1
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Kamanzi A, Zhang Y, Gu Y, Liu F, Berti R, Wang B, Saadati F, Ciufolini MA, Kulkarni J, Cullis P, Leslie S. Quantitative Visualization of Lipid Nanoparticle Fusion as a Function of Formulation and Process Parameters. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38968430 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have proven to be promising delivery vehicles for RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, particularly in LNP formulations containing ionizable cationic lipids that undergo protonation/deprotonation in response to buffer pH changes. These nanoparticles are typically formulated using a rapid mixing technique at low pH, followed by a return to physiological pH that triggers LNP-LNP fusion. A detailed understanding of these dynamic processes is crucial to optimize the overall performance and efficiency of LNPs. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding how particle formation mechanisms impact drug loading and delivery functions. In this work, we employ single-molecule Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) microscopy in combination with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements to study LNP fusion dynamics in relation to various formulation parameters, including lipid concentration, buffer conditions, drug loading ratio, PEG-lipid concentrations, and ionizable lipid selection. Our results reveal a strong correlation between the measured fusion dynamics and the formulation parameters used; these findings are consistent with DLS and Cryo-TEM-based assays. These measurements offer a cost-effective method for characterizing and screening potential drug candidates and can provide additional insights into their design, with opportunities for optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Kamanzi
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Yao Zhang
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B9, Canada
| | - Yifei Gu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Faith Liu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Romain Berti
- ScopeSys, Inc., 2366 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Wang
- ScopeSys, Inc., 2366 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Fariba Saadati
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Marco A Ciufolini
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Jayesh Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Pieter Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Sabrina Leslie
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B9, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
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2
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Li S, Hu Y, Lin J, Schneiderman Z, Shao F, Wei L, Li A, Hsieh K, Kokkoli E, Curk T, Mao HQ, Wang TH. Single-Particle Spectroscopic Chromatography Reveals Heterogeneous RNA Loading and Size Correlations in Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15729-15743. [PMID: 38839059 PMCID: PMC11191693 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02341] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as pivotal delivery vehicles for RNA therapeutics. Previous research and development usually assumed that LNPs are homogeneous in population, loading density, and composition. Such perspectives are difficult to examine due to the lack of suitable tools to characterize these physicochemical properties at the single-nanoparticle level. Here, we report an integrated spectroscopy-chromatography approach as a generalizable strategy to dissect the complexities of multicomponent LNP assembly. Our platform couples cylindrical illumination confocal spectroscopy (CICS) with single-nanoparticle free solution hydrodynamic separation (SN-FSHS) to simultaneously profile population identity, hydrodynamic size, RNA loading levels, and distributions of helper lipid and PEGylated lipid of LNPs at the single-particle level and in a high-throughput manner. Using a benchmark siRNA LNP formulation, we demonstrate the capability of this platform by distinguishing seven distinct LNP populations, quantitatively characterizing size distribution and RNA loading level in wide ranges, and more importantly, resolving composition-size correlations. This SN-FSHS-CICS analysis provides critical insights into a substantial degree of heterogeneity in the packing density of RNA in LNPs and size-dependent loading-size correlations, explained by kinetics-driven assembly mechanisms of RNA LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixuan Li
- Institute
for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Yizong Hu
- Institute
for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Translational
Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Jinghan Lin
- Institute
for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Translational
Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns
Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Zachary Schneiderman
- Institute
for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Fangchi Shao
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Lai Wei
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Andrew Li
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Kuangwen Hsieh
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Efrosini Kokkoli
- Institute
for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Tine Curk
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns
Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Institute
for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Translational
Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns
Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Institute
for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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3
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Huang X, Ma Y, Ma G, Xia Y. Unlocking the Therapeutic Applicability of LNP-mRNA: Chemistry, Formulation, and Clinical Strategies. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0370. [PMID: 38894715 PMCID: PMC11185168 DOI: 10.34133/research.0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as an innovative therapeutic modality, offering promising avenues for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. The tremendous success of mRNA vaccines in effectively combatting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) evidences the unlimited medical and therapeutic potential of mRNA technology. Overcoming challenges related to mRNA stability, immunogenicity, and precision targeting has been made possible by recent advancements in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This review summarizes state-of-the-art LNP-mRNA-based therapeutics, including their structure, material compositions, design guidelines, and screening principles. Additionally, we highlight current preclinical and clinical trends in LNP-mRNA therapeutics in a broad range of treatments in ophthalmological conditions, cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and rare-disease medicine. Particular attention is given to the translation and evolution of LNP-mRNA vaccines into a broader spectrum of therapeutics. We explore concerns in the aspects of inadequate extrahepatic targeting efficacy, elevated doses, safety concerns, and challenges of large-scale production procedures. This discussion may offer insights and perspectives on near- and long-term clinical development prospects for LNP-mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yishan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guanghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- School of Chemical Engineering,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yufei Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- School of Chemical Engineering,
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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4
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Ahmed T. Lipid nanoparticle mediated small interfering RNA delivery as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2915-2954. [PMID: 38622050 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16336] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that exhibits a gradual decline in cognitive function and is prevalent among a significant number of individuals globally. The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules in RNA interference (RNAi) presents a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been developed as a delivery vehicle for siRNA, which can selectively suppress target genes, by enhancing cellular uptake and safeguarding siRNA from degradation. Numerous research studies have exhibited the effectiveness of LNP-mediated siRNA delivery in reducing amyloid beta (Aβ) levels and enhancing cognitive function in animal models of AD. The feasibility of employing LNP-mediated siRNA delivery as a therapeutic approach for AD is emphasized by the encouraging outcomes reported in clinical studies for other medical conditions. The use of LNP-mediated siRNA delivery has emerged as a promising strategy to slow down or even reverse the progression of AD by targeting the synthesis of tau phosphorylation and other genes linked to the condition. Improvement of the delivery mechanism and determination of the most suitable siRNA targets are crucial for the efficacious management of AD. This review focuses on the delivery of siRNA through LNPs as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD, based on the available literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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5
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Zhao B, Kamanzi A, Zhang Y, Chan KYT, Robertson M, Leslie S, Cullis PR. Determination of the interior pH of lipid nanoparticles using a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye-based DNA probe. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 251:116065. [PMID: 38330772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116065] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing ionizable cationic lipids are proven delivery systems for therapeutic nucleic acids, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). It is important to understand the relationship between the interior pH of LNPs and the pH of the external environment to understand LNP formulation and function. Here, we developed a simple and rapid approach for determining the pH of the LNP core using a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye-based DNA probe. LNP siRNA systems containing pH-responsive DNA probes (LNP-siRNA&DNA) were generated by rapid mixing of lipids in ethanol and pH 4 aqueous buffer containing siRNA and DNA probes. We demonstrated that DNA probes were readily encapsulated in LNP systems and were sequestered into an environment at a high concentration as evidenced by an inter-probe FRET signal. It was shown that the pH of LNP encapsulated probes closely follows the pH increase or decrease of the external environment. This indicates that the clinically approved LNP RNA systems with similar lipid compositions (e.g., Onpattro and Comirnaty) are highly permeable to protons and that the pH of the interior environment closely mirrors the external environment. The pH-dependent response of the probe in LNPs was also confirmed under buffer conditions at various pHs. Furthermore, we showed that the pH-sensitive DNA probe can be incorporated into LNP systems at levels that allow the pH response to be monitored at a single LNP level using convex lens-induced confinement (CLiC) confocal microscopy. Direct visualization of the internal pH of single particles with the fluorescent DNA probe was achieved by CLiC for LNP-siRNA&DNA systems formulated under both high and normal ionic strength conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Albert Kamanzi
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Yao Zhang
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Karen Y T Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Madelaine Robertson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sabrina Leslie
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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6
