oligonucleotides at scale. Existing methods based on solid-phase phosphoramidite chemistry are limited by their scalability and sustainability, and new approaches are urgently needed to deliver the multiton quantities of oligonucleotides that are required for therapeutic applications. The chemistry community has risen to the challenge by rethinking strategies for oligonucleotide production. Advances in chemical synthesis, biocatalysis, and process engineering technologies are leading to increasingly efficient and selective routes to oligonucleotide sequences. We review these developments, along with remaining challenges and opportunities for innovations that will allow the sustainable manufacture of diverse oligonucleotide products.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Obexer
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - M Nassir
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - E R Moody
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P S Baran
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S L Lovelock
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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22
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Bitounis D, Jacquinet E, Rogers MA, Amiji MM. Strategies to reduce the risks of mRNA drug and vaccine toxicity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:281-300. [PMID: 38263456 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles is a transformative technology that has enabled the rapid development and administration of billions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses worldwide. However, avoiding unacceptable toxicity with mRNA drugs and vaccines presents challenges. Lipid nanoparticle structural components, production methods, route of administration and proteins produced from complexed mRNAs all present toxicity concerns. Here, we discuss these concerns, specifically how cell tropism and tissue distribution of mRNA and lipid nanoparticles can lead to toxicity, and their possible reactogenicity. We focus on adverse events from mRNA applications for protein replacement and gene editing therapies as well as vaccines, tracing common biochemical and cellular pathways. The potential and limitations of existing models and tools used to screen for on-target efficacy and de-risk off-target toxicity, including in vivo and next-generation in vitro models, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bitounis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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23
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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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24
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McCormick K, Moreno Herrero J, Haas H, Fattah S, Heise A, O’Brien FJ, Cryan SA. Optimizing the Delivery of mRNA to Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1662-1676. [PMID: 38504417 PMCID: PMC10988554 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) represents a promising therapeutic tool in the field of tissue engineering for the fast and transient production of growth factors to support new tissue regeneration. However, one of the main challenges to optimizing its use is achieving efficient uptake and delivery to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been long reported as difficult-to-transfect. The aim of this study was to systematically screen a range of nonviral vectors to identify optimal transfection conditions for mRNA delivery to MSCs. Furthermore, for the first time, we wanted to directly compare the protein expression profile from three different types of mRNA, namely, unmodified mRNA (uRNA), base-modified mRNA (modRNA), and self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) in MSCs. A range of polymer- and lipid-based vectors were used to encapsulate mRNA and directly compared in terms of physicochemical properties as well as transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity in MSCs. We found that both lipid- and polymer-based materials were able to successfully condense and encapsulate mRNA into nanosized particles (<200 nm). The overall charge and encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles was dependent on the vector type as well as the vector:mRNA ratio. When screened in vitro, lipid-based vectors proved to be superior in terms of mRNA delivery to MSCs cultured in a 2D monolayer and from a 3D collagen-based scaffold with minimal effects on cell viability, thus opening the potential for scaffold-based mRNA delivery. Modified mRNA consistently showed the highest levels of protein expression in MSCs, demonstrating 1.2-fold and 5.6-fold increases versus uRNA and saRNA, respectively. In summary, we have fully optimized the nonviral delivery of mRNA to MSCs, determined the importance of careful selection of the mRNA type used, and highlighted the strong potential of mRNA for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie McCormick
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
| | | | | | - Sarinj Fattah
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- School
of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Andreas Heise
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Dept.