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Gilbert J, Sebastiani F, Arteta MY, Terry A, Fornell A, Russell R, Mahmoudi N, Nylander T. Evolution of the structure of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery: From in situ studies of formulation to colloidal stability. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 660:66-76. [PMID: 38241872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.12.165] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) based therapeutics for delivery of RNA has triggered the advance of new strategies for formulation, such as high throughput microfluidics for precise mixing of components into well-defined particles. In this study, we have characterised the structure of LNPs throughout the formulation process using in situ small angle x-ray scattering in the microfluidic chip, then by sampling in the subsequent dialysis process. The final formulation was investigated with small angle x-ray (SAXS) and neutron (SANS) scattering, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryo-TEM. The effect on structure was investigated for LNPs with a benchmark lipid composition and containing different cargos: calf thymus DNA (DNA) and two model mRNAs, polyadenylic acid (polyA) and polyuridylic acid (polyU). The LNP structure evolved during mixing in the microfluidic channel, however was only fully developed during the dialysis. The colloidal stability of the final formulation was affected by the type of incorporated nucleic acids (NAs) and decreased with the degree of base-pairing, as polyU induced extensive particle aggregation. The main NA LNP peak in the SAXS data for the final formulation were similar, with the repeat distance increasing from polyU
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gilbert
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Federica Sebastiani
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
| | - Marianna Yanez Arteta
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann Terry
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, Fotongatan 2, 224 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Fornell
- MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, Fotongatan 2, 224 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Robert Russell
- National Deuteration Facility (NDF), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, 2232 Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Tommy Nylander
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden; LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-Ray Science, Lund, Sweden; School of Chemical Engineering and Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Unruh T, Götz K, Vogel C, Fröhlich E, Scheurer A, Porcar L, Steiniger F. Mesoscopic Structure of Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for mRNA Drug Delivery: Comirnaty and Drug-Free Dispersions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9746-9764. [PMID: 38514237 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) produced by antisolvent precipitation (ASP) are used in formulations for mRNA drug delivery. The mesoscopic structure of such complex multicomponent and polydisperse nanoparticulate systems is most relevant for their drug delivery properties, medical efficiency, shelf life, and possible side effects. However, the knowledge on the structural details of such formulations is very limited. Essentially no such information is publicly available for pharmaceutical dispersions approved by numerous medicine agencies for the use in humans and loaded with mRNA encoding a mimic of the spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as, e.g., the Comirnaty formulation (BioNTech/Pfizer). Here, we present a simple preparation method to mimic the Comirnaty drug-free LNPs including a comparison of their structural properties with those of Comirnaty. Strong evidence for the liquid state of the LNPs in both systems is found in contrast to the designation of the LNPs as solid lipid nanoparticles by BioNTech. An exceptionally detailed and reliable structural model for the LNPs i.a. revealing their unexpected narrow size distribution will be presented based on a combined small-angle X-ray scattering and photon correlation spectroscopy (SAXS/PCS) evaluation method. The results from this experimental approach are supported by light microscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoTEM), and simultaneous SAXS/SANS studies. The presented results do not provide direct insights on particle formation or dispersion stability but should contribute significantly to better understanding the LNP drug delivery process, enhancing their medical benefit, and reducing side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Unruh
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Götz
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Vogel
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erik Fröhlich
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Scheurer
- Lehrstuhl für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie, Department Chemie und Pharmazie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lionel Porcar
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Frank Steiniger
- Electron Microscopy Center, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
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8
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Pemberton JG, Tenkova T, Felgner P, Zimmerberg J, Balla T, Heuser J. Defining the EM-signature of successful cell-transfection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583927. [PMID: 38496608 PMCID: PMC10942431 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
In this report, we describe the architecture of Lipofectamine 2000 and 3000 transfection- reagents, as they appear inside of transfected cells, using classical transmission electron microscopy (EM). We also demonstrate that they provoke consistent structural changes after they have entered cells, changes that not only provide new insights into the mechanism of action of these particular transfection-reagents, but also provide a convenient and robust method for identifying by EM which cells in any culture have been successfully transfected. This also provides clues to the mechanism(s) of their toxic effects, when they are applied in excess. We demonstrate that after being bulk-endocytosed by cells, the cationic spheroids of Lipofectamine remain intact throughout the entire time of culturing, but escape from their endosomes and penetrate directly into the cytoplasm of the cell. In so doing, they provoke a stereotypical recruitment and rearrangement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and they ultimately end up escaping into the cytoplasm and forming unique 'inclusion-bodies.' Once free in the cytoplasm, they also invariably develop dense and uniform coatings of cytoplasmic ribosomes on their surfaces, and finally, they become surrounded by 'annulate' lamellae' of the ER. In the end, these annulate-lamellar enclosures become the ultrastructural 'signatures' of these inclusion-bodies, and serve to positively and definitively identify all cells that have been effectively transfected. Importantly, these new EM-observations define several new and unique properties of these classical Lipofectamines, and allow them to be discriminated from other lipoidal or particulate transfection-reagents, which we find do not physically break out of endosomes or end up in inclusion bodies, and in fact, provoke absolutely none of these 'signature' cytoplasmic reactions.
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9
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Kimura S, Harashima H. Nano-Bio Interactions: Exploring the Biological Behavior and the Fate of Lipid-Based Gene Delivery Systems. BioDrugs 2024; 38:259-273. [PMID: 38345754 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00647-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy for many diseases is rapidly becoming a reality, as demonstrated by the recent approval of various nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Non-viral systems such as lipid-based carriers, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), for delivering different payloads including small interfering RNA, plasmid DNA, and messenger RNA have been particularly extensively explored and developed for clinical uses. One of the most important issues in LNP development is delivery to extrahepatic tissues. To achieve this, various lipids and lipid-like materials are being examined and screened. Several LNP formulations that target extrahepatic tissues, such as the spleen and the lungs have been developed by adjusting the lipid compositions of LNPs. However, mechanistic details of how the characteristics of LNPs affect delivery efficiency remains unclear. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of LNP-based nucleic acid delivery focusing on LNP components and their structures, as well as discussing biological factors, such as biomolecular corona and cellular responses related to the delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seigo Kimura
- Integrated Research Consortium on Chemical Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan.
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
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10
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Jiang AY, Witten J, Raji IO, Eweje F, MacIsaac C, Meng S, Oladimeji FA, Hu Y, Manan RS, Langer R, Anderson DG. Combinatorial development of nebulized mRNA delivery formulations for the lungs. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:364-375. [PMID: 37985700 PMCID: PMC10954414 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Inhaled delivery of mRNA has the potential to treat a wide variety of diseases. However, nebulized mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) face several unique challenges including stability during nebulization and penetration through both cellular and extracellular barriers. Here we develop a combinatorial approach addressing these barriers. First, we observe that LNP formulations can be stabilized to resist nebulization-induced aggregation by altering the nebulization buffer to increase the LNP charge during nebulization, and by the addition of a branched polymeric excipient. Next, we synthesize a combinatorial library of ionizable, degradable lipids using reductive amination, and evaluate their delivery potential using fully differentiated air-liquid interface cultured primary lung epithelial cells. The final combination of ionizable lipid, charge-stabilized formulation and stability-enhancing excipient yields a significant improvement in lung mRNA delivery over current state-of-the-art LNPs and polymeric nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Y Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jacob Witten
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Idris O Raji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feyisayo Eweje
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corina MacIsaac
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Meng
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Favour A Oladimeji
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yizong Hu
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rajith S Manan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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11
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Pattipeiluhu R, Zeng Y, Hendrix MMRM, Voets IK, Kros A, Sharp TH. Liquid crystalline inverted lipid phases encapsulating siRNA enhance lipid nanoparticle mediated transfection. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1303. [PMID: 38347001 PMCID: PMC10861598 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45666-5] [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: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient cytosolic delivery of RNA molecules remains a formidable barrier for RNA therapeutic strategies. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) serve as state-of-the-art carriers that can deliver RNA molecules intracellularly, as exemplified by the recent implementation of several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Using a bottom-up rational design approach, we assemble LNPs that contain programmable lipid phases encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA). A combination of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, cryogenic electron tomography and small-angle X-ray scattering reveals that we can form inverse hexagonal structures, which are present in a liquid crystalline nature within the LNP core. Comparison with lamellar LNPs reveals that the presence of inverse hexagonal phases enhances the intracellular silencing efficiency over lamellar structures. We then demonstrate that lamellar LNPs exhibit an in situ transition from a lamellar to inverse hexagonal phase upon interaction with anionic membranes, whereas LNPs containing pre-programmed liquid crystalline hexagonal phases bypass this transition for a more efficient one-step delivery mechanism, explaining the increased silencing effect. This rational design of LNPs with defined lipid structures aids in the understanding of the nano-bio interface and adds substantial value for LNP design, optimization and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Pattipeiluhu
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ye Zeng
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco M R M Hendrix
- Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K Voets
- Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Kros
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Thomas H Sharp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom.
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12
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Thelen JL, Leite W, Urban VS, O'Neill HM, Grishaev AV, Curtis JE, Krueger S, Castellanos MM. Morphological Characterization of Self-Amplifying mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1464-1476. [PMID: 38175970 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The mRNA technology has emerged as a rapid modality to develop vaccines during pandemic situations with the potential to protect against endemic diseases. The success of mRNA in producing an antigen is dependent on the ability to deliver mRNA to the cells using a vehicle, which typically consists of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP). Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) is a synthetic mRNA platform that, besides encoding for the antigen of interest, includes the replication machinery for mRNA amplification in the cells. Thus, SAM can generate many antigen encoding mRNA copies and prolong expression of the antigen with lower doses than those required for conventional mRNA. This work describes the morphology of LNPs containing encapsulated SAM (SAM LNPs), with SAM being three to four times larger than conventional mRNA. We show evidence that SAM changes its conformational structure when encapsulated in LNPs, becoming more compact than the free SAM form. A characteristic "bleb" structure is observed in SAM LNPs, which consists of a lipid-rich core and an aqueous RNA-rich core, both surrounded by a DSPC-rich lipid shell. We used SANS and SAXS data to confirm that the prevalent morphology of the LNP consists of two-core compartments where components are heterogeneously distributed between the two cores and the shell. A capped cylinder core-shell model with two interior compartments was built to capture the overall morphology of the LNP. These findings provide evidence that bleb two-compartment structures can be a representative morphology in SAM LNPs and highlight the need for additional studies that elucidate the role of spherical and bleb morphologies, their mechanisms of formation, and the parameters that lead to a particular morphology for a rational design of LNPs for mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Thelen
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Wellington Leite
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Volker S Urban
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hugh M O'Neill
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Alexander V Grishaev
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph E Curtis
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Susan Krueger
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Maria Monica Castellanos
- GSK, Rockville Center for Vaccines Research, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
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13
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Zeng Z, Zeng X, Li X, Feng Y, Kan Y, Liu X, Zeng Y. The Efficacy and Safety of Polyethylene Glycol Cholesterol- and Tocopherol Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate-Modified Transforming Growth Factor β1 Small Interfering RNA Lipid Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Paclitaxel-Resistant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:75. [PMID: 38258086 PMCID: PMC10820430 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of TGFβ1 siRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) modified with different PEG derivatives (PEG5000 cholesterol, abbreviated as CE; tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate, abbreviated as TPGS) in the treatment of paclitaxel-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer. Three kinds of TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs were prepared via microfluidics technology, using different PEG derivatives and dosages (CE1.5, CE2.5, TPGS2.5) as variables. Their particle size, zeta potential, contents, and encapsulation efficiencies were determined. The inhibition of TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expression and the effects of the three kinds of LNPs on the proliferation of paclitaxel-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer cells (A549/T cell) were characterized. The distributions of the three siRNA LNPs in nude mice bearing A549/T tumors, especially at the tumor site, were observed using in vivo mouse imaging technology, and their corresponding efficacies were evaluated. The average particle size of the three kinds of TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs was about 70-80 nm, and they were capable of charge flipping. All three siRNA LNPs could effectively inhibit the expression of TGFβ1 mRNA and protein in A549/T cells and inhibit the proliferation of A549/T cells in vitro. The results of in vivo mice imaging showed that the three kinds of siRNA LNPs, when labeled with cypate, retain strong fluorescence in the tumor at 24 h. The pharmacodynamic results, such as for relative tumor volumes and tumor inhibition rates, reveal that TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs modified with CE1.5, CE2.5, or TPGS2.5 can be used to effectively treat paclitaxel-resistant lung adenocarcinoma. The histopathological results showed that the three kinds of LNPs have a certain toxicity but are relatively safe compared to common forms of chemotherapy such as cabazitaxel. TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs modified with CE1.5, CE2.5, and TPGS2.5 can inhibit TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expression in A549/T cells in vitro and can accumulate and play a role in the tumor tissue of nude mice, features that can be exploited for treating paclitaxel-resistant lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowu Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xianglong Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yuxin Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yue Kan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xingyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yiying Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
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14
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Geng C, Zhou K, Yan Y, Li C, Ni B, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhang X, Wang D, Lv L, Zhou Y, Feng A, Wang Y, Li C. A preparation method for mRNA-LNPs with improved properties. J Control Release 2023; 364:632-643. [PMID: 37956926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.017] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The properties of mRNA lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs), including size, empty particles, morphology, storage stability, and transfection potency, are critically dependent on the preparation methods. Here, a Two-step tangential-flow filtration (TFF) method was successfully employed to improve the properties of mRNA-LNPs during the preparation process. This method involves an additional ethanol removal step prior to the particle fusion process. Notably, this innovative approach has yielded mRNA-LNPs with larger particles, a reduced proportion of empty LNPs, optimized storage stability (at least 6 months at 2-8 °C), improved in vitro transfection efficiency, and minimized distribution in the heart and blood in vivo. In summary, this study represents the implementation of the innovative Two-step TFF method in the preparation of mRNA-LNPs. Our findings indicate substantial enhancements in the properties of our mRNA-LNPs, specifically with regard to the percentage of empty LNPs, stability, transfection efficiency, and in vivo distribution. These improvements have the potential to optimize their industrial applicability and expand their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Geng
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Kefan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Ying Yan
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Chan Li
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Beibei Ni
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Jiangman Liu
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Yeming Wang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Dazhuang Wang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Lu Lv
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Yongchuan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Anhua Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Yajuan Wang
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China; State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
| | - Chunlei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., 896 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, Shijiazhuang 050035, PR China.
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15
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Zong Y, Lin Y, Wei T, Cheng Q. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Enables mRNA Delivery for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303261. [PMID: 37196221 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has received great attention in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to the success of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax). To meet the therapeutic purpose, it is required that mRNA must enter the target cells and express sufficient proteins. Therefore, the development of effective delivery systems is necessary and crucial. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) represents a remarkable vehicle that has indeed accelerated mRNA applications in humans, as several mRNA-based therapies have already been approved or are in clinical trials. In this review, the focus is on mRNA-LNP-mediated anticancer therapy. It summarizes the main development strategies of mRNA-LNP formulations, discusses representative therapeutic approaches in cancer, and points out current challenges and possible future directions of this research field. It is hoped that these delivered messages can help further improve the application of mRNA-LNP technology in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tuo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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16
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Leung J, Strong C, Badior KE, Robertson M, Wu X, Meledeo MA, Kang E, Paul M, Sato Y, Harashima H, Cap AP, Devine DV, Jan E, Cullis PR, Kastrup CJ. Genetically engineered transfusable platelets using mRNA lipid nanoparticles. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi0508. [PMID: 38039367 PMCID: PMC10691771 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Platelet transfusions are essential for managing bleeding and hemostatic dysfunction and could be expanded as a cell therapy due to the multifunctional role of platelets in various diseases. Creating these cell therapies will require modifying transfusable donor platelets to express therapeutic proteins. However, there are currently no appropriate methods for genetically modifying platelets collected from blood donors. Here, we describe an approach using platelet-optimized lipid nanoparticles containing mRNA (mRNA-LNP) to enable exogenous protein expression in human and rat platelets. Within the library of mRNA-LNP tested, exogenous protein expression did not require nor correlate with platelet activation. Transfected platelets retained hemostatic function and accumulated in regions of vascular damage after transfusion into rats with hemorrhagic shock. We expect this technology will expand the therapeutic potential of platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Leung
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Research Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Colton Strong
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | - Madelaine Robertson
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Research Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Xiaowu Wu
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation Program, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA-FT Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Michael A. Meledeo
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation Program, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA-FT Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Emma Kang
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Manoj Paul
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee,WI 53226, USA
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Andrew P. Cap
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation Program, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA-FT Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Dana V. Devine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 2B5, Canada
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Eric Jan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Pieter R. Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Research Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Christian J. Kastrup
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee,WI 53226, USA
- Departments of Surgery, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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17
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Bolsoni J, Liu D, Mohabatpour F, Ebner R, Sadhnani G, Tafech B, Leung J, Shanta S, An K, Morin T, Chen Y, Arguello A, Choate K, Jan E, Ross CJ, Brambilla D, Witzigmann D, Kulkarni J, Cullis PR, Hedtrich S. Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Hit-and-Run Approaches Yield Efficient and Safe In Situ Gene Editing in Human Skin. ACS NANO 2023; 17:22046-22059. [PMID: 37918441 PMCID: PMC10655174 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite exciting advances in gene editing, the efficient delivery of genetic tools to extrahepatic tissues remains challenging. This holds particularly true for the skin, which poses a highly restrictive delivery barrier. In this study, we ran a head-to-head comparison between Cas9 mRNA or ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver gene editing tools into epidermal layers of human skin, aiming for in situ gene editing. We observed distinct LNP composition and cell-specific effects such as an extended presence of RNP in slow-cycling epithelial cells for up to 72 h. While obtaining similar gene editing rates using Cas9 RNP and mRNA with MC3-based LNPs (10-16%), mRNA-loaded LNPs proved to be more cytotoxic. Interestingly, ionizable lipids with a pKa ∼ 7.1 yielded superior gene editing rates (55%-72%) in two-dimensional (2D) epithelial cells while no single guide RNA-dependent off-target effects were detectable. Unexpectedly, these high 2D editing efficacies did not translate to actual skin tissue where overall gene editing rates between 5%-12% were achieved after a single application and irrespective of the LNP composition. Finally, we successfully base-corrected a disease-causing mutation with an efficacy of ∼5% in autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis patient cells, showcasing the potential of this strategy for the treatment of monogenic skin diseases. Taken together, this study demonstrates the feasibility of an in situ correction of disease-causing mutations in the skin that could provide effective treatment and potentially even a cure for rare, monogenic, and common skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Bolsoni