of Chemistry, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Fergal J. O’Brien
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity
College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
| | - Sally-Ann Cryan
- Tissue
Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative
Medicine, RCSI, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Advance Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre, Dublin D02 W9K7, Ireland
- Science
Foundation Ireland Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Galway H91 W2TY, Ireland
- Trinity
Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity
College Dublin, Dublin D02 R590, Ireland
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25
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Anitha K, Chenchula S, Surendran V, Shvetank B, Ravula P, Milan R, Chikatipalli R, R P. Advancing cancer theranostics through biomimetics: A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27692. [PMID: 38496894 PMCID: PMC10944277 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27692] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanotheranostics, especially those employing biomimetic approaches, are of substantial interest for molecular imaging and cancer therapy. The incorporation of diagnostics and therapeutics, known as cancer theranostics, represents a promising strategy in modern oncology. Biomimetics, inspired by nature, offers a multidisciplinary avenue with potential in advancing cancer theranostics. This review comprehensively analyses recent progress in biomimetics-based cancer theranostics, emphasizing its role in overcoming current treatment challenges, with a focus on breast, prostate, and skin cancers. Biomimetic approaches have been explored to address multidrug resistance (MDR), emphasizing their role in immunotherapy and photothermal therapy. The specific areas covered include biomimetic drug delivery systems bypassing MDR mechanisms, biomimetic platforms for immune checkpoint blockade, immune cell modulation, and photothermal tumor ablation. Pretargeting techniques enhancing radiotherapeutic agent uptake are discussed, along with a comprehensive review of clinical trials of global nanotheranostics. This review delves into biomimetic materials, nanotechnology, and bioinspired strategies for cancer imaging, diagnosis, and targeted drug delivery. These include imaging probes, contrast agents, and biosensors for enhanced specificity and sensitivity. Biomimetic strategies for targeted drug delivery involve the design of nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels for site-specific delivery and improved therapeutic efficacy. Overall, this current review provides valuable information for investigators, clinicians, and biomedical engineers, offering insights into the latest biomimetics applications in cancer theranostics. Leveraging biomimetics aims to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuttiappan Anitha
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Technology Management (SPTM), SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-University, Shirpur, 425405, India
| | - Santenna Chenchula
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal, 462020, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vijayaraj Surendran
- Dr Kalam College of Pharmacy, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, 614 623, India
| | - Bhatt Shvetank
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Parameswar Ravula
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior, 474005, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Rhythm Milan
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior, 474005, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Radhika Chikatipalli
- Sri Venkateshwara College of Pharmacy, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, 517520, India
| | - Padmavathi R
- SVS Medical College, Mahbubnagar, Telangana, India
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26
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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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27
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Chen H, Liu D, Guo J, Aditham A, Zhou Y, Tian J, Luo S, Ren J, Hsu A, Huang J, Kostas F, Wu M, Liu DR, Wang X. Branched chemically modified poly(A) tails enhance the translation capacity of mRNA. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02174-7. [PMID: 38519719 PMCID: PMC11416571 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Although messenger RNA (mRNA) has proved effective as a vaccine, its potential as a general therapeutic modality is limited by its instability and low translation capacity. To increase the duration and level of protein expression from mRNA, we designed and synthesized topologically and chemically modified mRNAs with multiple synthetic poly(A) tails. Here we demonstrate that the optimized multitailed mRNA yielded ~4.7-19.5-fold higher luminescence signals than the control mRNA from 24 to 72 h post transfection in cellulo and 14 days detectable signal versus <7 days signal from the control in vivo. We further achieve efficient multiplexed genome editing of the clinically relevant genes Pcsk9 and Angptl3 in mouse liver at a minimal mRNA dosage. Taken together, these results provide a generalizable approach to synthesize capped branched mRNA with markedly enhanced translation capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jianting Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Abhishek Aditham
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yiming Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jiakun Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shuchen Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jingyi Ren
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alvin Hsu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jiahao Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Franklin Kostas
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mingrui Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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28
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Weissenboeck F, Klöcker N, Špaček P, Hüwel S, Rentmeister A. Stabilized 5' Cap Analogue for Optochemical Activation of mRNA Translation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:12810-12816. [PMID: 38524462 PMCID: PMC10955689 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The 5' cap is a distinguishing feature of transcripts made by polymerase II and characterized by an N7-methylated guanosine (m7G) linked to the first transcribed nucleotide by a 5'-5' triphosphate bridge. It stabilizes eukaryotic mRNAs and plays a crucial role in translation initiation. Its importance in mRNA processing, translation, and turnover makes the 5' cap a privileged structure for engineering by non-natural modifications. A photocleavable group at the 5' cap of guanosine was recently used to mute translation of exogenous mRNAs. Its removal by light enabled direct control of protein production at the posttranscriptional level. Modifications in the triphosphate bridge impede degradation by specific decapping enzymes and maintain translation. Here, we combined 5' cap modifications at different positions and investigated how they impact 5' cap-dependent processes in distinct manners. We synthesized 5' cap analogues with a photocleavable group at the N2-position of m7G in addition to a medronate in the triphosphate bridge to obtain a photoactivatable 5' cap analogue featuring a methylene group between the β and γ phosphates. The resulting Medronate-FlashCap transiently or permanently impeded distinct crucial interactions of the 5' cap required for translation and degradation. We show that the Medronate-FlashCap is compatible with in vitro transcription to generate muted mRNA and that light can be used to activate translation in cells. After light-induced removal of the photocleavable group, the Medronate-FlashCap remained stable against degradation by the decapping enzyme DcpS. The additional methylene group renders the 5' cap resistant to DcpS, while maintaining the interaction with cap-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nils Klöcker