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Danny Liu
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Mohabatpour
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Ronja Ebner
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Gaurav Sadhnani
- Berlin
Institute of Health @ Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Belal Tafech
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Jerry Leung
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Selina Shanta
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin An
- NanoVation
Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook
Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Tessa Morin
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Yihang Chen
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Alfonso Arguello
- University
of Montréal, Faculty of Pharmacy, Montréal H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Keith Choate
- Departments
of Dermatology, Genetics, and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven 06510, Connecticut, United States
| | - Eric Jan
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Colin J.D. Ross
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Davide Brambilla
- University
of Montréal, Faculty of Pharmacy, Montréal H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- NanoVation
Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook
Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Jayesh Kulkarni
- NanoVation
Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook
Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Pieter R. Cullis
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, BC, Canada
- Berlin
Institute of Health @ Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin 10117, Germany
- Department
of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité -
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate
member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität, Berlin 10117, Germany
- Max-Delbrück
Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin 13125, Germany
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18
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Deprez J, Verbeke R, Meulewaeter S, Aernout I, Dewitte H, Decruy T, Coudenys J, Van Duyse J, Van Isterdael G, Peer D, van der Meel R, De Smedt SC, Jacques P, Elewaut D, Lentacker I. Transport by circulating myeloid cells drives liposomal accumulation in inflamed synovium. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:1341-1350. [PMID: 37430039 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01444-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of liposomes to deliver drugs into inflamed tissue is well documented. Liposomes are believed to largely transport drugs into inflamed joints by selective extravasation through endothelial gaps at the inflammatory sites, known as the enhanced permeation and retention effect. However, the potential of blood-circulating myeloid cells for the uptake and delivery of liposomes has been largely overlooked. Here we show that myeloid cells can transport liposomes to inflammatory sites in a collagen-induced arthritis model. It is shown that the selective depletion of the circulating myeloid cells reduces the accumulation of liposomes up to 50-60%, suggesting that myeloid-cell-mediated transport accounts for more than half of liposomal accumulation in inflamed regions. Although it is widely believed that PEGylation inhibits premature liposome clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system, our data show that the long blood circulation times of PEGylated liposomes rather favours uptake by myeloid cells. This challenges the prevailing theory that synovial liposomal accumulation is primarily due to the enhanced permeation and retention effect and highlights the potential for other pathways of delivery in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Deprez
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Unit Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Centre for Inflammation Research, Ghent University and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Meulewaeter
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilke Aernout
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heleen Dewitte
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tine Decruy
- Unit Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Centre for Inflammation Research, Ghent University and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie Coudenys
- Unit Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Centre for Inflammation Research, Ghent University and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie Van Duyse
- VIB Flow Core, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gert Van Isterdael
- VIB Flow Core, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peggy Jacques
- Unit Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Centre for Inflammation Research, Ghent University and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
- Unit Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Centre for Inflammation Research, Ghent University and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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19
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El Moukhtari SH, Garbayo E, Amundarain A, Pascual-Gil S, Carrasco-León A, Prosper F, Agirre X, Blanco-Prieto MJ. Lipid nanoparticles for siRNA delivery in cancer treatment. J Control Release 2023; 361:130-146. [PMID: 37532145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.054] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies, and siRNAs in particular, have attractive therapeutic potential for cancer treatment due to their ability to silence genes that are imperative for tumor progression. To be effective and solve issues related to their poor half-life and poor pharmacokinetic properties, siRNAs require adequate drug delivery systems that protect them from degradation and allow intracellular delivery. Among the various delivery vehicles available, lipid nanoparticles have emerged as the leading choice. These nanoparticles consist of cholesterol, phospholipids, PEG-lipids and most importantly ionizable cationic lipids. These ionizable lipids enable the binding of negatively charged siRNA, resulting in the formation of stable and neutral lipid nanoparticles with exceptionally high encapsulation efficiency. Lipid nanoparticles have demonstrated their effectiveness and versatility in delivering not only siRNAs but also multiple RNA molecules, contributing to their remarkable success. Furthermore, the advancement of efficient manufacturing techniques such as microfluidics, enables the rapid mixing of two miscible solvents without the need for shear forces. This facilitates the reproducible production of lipid nanoparticles and holds enormous potential for scalability. This is shown by the increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials evaluating the potential use of siRNA-LNPs for the treatment of solid and hematological tumors as well as in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress made on siRNA-LNP development for cancer treatment and outline the current preclinical and clinical landscape in this area. Finally, the translational challenges required to bring siRNA-LNPs further into the clinic are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhaila H El Moukhtari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elisa Garbayo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ane Amundarain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Simón Pascual-Gil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantxa Carrasco-León
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain; Departmento de Hematología and CCUN, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Avenida Pío XII 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Hemato-Oncology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Blanco-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
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20
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Ibrahim M, Gilbert J, Heinz M, Nylander T, Schwierz N. Structural insights on ionizable Dlin-MC3-DMA lipids in DOPC layers by combining accurate atomistic force fields, molecular dynamics simulations and neutron reflectivity. NANOSCALE 2023. [PMID: 37377412 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00987d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Ionizable lipids such as the promising Dlin-MC3-DMA (MC3) are essential for the successful design of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as drug delivery agents. Combining molecular dynamics simulations with experimental data, such as neutron reflectivity experiments and other scattering techniques, is essential to provide insights into the internal structure of LNPs, which is not fully understood to date. However, the accuracy of the simulations relies on the choice of force field parameters and high-quality experimental data is indispensable to verify the parametrization. For MC3, different parameterizations in combination with the CHARMM and the Slipids force fields have recently emerged. Here, we complement the existing efforts by providing parameters for cationic and neutral MC3 compatible with the AMBER Lipid17 force field. Subsequently, we carefully assess the accuracy of the different force fields by providing a direct comparison to neutron reflectivity experiments of mixed lipid bilayers consisting of MC3 and DOPC at different pHs. At low pH (cationic MC3) and at high pH (neutral MC3) the newly developed MC3 parameters in combination with AMBER Lipid17 for DOPC give good agreement with the experiments. Overall, the agreement is similar compared to the Park-Im parameters for MC3 in combination with the CHARMM36 force field for DOPC. The Ermilova-Swenson MC3 parameters in combination with the Slipids force field underestimate the bilayer thickness. While the distribution of cationic MC3 is very similar, the different force fields for neutral MC3 reveal distinct differences ranging from strong accumulation in the membrane center (current MC3/AMBER Lipid17 DOPC), over mild accumulation (Park-Im MC3/CHARMM36 DOPC) to surface accumulation (Ermilova-Swenson MC3/Slipids DOPC). These pronounced differences highlight the importance of accurate force field parameters and their experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Ibrahim
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gilbert
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Lund University, P.O Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden.
- NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcel Heinz
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tommy Nylander
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Lund University, P.O Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden.
- NanoLund, Lund University, Professorsgatan 1, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
- LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-Ray Science, Scheelevägen 19, 223 70, Lund, Sweden
- School of Chemical Engineering and Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nadine Schwierz
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany.
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21
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Truong LB, Medina-Cruz D, Mostafavi E. Current state of RNA delivery using lipid nanoparticles to extrahepatic tissues: A review towards clinical translation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125185. [PMID: 37276899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic medicine, including ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapy, has delivered numerous progresses to the treatment of diseases thanks to the development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as a delivery vehicle. However, RNA therapeutics are still limited by the lack of safe, precise, and efficient delivery outside of the liver. Thus, to fully realize the potential of genetic medicine, strategies to arm LNPs with extrahepatic targeting capabilities are urgently needed. This review explores the current state of next-generation LNPs that can bring RNA biomolecules to their targeted organ. The main approaches commonly used are described, including the modulation of internal lipid chemistries, the use of conjugated targeting moieties, and the designs of clinical administration. This work will demonstrate the advances in each approach and the remaining challenges in the field, focusing on clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh B Truong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Medina-Cruz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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22
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Hashimoto M, Yonezawa S, Furan S, Nitta C, Maeda N, Tomita K, Yokouchi A, Koide H, Asai T. Increasing the siRNA knockdown efficiency of lipid nanoparticles by morphological transformation with the use of dihydrosphingomyelin as a helper lipid. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:3269-3277. [PMID: 36939181 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00068k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), comprising ionizable lipids, helper lipids, cholesterol, and PEG lipids, can act as delivery carriers for nucleic acids and have achieved clinical success in the delivery of siRNA and mRNA. It has been shown that the morphology of LNPs varies depending on their lipid composition, but the influence of their morphology on nucleic acid efficacy has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used our previously developed novel lipid, dioleoylglycerophosphate-diethylenediamine conjugate (DOP-DEDA), to create pH-responsive LNPs (DOP-DEDA LNPs). We evaluated the morphology of DOP-DEDA LNPs composed of different helper lipids and the knockdown efficiency of small interfering RNA (siRNA). A distinctive difference in morphology was observed between DOP-DEDA LNPs of different helper lipids. Significant differences were also observed in the apparent pKa of DOP-DEDA LNPs and the knockdown efficiency of siRNA, which may be due to the difference in the localization of DOP-DEDA molecules in DOP-DEDA LNPs. These findings suggest that changing helper lipids alters the morphology of the DOP-DEDA LNP system, which affects the apparent pKa and knockdown efficiency of siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Hashimoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Sei Yonezawa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Song Furan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Chiori Nitta
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Noriyuki Maeda
- Nippon Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., Takasago, Hyogo 676-0074, Japan
| | - Koji Tomita
- Nippon Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., Takasago, Hyogo 676-0074, Japan
| | - Ayano Yokouchi
- Nippon Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., Takasago, Hyogo 676-0074, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Koide
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Asai
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
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23
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Sufian MA, Ilies MA. Lipid-based nucleic acid therapeutics with in vivo efficacy. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1856. [PMID: 36180107 PMCID: PMC10023279 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1856] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic vectors for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery are currently competing significantly with their viral counter parts due to their reduced immunogenicity, large payload capacity, and ease of manufacture under GMP-compliant norms. The approval of Onpattro, a lipid-based siRNA therapeutic, and the proven clinical success of two lipid-based COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna heralded the specific advantages of lipid-based systems among all other synthetic nucleic acid carriers. Lipid-based systems with diverse payloads-plasmid DNA (pDNA), antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), small activating RNA (saRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA)-are now becoming a mature technology, with growing impact in the clinic. Research over four decades identified the key factors determining the therapeutic success of these multi-component systems. Here, we discuss the main nucleic acid-based technologies, presenting their mechanism of action, delivery barriers facing them, the structural properties of the payload as well as the component lipids that regulate physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, efficacy, and toxicity of the resultant nanoparticles. We further detail on the formulation parameters, evolution of the manufacturing techniques that generate reproducible and scalable outputs, and key manufacturing aspects that enable control over physicochemical properties of the resultant particles. Preclinical applications of some of these formulations that were successfully translated from in vitro studies to animal models are subsequently discussed. Finally, clinical success and failure of these systems starting from 1993 to present are highlighted, in a holistic literature review focused on lipid-based nucleic acid delivery systems. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abu Sufian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Marc A. Ilies
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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24
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Tanaka H, Hagiwara S, Shirane D, Yamakawa T, Sato Y, Matsumoto C, Ishizaki K, Hishinuma M, Chida K, Sasaki K, Yonemochi E, Ueda K, Higashi K, Moribe K, Tadokoro T, Maenaka K, Taneichi S, Nakai Y, Tange K, Sakurai Y, Akita H. Ready-to-Use-Type Lyophilized Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation for the Postencapsulation of Messenger RNA. ACS NANO 2023; 17:2588-2601. [PMID: 36719091 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Based on the clinical success of an in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) that is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs), there is a growing demand by researchers to test whether their own biological findings might be applicable for use in mRNA-based therapeutics. However, the equipment and/or know-how required for manufacturing such nanoparticles is often inaccessible. To encourage more innovation in mRNA therapeutics, a simple method for preparing mRNA-LNPs is prerequisite. In this study, we report on a method for encapsulating IVT-mRNA into LNPs by rehydrating a Ready-to-Use empty freeze-dried LNP (LNPs(RtoU)) formulation with IVT-mRNA solution followed by heating. The resulting mRNA-LNPs(RtoU) had a similar intraparticle structure compared to the mRNA-LNPs prepared by conventional microfluidic mixing. In vivo genome editing, a promising application of these types of mRNA-LNPs, was accomplished using the LNPs(RtoU) containing co-encapsulated Cas9-mRNA and a small guide RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Shinya Hagiwara
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Daiki Shirane
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Takuma Yamakawa
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Yuka Sato
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Chika Matsumoto
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kota Ishizaki
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Miho Hishinuma
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Chida
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kasumi Sasaki
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Etsuo Yonemochi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ueda
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kenjirou Higashi
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Moribe
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Takashi Tadokoro
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science and Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi 756-0884, Japan
| | - Katsumi Maenaka
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science and Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Sakura Taneichi
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki city, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki city, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Kota Tange
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki city, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba shi, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
- Laboratory of Drug Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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25
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Zeng Y, Escalona-Rayo O, Knol R, Kros A, Slütter B. Lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA candidates elicit potent T cell responses. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:964-974. [PMID: 36537916 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01581a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The induction of a potent T cell response is essential for successful tumor immunotherapy and protection against many infectious diseases. In the past few years, mRNA vaccines have emerged as potent immune activators and inducers of a robust T cell immune response. The recent approval of the Moderna and the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines based on lipid nanoparticles (LNP) encapsulating antigen-encoding mRNA has revolutionized the field of vaccines. The advantages of LNPs are their ease of design and formulation resulting in potent, effective, and safe vaccines. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement with respect to LNP efficacy, for instance, by optimizing the lipid composition and tuning LNP for specific purposes. mRNA delivery is known to be strongly dependent on the lipid composition of LNPs and the efficiency is mainly determined by the ionizable lipids. Besides that, cholesterol and helper lipids also play important roles in mRNA transfection potency. Here, a panel of LNP formulations was studied by keeping the ionizable lipids constant, replacing cholesterol with β-sitosterol, and changing the fusogenic helper lipid DOPE content. We studied the ability of this LNP library to induce antigen presentation and T cell proliferation to identify superior LNP candidates eliciting potent T cell immune responses. We hypothesize that using β-sitosterol and increasing DOPE content would boost the mRNA transfection on immune cells and result in enhanced immune responses. Transfection of immortal immune cell lines and bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) with LNPs was studied. Delivery of mRNA coding for the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA-mRNA) to BMDCs with a number of LNP formulations, resulted in a high level of activation, as evidenced by the upregulation of the co-stimulatory receptors (CD40 and CD86) and IL-12 in BMDCs. The enhancement of BMDC activation and T cell proliferation induced by the introduction of β-sitosterol and fusogenic DOPE lipids were cell dependent. Four LNP formulations (C12-200-cho-10%DOPE, C12-200-sito-10%DOPE, cKK-E12-cho-10%DOPE and cKK-E12-sito-30%DOPE) were identified that induced robust T cell proliferation and enhanced IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 expression. These results demonstrate that T cell proliferation is strongly dependent on LNP composition and promising LNP-mRNA vaccine formulations were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zeng
- Department of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - Oscar Escalona-Rayo
- Department of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - Renzo Knol
- Department of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexander Kros
- Department of Supramolecular & Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - Bram Slütter
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Biotherapeutics, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
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26
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Li Z, Carter J, Santos L, Webster C, van der Walle CF, Li P, Rogers SE, Lu JR. Acidification-Induced Structure Evolution of Lipid Nanoparticles Correlates with Their In Vitro Gene Transfections. ACS NANO 2023; 17:979-990. [PMID: 36608273 PMCID: PMC9878718 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for enhanced gene delivery remains challenging because of incomplete knowledge of their formulation-structure relationship that impacts their intracellular behavior and consequent function. Small-angle neutron scattering has been used in this work to investigate the structure of LNPs encapsulating plasmid DNA upon their acidification (from pH 7.4 to 4.0), as would be encountered during endocytosis. The results revealed the acidification-induced structure evolution (AISE) of the LNPs on different dimension scales, involving protonation of the ionizable lipid, volume expansion and redistribution of aqueous and lipid components. A similarity analysis using an LNP's structural feature space showed a strong positive correlation between function (measured by intracellular luciferase expression) and the extent of AISE, which was further enhanced by the fraction of unsaturated helper lipid. Our findings reveal molecular and nanoscale changes occurring during AISE that underpin the LNPs' formulation-nanostructure-function relationship, aiding the rational design of application-directed gene delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Li
- Biological
Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Schuster Building, ManchesterM13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Jessica Carter
- Biological
Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Schuster Building, ManchesterM13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Luis Santos
- Dosage
Form Design Development, Biopharmaceuticals Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland20878, United States
| | - Carl Webster
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB21 6GH, U.K.
| | - Christopher F. van der Walle
- The
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, The Centre
for Regenerative Medicine, 5 Little France Drive, EdinburghEH16 4UU, U.K.
| | - Peixun Li
- ISIS
Neutron Facility, STFC, Chilton, DidcotOX11 0QZ, U.K.
| | | | - Jian Ren Lu
- Biological
Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Schuster Building, ManchesterM13 9PL, U.K.
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27
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Thorn CR, Sharma D, Combs R, Bhujbal S, Romine J, Zheng X, Sunasara K, Badkar A. The journey of a lifetime - development of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102803. [PMID: 36162187 PMCID: PMC9433349 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It would be apt to say that one of the greatest accomplishments in modern medicine has been the development of vaccines against COVID-19, which had paralyzed the entire world for more than a year. Pfizer and BioNTech codeveloped the first COVID-19 vaccine that was granted emergency-use authorization or conditional approval in several regions globally. This article is an attempt to go 'behind-the-scenes' of this development process and highlight key factors that allowed us to move with this unprecedented speed, while adhering to normal vaccine-development requirements to generate the information the regulatory authorities needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine to prevent an infectious disease, including quality and manufacturing standards. This is also a story of how Pfizer and BioNTech leveraged our combined skill sets and experience to respond to the global health crisis to progress this program swiftly while ensuring the compliance with our high-quality standards and keeping patient safety at the forefront. We will also highlight multiple other factors that were instrumental in our success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Thorn
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA
| | - Divya Sharma
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA
| | - Rodney Combs
- Bioprocess Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA
| | - Sonal Bhujbal
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA
| | - Jennifer Romine
- Bioprocess Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA
| | - Xiaolu Zheng
- Bioprocess Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA
| | - Khurram Sunasara
- Bioprocess Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA
| | - Advait Badkar
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharm Sci, Pfizer Inc., USA.