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Petr Špaček
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Sabine Hüwel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
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29
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Najafi Z, Rahmanian-Devin P, Baradaran Rahimi V, Nokhodchi A, Askari VR. Challenges and opportunities of medicines for treating tendon inflammation and fibrosis: A comprehensive and mechanistic review. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024:e12999. [PMID: 38468183 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12999] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tendinopathy refers to conditions characterized by collagen degeneration within tendon tissue, accompanied by the proliferation of capillaries and arteries, resulting in reduced mechanical function, pain, and swelling. While inflammation in tendinopathy can play a role in preventing infection, uncontrolled inflammation can hinder tissue regeneration and lead to fibrosis and impaired movement. OBJECTIVES The inability to regulate inflammation poses a significant limitation in tendinopathy treatment. Therefore, an ideal treatment strategy should involve modulation of the inflammatory process while promoting tissue regeneration. METHODS The current review article was prepared by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Several treatment approaches based on biomaterials have been developed. RESULTS This review examines various treatment methods utilizing small molecules, biological compounds, herbal medicine-inspired approaches, immunotherapy, gene therapy, cell-based therapy, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, and phototherapy. CONCLUSION These treatments work through mechanisms of action involving signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), all of which contribute to the repair of injured tendons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Najafi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Pouria Rahmanian-Devin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vafa Baradaran Rahimi
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Nokhodchi
- Lupin Pharmaceutical Research Center, 4006 NW 124th Ave., Coral Springs, Florida, Florida, 33065, USA
- Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Vahid Reza Askari
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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30
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Eweje F, Walsh ML, Ahmad K, Ibrahim V, Alrefai A, Chen J, Chaikof EL. Protein-based nanoparticles for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122464. [PMID: 38181574 PMCID: PMC10872380 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
To realize the full potential of emerging nucleic acid therapies, there is a need for effective delivery agents to transport cargo to cells of interest. Protein materials exhibit several unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization via recombinant and chemical modifications, among other features, which establish a promising basis for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery systems. In this review, we highlight progress made in the use of non-viral protein-based nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, while elaborating on key physicochemical properties that have enabled the use of these materials for nanoparticle formulation and drug delivery. To conclude, we comment on the prospects and unresolved challenges associated with the translation of protein-based nucleic acid delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyisayo Eweje
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michelle L Walsh
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Kiran Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Vanessa Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Assma Alrefai
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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31
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Slezak A, Chang K, Hossainy S, Mansurov A, Rowan SJ, Hubbell JA, Guler MO. Therapeutic synthetic and natural materials for immunoengineering. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1789-1822. [PMID: 38170619 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00805c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Immunoengineering is a rapidly evolving field that has been driving innovations in manipulating immune system for new treatment tools and methods. The need for materials for immunoengineering applications has gained significant attention in recent years due to the growing demand for effective therapies that can target and regulate the immune system. Biologics and biomaterials are emerging as promising tools for controlling immune responses, and a wide variety of materials, including proteins, polymers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, are being developed for this purpose. In this review article, we explore the different types of materials used in immunoengineering applications, their properties and design principles, and highlight the latest therapeutic materials advancements. Recent works in adjuvants, vaccines, immune tolerance, immunotherapy, and tissue models for immunoengineering studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slezak
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Kevin Chang
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Samir Hossainy
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Aslan Mansurov
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Stuart J Rowan
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Mustafa O Guler
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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32
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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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33
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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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Delaunay S, Helm M, Frye M. RNA modifications in physiology and disease: towards clinical applications. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:104-122. [PMID: 37714958 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability of chemical modifications of single nucleotides to alter the electrostatic charge, hydrophobic surface and base pairing of RNA molecules is exploited for the clinical use of stable artificial RNAs such as mRNA vaccines and synthetic small RNA molecules - to increase or decrease the expression of therapeutic proteins. Furthermore, naturally occurring biochemical modifications of nucleotides regulate RNA metabolism and function to modulate crucial cellular processes. Studies showing the mechanisms by which RNA modifications regulate basic cell functions in higher organisms have led to greater understanding of how aberrant RNA modification profiles can cause disease in humans. Together, these basic science discoveries have unravelled the molecular and cellular functions of RNA modifications, have provided new prospects for therapeutic manipulation and have led to a range of innovative clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Delaunay
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michaela Frye
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Division of Mechanisms Regulating Gene Expression, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Yan J, Zhang H, Li G, Su J, Wei Y, Xu C. Lipid nanovehicles overcome barriers to systemic RNA delivery: Lipid components, fabrication methods, and rational design. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:579-601. [PMID: 38322344 PMCID: PMC10840434 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanovehicles are currently the most advanced vehicles used for RNA delivery, as demonstrated by the approval of patisiran for amyloidosis therapy in 2018. To illuminate the unique superiority of lipid nanovehicles in RNA delivery, in this review, we first introduce various RNA therapeutics, describe systemic delivery barriers, and explain the lipid components and methods used for lipid nanovehicle preparation. Then, we emphasize crucial advances in lipid nanovehicle design for overcoming barriers to systemic RNA delivery. Finally, the current status and challenges of lipid nanovehicle-based RNA therapeutics in clinical applications are also discussed. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview showing how to utilize lipid nanovehicles to overcome multiple barriers to systemic RNA delivery, inspiring the development of more high-performance RNA lipid nanovesicles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Institute of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guangfeng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Zhongye Hospital, Shanghai 200941, China
| | - Jiacan Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Organoid Research Center, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yan Wei
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Organoid Research Center, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Can Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, China
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Santa Cruz-Pavlovich FJ, Bolaños-Chang AJ, Del Rio-Murillo XI, Aranda-Preciado GA, Razura-Ruiz EM, Santos A, Navarro-Partida J. Beyond Vision: An Overview of Regenerative Medicine and Its Current Applications in Ophthalmological Care. Cells 2024; 13:179. [PMID: 38247870 PMCID: PMC10814238 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine (RM) has emerged as a promising and revolutionary solution to address a range of unmet needs in healthcare, including ophthalmology. Moreover, RM takes advantage of the body's innate ability to repair and replace pathologically affected tissues. On the other hand, despite its immense promise, RM faces challenges such as ethical concerns, host-related immune responses, and the need for additional scientific validation, among others. The primary aim of this review is to present a high-level overview of current strategies in the domain of RM (cell therapy, exosomes, scaffolds, in vivo reprogramming, organoids, and interspecies chimerism), centering around the field of ophthalmology. A search conducted on clinicaltrials.gov unveiled a total of at least 209 interventional trials related to RM within the ophthalmological field. Among these trials, there were numerous early-phase studies, including phase I, I/II, II, II/III, and III trials. Many of these studies demonstrate potential in addressing previously challenging and degenerative eye conditions, spanning from posterior segment pathologies like Age-related Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa to anterior structure diseases such as Dry Eye Disease and Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Notably, these therapeutic approaches offer tailored solutions specific to the underlying causes of each pathology, thus allowing for the hopeful possibility of bringing forth a treatment for ocular diseases that previously seemed incurable and significantly enhancing patients' quality of life. As advancements in research and technology continue to unfold, future objectives should focus on ensuring the safety and prolonged viability of transplanted cells, devising efficient delivery techniques, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Santa Cruz-Pavlovich
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Andres J. Bolaños-Chang
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Ximena I. Del Rio-Murillo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | | | - Esmeralda M. Razura-Ruiz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Arturo Santos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Jose Navarro-Partida
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
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Zhang H, Vandesompele J, Braeckmans K, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Nucleic acid degradation as barrier to gene delivery: a guide to understand and overcome nuclease activity. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:317-360. [PMID: 38073448 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00194f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is on its way to revolutionize the treatment of both inherited and acquired diseases, by transferring nucleic acids to correct a disease-causing gene in the target cells of patients. In the fight against infectious diseases, mRNA-based therapeutics have proven to be a viable strategy in the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Although a growing number of gene therapies have been approved, the success rate is limited when compared to the large number of preclinical and clinical trials that have been/are being performed. In this review, we highlight some of the hurdles which gene therapies encounter after administration into the human body, with a focus on nucleic acid degradation by nucleases that are extremely abundant in mammalian organs, biological fluids as well as in subcellular compartments. We overview the available strategies to reduce the biodegradation of gene therapeutics after administration, including chemical modifications of the nucleic acids, encapsulation into vectors and co-administration with nuclease inhibitors and discuss which strategies are applied for clinically approved nucleic acid therapeutics. In the final part, we discuss the currently available methods and techniques to qualify and quantify the integrity of nucleic acids, with their own strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyang Zhang