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28
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An K, Kurek D, Mahadeo M, Zhang Y, Thewalt JL, Cullis PR, Kulkarni JA. On the Influence of Nucleic Acid Backbone Modifications on Lipid Nanoparticle Morphology. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:14036-14043. [PMID: 36367350 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics represent a major advance toward treating diseases at their root cause. However, nucleic acids are prone to degradation by serum endonucleases, clearance through the immune system, and rapid degradation in complex medium. To overcome these barriers, nucleic acids frequently include chemical modifications to improve stability or decrease immune responses. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have enabled a dramatic reduction in the dose required to achieve a therapeutic effect by protecting these nucleic acids and improving their intracellular delivery. It has been assumed thus far that nonspecific ionic interactions drive LNP formation and chemical modifications to the nucleic acid backbone to confer improved stability do not impact LNP delivery in any way. Here, we demonstrate that these chemical modifications do impact LNP morphology substantially, and phosphorothioate modifications produce stronger interactions with ionizable amino lipids, resulting in enhanced entrapment. This work represents a major first step toward greater understanding of the interaction between the lipid components and nucleic acids within an LNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Daniel Kurek
- NanoVation Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Mark Mahadeo
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British ColumbiaV5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jenifer L Thewalt
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British ColumbiaV5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, VancouverV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jayesh A Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, VancouverV6T 1Z3, Canada
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29
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Abosalha AK, Boyajian J, Ahmad W, Islam P, Ghebretatios M, Schaly S, Thareja R, Arora K, Prakash S. Clinical pharmacology of siRNA therapeutics: current status and future prospects. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1327-1341. [PMID: 36251525 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2136166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for post-transcriptional downregulation of multiple genes for various therapies. Naked siRNA molecules are surrounded by several barriers that tackle their optimum delivery to target tissues such as limited cellular uptake, short circulation time, degradation by endonucleases, glomerular filtration, and capturing by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). AREAS COVERED This review provides insights into studies that investigate various siRNA-based therapies, focusing on the mechanism, delivery strategies, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamics of naked and modified siRNA molecules. The clinical pharmacology of currently approved siRNA products is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Few siRNA-based products have been approved recently by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies after approximately twenty years following its discovery due to the associated limitations. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of siRNA therapeutics are highly restricted by several obstacles, resulting in rapid clearance of siRNA-based therapeutic products from systemic circulation before reaching the cytosol of targeted cells. The siRNA therapeutics however are very promising in many diseases, including gene therapy and SARS-COV-2 viral infection. The design of suitable delivery vehicles and developing strategies toward better pharmacokinetic parameters may solve the challenges of siRNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Khaled Abosalha
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada.,Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Jacqueline Boyajian
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Waqar Ahmad
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Paromita Islam
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Merry Ghebretatios
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Sabrina Schaly
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Rahul Thareja
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Karan Arora
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Satya Prakash
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
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30
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Li S, Hu Y, Li A, Lin J, Hsieh K, Schneiderman Z, Zhang P, Zhu Y, Qiu C, Kokkoli E, Wang TH, Mao HQ. Payload distribution and capacity of mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5561. [PMID: 36151112 PMCID: PMC9508184 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33157-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are effective vehicles to deliver mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. It has been challenging to assess mRNA packaging characteristics in LNPs, including payload distribution and capacity, which are critical to understanding structure-property-function relationships for further carrier development. Here, we report a method based on the multi-laser cylindrical illumination confocal spectroscopy (CICS) technique to examine mRNA and lipid contents in LNP formulations at the single-nanoparticle level. By differentiating unencapsulated mRNAs, empty LNPs and mRNA-loaded LNPs via coincidence analysis of fluorescent tags on different LNP components, and quantitatively resolving single-mRNA fluorescence, we reveal that a commonly referenced benchmark formulation using DLin-MC3 as the ionizable lipid contains mostly 2 mRNAs per loaded LNP with a presence of 40%–80% empty LNPs depending on the assembly conditions. Systematic analysis of different formulations with control variables reveals a kinetically controlled assembly mechanism that governs the payload distribution and capacity in LNPs. These results form the foundation for a holistic understanding of the molecular assembly of mRNA LNPs. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are effective vehicles to deliver mRNA vaccines and therapeutics but assessing the mRNA packaging characteristics in LNPs is challenging. Here, the authors report that mRNA and lipid contents in LNP formulations can be quantitatively examined by multi-laser cylindrical illumination confocal spectroscopy at the single-nanoparticle level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixuan Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yizong Hu
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Andrew Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jinghan Lin
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kuangwen Hsieh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zachary Schneiderman
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yining Zhu
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chenhu Qiu
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Efrosini Kokkoli
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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31
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Deng J, Fukushima Y, Nozaki K, Nakanishi H, Yada E, Terai Y, Fueki K, Itaka K. Anti-Inflammatory Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Using mRNA Medicine Encoding Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091785. [PMID: 36145533 PMCID: PMC9505648 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is an emerging drug modality for protein replacement therapy. As mRNA efficiently provides protein expression in post-mitotic cells without the risk of insertional mutagenesis, direct delivery of mRNA can be applied, not only as an alternative to gene therapy, but also for various common diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, using an mRNA-encoding interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), we attempted anti-inflammatory therapy in a rat model of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) OA, which causes long-lasting joint pain with chronic inflammation. For the intra-articular injection of mRNA, a polyplex nanomicelle, our original polymer-based carrier, was used to offer the advantage of excellent tissue penetration with few immunogenic responses. While the protein expression was transient, a single administration of IL-1Ra mRNA provided sustained pain relief and an inhibitory effect on OA progression for 4 weeks. The mRNA-loaded nanomicelles provided the encoded protein diffusely in the disc and articular cartilage without upregulation of the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). This proof-of-concept study demonstrates how anti-inflammatory proteins delivered by mRNA delivery using a polyplex nanomicelle could act to alleviate OA, stimulating the development of mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Deng
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
- Department of Masticatory Function and Health Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8549, Japan
| | - Yuta Fukushima
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Kosuke Nozaki
- Department of Advanced Prosthodontics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8549, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Nakanishi
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Erica Yada
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
- NanoCarrier Co., Ltd., Tokyo 104-0031, Japan
| | - Yuki Terai
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Kenji Fueki
- Department of Masticatory Function and Health Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8549, Japan
| | - Keiji Itaka
- Department of Biofunction Research, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5280-8087
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32
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Medjmedj A, Ngalle-Loth A, Clemençon R, Hamacek J, Pichon C, Perche F. In Cellulo and In Vivo Comparison of Cholesterol, Beta-Sitosterol and Dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine for Lipid Nanoparticle Formulation of mRNA. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12142446. [PMID: 35889670 PMCID: PMC9317807 DOI: 10.3390/nano12142446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) are a leading class of mRNA delivery systems. LNPs are made of an ionizable lipid, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid conjugate and helper lipids. The success of LNPs is due to proprietary ionizable lipids and appropriate helper lipids. Using a benchmark lipid (D-Lin-MC3) we compared the ability of three helper lipids to transfect dendritic cells in cellulo and in vivo. Studies revealed that the choice of helper lipid does not influence the transfection efficiency of immortalized cells but, LNPs prepared with DOPE (dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine) and β-sitosterol were more efficient for mRNA transfection in murine dendritic cells than LNPs containing DSPC (distearoylphosphatidylcholine). This higher potency of DOPE and β-sitosterol LNPs for mRNA expression was also evident in vivo but only at low mRNA doses. Overall, these data provide valuable insight for the design of novel mRNA LNP vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoub Medjmedj
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans, France; (A.M.); (A.N.-L.); (R.C.); (J.H.); (C.P.)
| | - Albert Ngalle-Loth
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans, France; (A.M.); (A.N.-L.); (R.C.); (J.H.); (C.P.)
| | - Rudy Clemençon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans, France; (A.M.); (A.N.-L.); (R.C.); (J.H.); (C.P.)
| | - Josef Hamacek
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans, France; (A.M.); (A.N.-L.); (R.C.); (J.H.); (C.P.)
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, University of Orléans, 45100 Orléans, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans, France; (A.M.); (A.N.-L.); (R.C.); (J.H.); (C.P.)
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, University of Orléans, 45100 Orléans, France
| | - Federico Perche
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR4301 CNRS, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans, France; (A.M.); (A.N.-L.); (R.C.); (J.H.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-38-25-55-44
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Sakurai Y, Abe N, Yoshikawa K, Oyama R, Ogasawara S, Murata T, Nakai Y, Tange K, Tanaka H, Akita H. Targeted delivery of lipid nanoparticle to lymphatic endothelial cells via anti-podoplanin antibody. J Control Release 2022; 349:379-387. [PMID: 35787913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) that form lymphatic vessels play a pivotal role in immune regulation. It was recently reported that LECs suppress the antigen-dependent anti-tumor immunity in cancer tissues. Thus, regulating the function of LECs is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The objective of this study was to develop a method for the selective delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to LECs. For this purpose, the siRNA was formulated into nanoparticles (LNPs) to prevent them from being degraded in body fluids and to facilitate their penetration of the cell membrane. A breakthrough technology for achieving this is ONPATTRO®, a world's first siRNA drug. Since LNPs are taken up by hepatocytes relatively well via low-density lipoprotein receptors, most of the LNP systems that have been developed so far target hepatocytes. In this study, we report on the development of a new method for the rapid and convenient method for modifying LNPs with antibodies using the CLick reaction on the Interface of the nanoParticle (CLIP). The CLIP approach was faster and more versatile than the conventional method using amide coupling. As a demonstration, we report on the LEC-targeted siRNA delivery by using antibody-modified LNPs both in vitro and in vivo. The method used for the modification of LNPs is highly promising and has the potential for expanding the LNP-based delivery of nucleic acids in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan; Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Japan.
| | - Nodoka Abe
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Keito Yoshikawa
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Oyama
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ogasawara
- Laboratory of Biostructural Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Japan; Membrane Protein Research and Molecular Chirality Research Centers, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Takeshi Murata
- Laboratory of Biostructural Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Japan; Membrane Protein Research and Molecular Chirality Research Centers, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Kota Tange
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan; Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Japan.