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
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Mir S, Mir M. The mRNA vaccine, a swift warhead against a moving infectious disease target. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:336-348. [PMID: 38369742 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2320327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapid development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has revolutionized vaccinology, offering hope for swift responses to emerging infectious diseases. Initially met with skepticism, mRNA vaccines have proven effective and safe, reducing vaccine hesitancy amid the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the time required to modify mRNA vaccines to counter new mutant strains is significantly shorter than the time it takes for pathogens to mutate and generate new variants that can thrive in vaccinated populations. This highlights the notion that mRNA vaccine technology appears to be outpacing viruses in the ongoing evolutionary race. AREAS COVERED This review article offers valuable insights into several crucial aspects of mRNA vaccine development and deployment, including the fundamentals of mRNA vaccine design and synthesis, the utilization of delivery systems, considerations regarding vaccine safety, the longevity of the immune response, strategies for modifying the original mRNA vaccine to address emerging mutant strains, as well as addressing vaccine hesitancy and potential approaches to mitigate reluctance. EXPERT OPINION Challenges such as stability, storage, manufacturing complexities, production capacity, allergic reactions, long-term effects, accessibility, and misinformation must be addressed. Despite these hurdles, mRNA vaccine technology holds promise for revolutionizing future vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheema Mir
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Mir
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
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Wang AYL, Chang YC, Chen KH, Loh CYY. Potential Application of Modified mRNA in Cardiac Regeneration. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241248956. [PMID: 38715279 PMCID: PMC11080755 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241248956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure remains the leading cause of human death worldwide. After a heart attack, the formation of scar tissue due to the massive death of cardiomyocytes leads to heart failure and sudden death in most cases. In addition, the regenerative ability of the adult heart is limited after injury, partly due to cell-cycle arrest in cardiomyocytes. In the current post-COVID-19 era, urgently authorized modified mRNA (modRNA) vaccines have been widely used to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Therefore, modRNA-based protein replacement may act as an alternative strategy for improving heart disease. It is a safe, effective, transient, low-immunogenic, and integration-free strategy for in vivo protein expression, in addition to recombinant protein and stem-cell regenerative therapies. In this review, we provide a summary of various cardiac factors that have been utilized with the modRNA method to enhance cardiovascular regeneration, cardiomyocyte proliferation, fibrosis inhibition, and apoptosis inhibition. We further discuss other cardiac factors, modRNA delivery methods, and injection methods using the modRNA approach to explore their application potential in heart disease. Factors for promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation such as a cocktail of three genes comprising FoxM1, Id1, and Jnk3-shRNA (FIJs), gp130, and melatonin have potential to be applied in the modRNA approach. We also discuss the current challenges with respect to modRNA-based cardiac regenerative medicine that need to be overcome to apply this approach to heart disease. This review provides a short description for investigators interested in the development of alternative cardiac regenerative medicines using the modRNA platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Yen Ling Wang
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ching Chang
- Department of Health Industry Technology Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hung Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Di Vincenzo F, Ennas S, Pizzoferrato M, Bibbò S, Porcari S, Ianiro G, Cammarota G. Henoch-schonlein purpura following exposure to SARS-CoV2 vaccine or infection: a systematic review and a case report. Intern Emerg Med 2024; 19:13-37. [PMID: 37500944 PMCID: PMC10827835 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03366-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an IgA-mediated systemic small-vessel vasculitis (IgAV) that typically presents with a variable tetrad of symptoms. HSP if often preceded by respiratory tract infections, vaccinations, drugs or malignancies. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic multiples cases of HSP have been described after both infection and vaccination for SARS-CoV2. This study aims to perform a systematic review of literature and describe an additional complicated case of de-novo HSP appeared after the administration of the third dose of a mRNA-SARS-CoV2 vaccination. METHODS Electronic bibliographic research was performed to identify all the original reports describing cases of de-novo HSP or IgAV appeared after respiratory infection or vaccine administration for SARS-CoV2. We included all case series or case reports of patients who respected our inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS Thirty-eight publications met our pre-defined inclusion criteria, for an overall number of 44 patients. All patients presented with palpable purpura variable associated with arthralgia, abdominal pain or renal involvement. Increased levels of inflammation markers, mild leukocytosis and elevated D-dimer were the most common laboratory findings. Up to 50% of patients presented proteinuria and/or hematuria. Almost all skin biopsies showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis, with IgA deposits at direct immunofluorescence in more than 50% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the immune response elicited by SARS-CoV2 vaccine or infection could play a role in the development of HSP. Current research suggests a possible role of IgA in immune hyperactivation, highlighted by early seroconversion to IgA found in some COVID-19 patients who develop IgA vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Di Vincenzo
- UOC di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, Roma, Italia
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L. go F. Vito 1, Roma, Italia
| | - Sara Ennas
- UOC di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, Roma, Italia
| | - Marco Pizzoferrato
- UOC di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, Roma, Italia.
| | - Stefano Bibbò
- UOC di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, Roma, Italia
| | - Serena Porcari
- UOC di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, Roma, Italia
| | - Gianluca Ianiro
- UOC di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, Roma, Italia
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L. go F. Vito 1, Roma, Italia
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- UOC di Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L. go A. Gemelli 8, Roma, Italia
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L. go F. Vito 1, Roma, Italia
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Dhanjal DS, Singh R, Sharma V, Nepovimova E, Adam V, Kuca K, Chopra C. Advances in Genetic Reprogramming: Prospects from Developmental Biology to Regenerative Medicine. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1646-1690. [PMID: 37138422 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230503144619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The foundations of cell reprogramming were laid by Yamanaka and co-workers, who showed that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells (induced pluripotency). Since this discovery, the field of regenerative medicine has seen advancements. For example, because they can differentiate into multiple cell types, pluripotent stem cells are considered vital components in regenerative medicine aimed at the functional restoration of damaged tissue. Despite years of research, both replacement and restoration of failed organs/ tissues have remained elusive scientific feats. However, with the inception of cell engineering and nuclear reprogramming, useful solutions have been identified to counter the need for compatible and sustainable organs. By combining the science underlying genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming with regenerative medicine, scientists have engineered cells to make gene and stem cell therapies applicable and effective. These approaches have enabled the targeting of various pathways to reprogramme cells, i.e., make them behave in beneficial ways in a patient-specific manner. Technological advancements have clearly supported the concept and realization of regenerative medicine. Genetic engineering is used for tissue engineering and nuclear reprogramming and has led to advances in regenerative medicine. Targeted therapies and replacement of traumatized , damaged, or aged organs can be realized through genetic engineering. Furthermore, the success of these therapies has been validated through thousands of clinical trials. Scientists are currently evaluating induced tissue-specific stem cells (iTSCs), which may lead to tumour-free applications of pluripotency induction. In this review, we present state-of-the-art genetic engineering that has been used in regenerative medicine. We also focus on ways that genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming have transformed regenerative medicine and have become unique therapeutic niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daljeet Singh Dhanjal
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Reena Singh
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Varun Sharma
- Head of Bioinformatic Division, NMC Genetics India Pvt. Ltd., Gurugram, India
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50003, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, CZ 613 00, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, Brno, CZ-612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50003, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, 50005, Czech Republic
| | - Chirag Chopra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
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Pan S, Fan R, Han B, Tong A, Guo G. The potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer nanomedicine and immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:20-31. [PMID: 38142147 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.11.003] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their outstanding performance against COVID-19, mRNA vaccines have brought great hope for combating various incurable diseases, including cancer. Differences in the encoded proteins result in different molecular and cellular mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and molecular medicine, personalized antigen-encoding mRNA vaccines that enhance antigen presentation can trigger effective immune responses and prevent off-target toxicities. Herein, we review new insights into the influence of encoded antigens, cytokines, and other functional proteins on the mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. We also highlight the importance of delivery systems and chemical modifications for mRNA translation efficiency, stability, and targeting, and we discuss the potential problems and application prospects of mRNA vaccines as versatile tools for combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Pan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rangrang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Antony JS, Birrer P, Bohnert C, Zimmerli S, Hillmann P, Schaffhauser H, Hoeflich C, Hoeflich A, Khairallah R, Satoh AT, Kappeler I, Ferreira I, Zuideveld KP, Metzger F. Local application of engineered insulin-like growth factor I mRNA demonstrates regenerative therapeutic potential in vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102055. [PMID: 37928443 PMCID: PMC10622308 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a growth-promoting anabolic hormone that fosters cell growth and tissue homeostasis. IGF-I deficiency is associated with several diseases, including growth disorders and neurological and musculoskeletal diseases due to impaired regeneration. Despite the vast regenerative potential of IGF-I, its unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile has prevented it from being used therapeutically. In this study, we resolved these challenges by the local administration of IGF-I mRNA, which ensures desirable homeostatic kinetics and non-systemic, local dose-dependent expression of IGF-I protein. Furthermore, IGF-I mRNA constructs were sequence engineered with heterologous signal peptides, which improved in vitro protein secretion (2- to 6-fold) and accelerated in vivo functional regeneration (16-fold) over endogenous IGF-I mRNA. The regenerative potential of engineered IGF-I mRNA was validated in a mouse myotoxic muscle injury and rabbit spinal disc herniation models. Engineered IGF-I mRNA had a half-life of 17-25 h in muscle tissue and showed dose-dependent expression of IGF-I over 2-3 days. Animal models confirm that locally administered IGF-I mRNA remained at the site of injection, contributing to the safety profile of mRNA-based treatment in regenerative medicine. In summary, we demonstrate that engineered IGF-I mRNA holds therapeutic potential with high clinical translatability in different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sina Zimmerli
- Versameb AG, Technology Park, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