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Okuda K, Sato Y, Iwakawa K, Sasaki K, Okabe N, Maeki M, Tokeshi M, Harashima H. On the size-regulation of RNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles synthesized by microfluidic device. J Control Release 2022; 348:648-659. [PMID: 35716883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery is now becoming a promising strategy with a number of clinical trials as vaccines or as novel therapies against a variety of genetic and infectious diseases. The use of microfluidics for the synthesis of the LNPs has attracted interest because of its considerable advantages over other conventional synthetic methods including scalability, reproducibility, and speed. However, despite the potential usefulness of large particles for nucleic acid delivery to dendritic cells (DCs) as a vaccine, the particle size of the LNPs prepared using microfluidics is typically limited to approximately from 30 to 100 nm. In this study, focusing on Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory, the effect of some synthetic parameters, including total flow rate, flow rate ratio, buffer pH, lipid concentration, molar ratio of PEG-lipid as well as salt concentration, on particle size was systematically examined by means of the design of experiment approaches. The findings indicated that the simple addition of salt (e.g. NaCl) to a buffer containing nucleic acids contributed greatly to the synthesis of large LNPs over 200 nm and this effect was concentration-dependent with respect to the salt. The effect of salt on particle size was consistent with a Hofmeister series. The systemic injection of larger mRNA-loaded LNPs resulted in a higher transgene expression in mouse splenic DCs, a higher activation of various splenic immune cells, and had a superior effect as a therapeutic cancer vaccine in a syngeneic mouse model compared to the smaller-sized counterpart with constant lipid composition prepared with lower NaCl concentration. Collectively, size-regulation by the simple addition of salt is a promising strategy for developing potent LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Okuda
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Iwakawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Kosuke Sasaki
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Nana Okabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Maeki
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-13, Nishi-8, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan; JST PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-13, Nishi-8, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan; Innovative Research Center for Preventive Medical Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; Institute of Nano-Life Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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35
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Kazemian P, Yu SY, Thomson SB, Birkenshaw A, Leavitt BR, Ross CJD. Lipid-Nanoparticle-Based Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Editing Components. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1669-1686. [PMID: 35594500 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene editing mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 systems is due to become a beneficial therapeutic option for treating genetic diseases and some cancers. However, there are challenges in delivering CRISPR components which necessitate sophisticated delivery systems for safe and effective genome editing. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have become an attractive nonviral delivery platform for CRISPR-mediated genome editing due to their low immunogenicity and application flexibility. In this review, we provide a background of CRISPR-mediated gene therapy, as well as LNPs and their applicable characteristics for delivering CRISPR components. We then highlight the challenges of CRISPR delivery, which have driven the significant development of new, safe, and optimized LNP formulations in the past decade. Finally, we discuss considerations for using LNPs to deliver CRISPR and future perspectives on clinical translation of LNP-CRISPR gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Kazemian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Si-Yue Yu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sarah B Thomson
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Alexandra Birkenshaw
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Blair R Leavitt
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Colin J D Ross
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
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36
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Hydroxycholesterol substitution in ionizable lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery to T cells. J Control Release 2022; 347:521-532. [PMID: 35569584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of nucleic acids, such as mRNA, to immune cells has become a major focus in the past decade with ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) emerging as a clinically-validated delivery platform. LNPs-typically composed of ionizable lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and polyethylene glycol lipids -have been designed and optimized for a variety of applications including cancer therapies, vaccines, and gene editing. However, LNPs have only recently been investigated for delivery to T cells, which has various therapeutic applications including the engineering of T cell immunotherapies. While several LNP formulations have been evaluated for mRNA delivery, recent work has demonstrated that the utilization of cholesterol analogs may enhance mRNA delivery. Other studies have shown that cholesterols modified with hydroxyl groups can alter endocytic recycling mechanisms. Here, we engineered a library of LNPs incorporating hydroxycholesterols to evaluate their impact on mRNA delivery to T cells by leveraging endosomal trafficking mechanisms. Substitution of 25% and 50% 7α-hydroxycholesterol for cholesterol in LNPs enhanced mRNA delivery to primary human T cells ex vivo by 1.8-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively. Investigation of endosomal trafficking revealed that these modifications also increase late endosome production and reduce the presence of recycling endosomes. These results suggest that hydroxyl modification of cholesterol molecules incorporated into LNP formulations provides a mechanism for improving delivery of nucleic acid cargo to T cells for a range of immunotherapy applications.
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Pattipeiluhu R, Arias-Alpizar G, Basha G, Chan KYT, Bussmann J, Sharp TH, Moradi MA, Sommerdijk N, Harris EN, Cullis PR, Kros A, Witzigmann D, Campbell F. Anionic Lipid Nanoparticles Preferentially Deliver mRNA to the Hepatic Reticuloendothelial System. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201095. [PMID: 35218106 PMCID: PMC9461706 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the leading nonviral technologies for the delivery of exogenous RNA to target cells in vivo. As systemic delivery platforms, these technologies are exemplified by Onpattro, an approved LNP-based RNA interference therapy, administered intravenously and targeted to parenchymal liver cells. The discovery of systemically administered LNP technologies capable of preferential RNA delivery beyond hepatocytes has, however, proven more challenging. Here, preceded by comprehensive mechanistic understanding of in vivo nanoparticle biodistribution and bodily clearance, an LNP-based messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery platform is rationally designed to preferentially target the hepatic reticuloendothelial system (RES). Evaluated in embryonic zebrafish, validated in mice, and directly compared to LNP-mRNA systems based on the lipid composition of Onpattro, RES-targeted LNPs significantly enhance mRNA expression both globally within the liver and specifically within hepatic RES cell types. Hepatic RES targeting requires just a single lipid change within the formulation of Onpattro to switch LNP surface charge from neutral to anionic. This technology not only provides new opportunities to treat liver-specific and systemic diseases in which RES cell types play a key role but, more importantly, exemplifies that rational design of advanced RNA therapies must be preceded by a robust understanding of the dominant nano-biointeractions involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Pattipeiluhu
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- BioNanoPatterning, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriela Arias-Alpizar
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Genc Basha
- NanoMedicines Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Karen Y T Chan
- NanoMedicines Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jeroen Bussmann
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas H Sharp
- BioNanoPatterning, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammad-Amin Moradi
- Materials and Interface Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Nico Sommerdijk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Edward N Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- NanoMedicines Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics Inc., 2405 Wesbrook Mall 4th Floor, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Alexander Kros
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- NanoMedicines Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network (NMIN), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoVation Therapeutics Inc., 2405 Wesbrook Mall 4th Floor, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Frederick Campbell
- Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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38
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Therapeutic RNA-silencing oligonucleotides in metabolic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:417-439. [PMID: 35210608 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen unprecedented activity in the development of RNA-silencing oligonucleotide therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Improved oligonucleotide design and optimization of synthetic nucleic acid chemistry, in combination with the development of highly selective and efficient conjugate delivery technology platforms, have established and validated oligonucleotides as a new class of drugs. To date, there are five marketed oligonucleotide therapies, with many more in clinical studies, for both rare and common liver-driven metabolic diseases. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics in metabolism, review past and current clinical trials, and discuss ongoing challenges and possible future developments.
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39
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The Potential of Nanomedicine to Unlock the Limitless Applications of mRNA. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020460. [PMID: 35214191 PMCID: PMC8879057 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The year 2020 was a turning point in the way society perceives science. Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology finally showed and shared its potential, starting a new era in medicine. However, there is no doubt that commercialization of these vaccines would not have been possible without nanotechnology, which has finally answered the long-term question of how to deliver mRNA in vivo. The aim of this review is to showcase the importance of this scientific milestone for the development of additional mRNA therapeutics. Firstly, we provide a full description of the marketed vaccine formulations and disclose LNPs’ pharmaceutical properties, including composition, structure, and manufacturing considerations Additionally, we review different types of lipid-based delivery technologies currently in preclinical and clinical development, namely lipoplexes and cationic nanoemulsions. Finally, we highlight the most promising clinical applications of mRNA in different fields such as vaccinology, immuno-oncology, gene therapy for rare genetic diseases and gene editing using CRISPR Cas9.
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40
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Carvalho BG, Ceccato BT, Michelon M, Han SW, de la Torre LG. Advanced Microfluidic Technologies for Lipid Nano-Microsystems from Synthesis to Biological Application. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 35057037 PMCID: PMC8781930 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that can be employed as a powerful tool for designing lipid nano-microsized structures for biological applications. Those lipid structures can be used as carrying vehicles for a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. Microfluidic technology also allows the design of sustainable processes with less financial demand, while it can be scaled up using parallelization to increase production. From this perspective, this article reviews the recent advances in the synthesis of lipid-based nanostructures through microfluidics (liposomes, lipoplexes, lipid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanovesicles). Besides that, this review describes the recent microfluidic approaches to produce lipid micro-sized structures as giant unilamellar vesicles. New strategies are also described for the controlled release of the lipid payloads using microgels and droplet-based microfluidics. To address the importance of microfluidics for lipid-nanoparticle screening, an overview of how microfluidic systems can be used to mimic the cellular environment is also presented. Future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano and micro scales are also discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna G. Carvalho
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Bruno T. Ceccato
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Mariano Michelon
- School of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil;
| | - Sang W. Han
- Center for Cell Therapy and Molecular, Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-010, Brazil;
| | - Lucimara G. de la Torre
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
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41
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Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a type of lipid vesicles that possess a homogeneous lipid core. These vesicles are widely used in small-molecule drug and nucleic acid delivery and recently gained much attention because of their remarkable success as a delivery platform for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Nonetheless, the utility of transient protein expression induced by mRNA extends far beyond vaccines against infectious diseases─they also hold promise as cancer vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and gene editing components for rare genetic diseases. However, naked mRNA is inherently unstable and prone to rapid degradation by nucleases and self-hydrolysis. Encapsulation of mRNA within LNPs protects mRNA from extracellular ribonucleases and assists with intracellular mRNA delivery.In this Account, we discuss the core features of LNPs for RNA delivery. We focus our attention on LNPs designed to deliver mRNA; however, we also include examples of siRNA-LNP delivery where appropriate to highlight the commonalities and the dissimilarities due to the nucleic acid structure. First, we introduce the concept of LNPs, the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing nucleic acids as therapeutic agents, and the general reasoning behind the molecular makeup of LNPs. We also briefly highlight the most recent clinical successes of LNP-based nucleic acid therapies. Second, we describe the theory and methods of LNP self-assembly. The common idea behind all of the preparation methods is inducing electrostatic interactions between the nucleic acid and charged lipids and promoting nanoparticle growth via hydrophobic interactions. Third, we break down the LNP composition with special attention to the fundamental properties and purposes of each component. This includes the identified molecular design criteria, commercial sourcing, impact on intracellular trafficking, and contribution to the properties of LNPs. One of the key components of LNPs is ionizable lipids, which initiate electrostatic binding with endosomal membranes and facilitate cytosolic release; however, the roles of other lipid components should not be disregarded, as they are associated with stability, clearance, and distribution of LNPs. Fourth, we review the attributes of LNP constructs as a whole that can heavily influence RNA delivery. These attributes are LNP size, charge, internal structure, lipid packing, lipid membrane hydration, stability, and affinity toward biomacromolecules. We also discuss the specific techniques used to examine these attributes and how they can be adjusted. Finally, we offer our perspective on the future of RNA therapies and some questions that remain in the realm of LNP formulation and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Robertson Life Science Building, 2730 South Moody Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