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Xu Y, Zheng Y, Ding X, Wang C, Hua B, Hong S, Huang X, Lin J, Zhang P, Chen W. PEGylated pH-responsive peptide-mRNA nano self-assemblies enhance the pulmonary delivery efficiency and safety of aerosolized mRNA. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2219870. [PMID: 37336779 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2219870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhalable messenger RNA (mRNA) has demonstrated great potential in therapy and vaccine development to confront various lung diseases. However, few gene vectors could overcome the airway mucus and intracellular barriers for successful pulmonary mRNA delivery. Apart from the low pulmonary gene delivery efficiency, nonnegligible toxicity is another common problem that impedes the clinical application of many non-viral vectors. PEGylated cationic peptide-based mRNA delivery vector is a prospective approach to enhance the pulmonary delivery efficacy and safety of aerosolized mRNA by oral inhalation administration. In this study, different lengths of hydrophilic PEG chains were covalently linked to an amphiphilic, water-soluble pH-responsive peptide, and the peptide/mRNA nano self-assemblies were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The in vitro mRNA binding and release, cellular uptake, transfection, and cytotoxicity were studied, and finally, a proper PEGylated peptide with enhanced pulmonary mRNA delivery efficiency and improved safety in mice was identified. These results showed that a proper N-terminus PEGylation strategy using 12-monomer linear monodisperse PEG could significantly improve the mRNA transfection efficiency and biocompatibility of the non-PEGylated cationic peptide carrier, while a longer PEG chain modification adversely decreased the cellular uptake and transfection on A549 and HepG2 cells, emphasizing the importance of a proper PEG chain length selection. Moreover, the optimized PEGylated peptide showed a significantly enhanced mRNA pulmonary delivery efficiency and ameliorated safety profiles over the non-PEGylated peptide and LipofectamineTM 2000 in mice. Our results reveal that the PEGylated peptide could be a promising mRNA delivery vector candidate for inhaled mRNA vaccines and therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of different respiratory diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yijing Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuqiu Ding
- School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chengyan Wang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bin Hua
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shilian Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoman Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiali Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital (The Affiliated Luohu Hospital) of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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45
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Ting JM, Tamayo-Mendoza T, Petersen SR, Van Reet J, Ahmed UA, Snell NJ, Fisher JD, Stern M, Oviedo F. Frontiers in nonviral delivery of small molecule and genetic drugs, driven by polymer chemistry and machine learning for materials informatics. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14197-14209. [PMID: 37955165 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04705a] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Materials informatics (MI) has immense potential to accelerate the pace of innovation and new product development in biotechnology. Close collaborations between skilled physical and life scientists with data scientists are being established in pursuit of leveraging MI tools in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to predict material properties in vitro and in vivo. However, the scarcity of large, standardized, and labeled materials data for connecting structure-function relationships represents one of the largest hurdles to overcome. In this Highlight, focus is brought to emerging developments in polymer-based therapeutic delivery platforms, where teams generate large experimental datasets around specific therapeutics and successfully establish a design-to-deployment cycle of specialized nanocarriers. Three select collaborations demonstrate how custom-built polymers protect and deliver small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins, representing ideal use-cases for machine learning to understand how molecular-level interactions impact drug stabilization and release. We conclude with our perspectives on how MI innovations in automation efficiencies and digitalization of data-coupled with fundamental insight and creativity from the polymer science community-can accelerate translation of more gene therapies into lifesaving medicines.
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46
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Man HSJ, Moosa VA, Singh A, Wu L, Granton JT, Juvet SC, Hoang CD, de Perrot M. Unlocking the potential of RNA-based therapeutics in the lung: current status and future directions. Front Genet 2023; 14:1281538. [PMID: 38075698 PMCID: PMC10703483 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1281538] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Awareness of RNA-based therapies has increased after the widespread adoption of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These mRNA vaccines had a significant impact on reducing lung disease and mortality. They highlighted the potential for rapid development of RNA-based therapies and advances in nanoparticle delivery systems. Along with the rapid advancement in RNA biology, including the description of noncoding RNAs as major products of the genome, this success presents an opportunity to highlight the potential of RNA as a therapeutic modality. Here, we review the expanding compendium of RNA-based therapies, their mechanisms of action and examples of application in the lung. The airways provide a convenient conduit for drug delivery to the lungs with decreased systemic exposure. This review will also describe other delivery methods, including local delivery to the pleura and delivery vehicles that can target the lung after systemic administration, each providing access options that are advantageous for a specific application. We present clinical trials of RNA-based therapy in lung disease and potential areas for future directions. This review aims to provide an overview that will bring together researchers and clinicians to advance this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. S. Jeffrey Man
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vaneeza A. Moosa
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anand Singh
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Licun Wu
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John T. Granton
- Division of Respirology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen C. Juvet
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chuong D. Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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47
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Sun L, Liu H, Ye Y, Lei Y, Islam R, Tan S, Tong R, Miao YB, Cai L. Smart nanoparticles for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:418. [PMID: 37919282 PMCID: PMC10622502 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Smart nanoparticles, which can respond to biological cues or be guided by them, are emerging as a promising drug delivery platform for precise cancer treatment. The field of oncology, nanotechnology, and biomedicine has witnessed rapid progress, leading to innovative developments in smart nanoparticles for safer and more effective cancer therapy. In this review, we will highlight recent advancements in smart nanoparticles, including polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, liposomes, protein nanoparticles, cell membrane nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, black phosphorus, MOF nanoparticles, and others. We will focus on their classification, structures, synthesis, and intelligent features. These smart nanoparticles possess the ability to respond to various external and internal stimuli, such as enzymes, pH, temperature, optics, and magnetism, making them intelligent systems. Additionally, this review will explore the latest studies on tumor targeting by functionalizing the surfaces of smart nanoparticles with tumor-specific ligands like antibodies, peptides, transferrin, and folic acid. We will also summarize different types of drug delivery options, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and even living cells, for their potential use in cancer therapy. While the potential of smart nanoparticles is promising, we will also acknowledge the challenges and clinical prospects associated with their use. Finally, we will propose a blueprint that involves the use of artificial intelligence-powered nanoparticles in cancer treatment applications. By harnessing the potential of smart nanoparticles, this review aims to usher in a new era of precise and personalized cancer therapy, providing patients with individualized treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leming Sun
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
- School of Life Sciences, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment in Special Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yanqi Ye
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc., 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Yang Lei
- School of Life Sciences, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment in Special Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Rehmat Islam
- School of Life Sciences, Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Biological Diagnosis, Treatment and Protection Technology and Equipment in Special Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Sumin Tan
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yang-Bao Miao
- Department of Haematology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Lulu Cai
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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48
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Bai C, Wang C, Lu Y. Novel Vectors and Administrations for mRNA Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303713. [PMID: 37475520 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
mRNA therapy has shown great potential in infectious disease vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy, gene editing, and other fields due to its central role in all life processes. However, mRNA is challenging to pass through the cell membrane due to its significant negative charges and degradation from RNase, so the key to mRNA therapy is efficient packaging and delivery of it with appropriate vectors. Presently researchers have developed various vectors such as viruses and liposomes, but these conventional vectors are now difficult to meet the growing requirement like safety, efficiency, and targeting, so many novel delivery vectors with unique advantages have emerged recently. This review mainly introduces two categories of novel vectors: biomacromolecules and inorganic nanoparticles, as well as two novel methods of control and administration based on these novel vectors: controlled-release administration and non-invasive administration. These novel delivery strategies have the advantages of high safety, biocompatibility, versatility, intelligence, and targeting. This paper analyzes the challenges faced by the field of mRNA delivery in depth, and discusses how to use the characteristics of novel vectors and administrations to solve these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghai Bai
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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49
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Youssef M, Hitti C, Puppin Chaves Fulber J, Kamen AA. Enabling mRNA Therapeutics: Current Landscape and Challenges in Manufacturing. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1497. [PMID: 37892179 PMCID: PMC10604719 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances and discoveries in the structure and role of mRNA as well as novel lipid-based delivery modalities have enabled the advancement of mRNA therapeutics into the clinical trial space. The manufacturing of these products is relatively simple and eliminates many of the challenges associated with cell culture production of viral delivery systems for gene and cell therapy applications, allowing rapid production of mRNA for personalized treatments, cancer therapies, protein replacement and gene editing. The success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the immense potential of this technology as a vaccination platform, but there are still particular challenges to establish mRNA as a widespread therapeutic tool. Immunostimulatory byproducts can pose a barrier for chronic treatments and different production scales may need to be considered for these applications. Moreover, long-term storage of mRNA products is notoriously difficult. This review provides a detailed overview of the manufacturing steps for mRNA therapeutics, including sequence design, DNA template preparation, mRNA production and formulation, while identifying the challenges remaining in the dose requirements, long-term storage and immunotolerance of the product.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amine A. Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada; (M.Y.); (C.H.); (J.P.C.F.)
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50
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Wang YS, Kumari M, Chen GH, Hong MH, Yuan JPY, Tsai JL, Wu HC. mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics: an in-depth survey of current and upcoming clinical applications. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:84. [PMID: 37805495 PMCID: PMC10559634 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based drugs have tremendous potential as clinical treatments, however, a major challenge in realizing this drug class will promise to develop methods for safely delivering the bioactive agents with high efficiency and without activating the immune system. With regard to mRNA vaccines, researchers have modified the mRNA structure to enhance its stability and promote systemic tolerance of antigenic presentation in non-inflammatory contexts. Still, delivery of naked modified mRNAs is inefficient and results in low levels of antigen protein production. As such, lipid nanoparticles have been utilized to improve delivery and protect the mRNA cargo from extracellular degradation. This advance was a major milestone in the development of mRNA vaccines and dispelled skepticism about the potential of this technology to yield clinically approved medicines. Following the resounding success of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, many other mRNA-based drugs have been proposed for the treatment of a variety of diseases. This review begins with a discussion of mRNA modifications and delivery vehicles, as well as the factors that influence administration routes. Then, we summarize the potential applications of mRNA-based drugs and discuss further key points pertaining to preclinical and clinical development of mRNA drugs targeting a wide range of diseases. Finally, we discuss the latest market trends and future applications of mRNA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shiuan Wang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Monika Kumari
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Hong Chen
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsiang Hong
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Joyce Pei-Yi Yuan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ling Tsai
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan.
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