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42
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Kamanzi A, Gu Y, Tahvildari R, Friedenberger Z, Zhu X, Berti R, Kurylowicz M, Witzigmann D, Kulkarni JA, Leung J, Andersson J, Dahlin A, Höök F, Sutton M, Cullis PR, Leslie S. Simultaneous, Single-Particle Measurements of Size and Loading Give Insights into the Structure of Drug-Delivery Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2021; 15:19244-19255. [PMID: 34843205 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c04862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are a promising solution for delivery of a wide range of medicines and vaccines. Optimizing their design depends on being able to resolve, understand, and predict biophysical and therapeutic properties, as a function of design parameters. While existing tools have made great progress, gaps in understanding remain because of the inability to make detailed measurements of multiple correlated properties. Typically, an average measurement is made across a heterogeneous population, obscuring potentially important information. In this work, we develop and apply a method for characterizing nanoparticles with single-particle resolution. We use convex lens-induced confinement (CLiC) microscopy to isolate and quantify the diffusive trajectories and fluorescent intensities of individual nanoparticles trapped in microwells for long times. First, we benchmark detailed measurements of fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles against prior data to validate our approach. Second, we apply our method to investigate the size and loading properties of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vehicles containing silencing RNA (siRNA), as a function of lipid formulation, solution pH, and drug-loading. By taking a comprehensive look at the correlation between the intensity and size measurements, we gain insights into LNP structure and how the siRNA is distributed in the LNP. Beyond introducing an analytic for size and loading, this work allows for future studies of dynamics with single-particle resolution, such as LNP fusion and drug-release kinetics. The prime contribution of this work is to better understand the connections between microscopic and macroscopic properties of drug-delivery vehicles, enabling and accelerating their discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Kamanzi
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
- Department of Physics Astronomy, University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Road, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Yifei Gu
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
| | - Radin Tahvildari
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
| | - Zachary Friedenberger
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
| | - Xingqi Zhu
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
| | - Romain Berti
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
- ScopeSys Inc., 33 Rue Prince, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 2M7
| | - Marty Kurylowicz
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
- ScopeSys Inc., 33 Rue Prince, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 2M7
| | - Dominik Witzigmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Jayesh A Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Jerry Leung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - John Andersson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas Dahlin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Höök
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mark Sutton
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Sabrina Leslie
- Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 University, Montreal Quebec, Canada H3A2T8
- Department of Physics Astronomy, University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Road, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
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43
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Chabanovska O, Galow AM, David R, Lemcke H. mRNA - A game changer in regenerative medicine, cell-based therapy and reprogramming strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114002. [PMID: 34653534 PMCID: PMC9418126 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
After thirty years of intensive research shaping and optimizing the technology, the approval of the first mRNA-based formulation by the EMA and FDA in order to stop the COVID-19 pandemic was a breakthrough in mRNA research. The astonishing success of these vaccines have brought the mRNA platform into the spotlight of the scientific community. The remarkable persistence of the groundwork is mainly attributed to the exceptional benefits of mRNA application, including the biological origin, immediate but transitory mechanism of action, non-integrative properties, safe and relatively simple manufacturing as well as the flexibility to produce any desired protein. Based on these advantages, a practical implementation of in vitro transcribed mRNA has been considered in most areas of medicine. In this review, we discuss the key preconditions for the rise of the mRNA in the medical field, including the unique structural and functional features of the mRNA molecule and its vehicles, which are crucial aspects for a production of potent mRNA-based therapeutics. Further, we focus on the utility of mRNA tools particularly in the scope of regenerative medicine, i.e. cell reprogramming approaches or manipulation strategies for targeted tissue restoration. Finally, we highlight the strong clinical potential but also the remaining hurdles to overcome for the mRNA-based regenerative therapy, which is only a few steps away from becoming a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Chabanovska
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany,Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, Department Life, Light & Matter, University Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Galow
- Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Robert David
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany,Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, Department Life, Light & Matter, University Rostock, Rostock, Germany,Corresponding author at: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Heiko Lemcke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany,Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, Department Life, Light & Matter, University Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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44
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Xu L, Wang X, Liu Y, Yang G, Falconer RJ, Zhao CX. Lipid Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Letao Xu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Xing Wang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Yun Liu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Guangze Yang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Robert J. Falconer
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
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45
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Paloncýová M, Čechová P, Šrejber M, Kührová P, Otyepka M. Role of Ionizable Lipids in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines As Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations: From Membrane Structure to Interaction with mRNA Fragments. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:11199-11205. [PMID: 34761943 PMCID: PMC8609914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in RNA-based medicine have provided new opportunities for the global current challenge, i.e., the COVID-19 pandemic. Novel vaccines are based on a messenger RNA (mRNA) motif with a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vector, consisting of high content of unique pH-sensitive ionizable lipids (ILs). Here we provide molecular insights into the role of the ILs and lipid mixtures used in current mRNA vaccines. We observed that the lipid mixtures adopted a nonlamellar organization, with ILs separating into a very disordered, pH-sensitive phase. We describe structural differences of the two ILs leading to their different congregation, with implications for the vaccine stability. Finally, as RNA interacts preferentially with IL-rich phases located at the regions with high curvature of lipid phase, local changes in RNA flexibility and base pairing are induced by lipids. A proper atomistic understanding of RNA-lipid interactions may enable rational tailoring of LNP composition for efficient RNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Paloncýová
- Regional
Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology
and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký
University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Čechová
- Regional
Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology
and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký
University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Šrejber
- Regional
Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology
and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký
University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Kührová
- Regional
Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology
and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký
University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Otyepka
- Regional
Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology
and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký
University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- IT4Innovations, VSB—Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
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46
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Hirai Y, Hirose H, Imanishi M, Asai T, Futaki S. Cytosolic protein delivery using pH-responsive, charge-reversible lipid nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19896. [PMID: 34615928 PMCID: PMC8494842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although proteins have attractive features as biopharmaceuticals, the difficulty in delivering them into the cell interior limits their applicability. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a promising class of delivery vehicles. When designing a protein delivery system based on LNPs, the major challenges include: (i) formulation of LNPs with defined particle sizes and dispersity, (ii) efficient encapsulation of cargo proteins into LNPs, and (iii) effective cellular uptake and endosomal release into the cytosol. Dioleoylglycerophosphate-diethylenediamine (DOP-DEDA) is a pH-responsive, charge-reversible lipid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of DOP-DEDA-based LNPs for intracellular protein delivery. Considering the importance of electrostatic interactions in protein encapsulation into LNPs, a negatively charged green fluorescent protein (GFP) analog was successfully encapsulated into DOP-DEDA-based LNPs to yield diameters and polydispersity index of < 200 nm and < 0.2, respectively. Moreover, ~ 80% of the cargo proteins was encapsulated into the LNPs. Cytosolic distribution of fluorescent signals of the protein was observed for up to ~ 90% cells treated with the LNPs, indicating the facilitated endocytic uptake and endosomal escape of the cargo attained using the LNP system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Hirai
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Hisaaki Hirose
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Asai
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan.
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47
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Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system has revolutionized the biomedical research field with its simple and flexible genome editing method. In October 2020, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 genetic scissors, which allow scientists to alter DNA sequences with high precision. Recently, the first phase I clinical trials in cancer patients affirmed the safety and feasibility of ex vivo CRISPR-edited T cells. However, specific and effective CRISPR delivery in vivo remains challenging due to the multiple extracellular and intracellular barriers. Here, we discuss the recent advances in novel lipid nanomaterials for CRISPR delivery and describe relevant examples of potential therapeutics in cancers, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyue Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Diana D Kang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; The Center for Clinical and Translational Science; The Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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48
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Tomé I, Francisco V, Fernandes H, Ferreira L. High-throughput screening of nanoparticles in drug delivery. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:031511. [PMID: 34476328 PMCID: PMC8397474 DOI: 10.1063/5.0057204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of pharmacologically active compounds to manage and treat diseases is of utmost relevance in clinical practice. It is well recognized that spatial-temporal control over the delivery of these biomolecules will greatly impact their pharmacokinetic profile and ultimately their therapeutic effect. Nanoparticles (NPs) prepared from different materials have been tested successfully in the clinic for the delivery of several biomolecules including non-coding RNAs (siRNA and miRNA) and mRNAs. Indeed, the recent success of mRNA vaccines is in part due to progress in the delivery systems (NP based) that have been developed for many years. In most cases, the identification of the best formulation was done by testing a small number of novel formulations or by modification of pre-existing ones. Unfortunately, this is a low throughput and time-consuming process that hinders the identification of formulations with the highest potential. Alternatively, high-throughput combinatorial design of NP libraries may allow the rapid identification of formulations with the required release and cell/tissue targeting profile for a given application. Combinatorial approaches offer several advantages over conventional methods since they allow the incorporation of multiple components with varied chemical properties into materials, such as polymers or lipid-like materials, that will subsequently form NPs by self-assembly or chemical conjugation processes. The current review highlights the impact of high-throughput in the development of more efficient drug delivery systems with enhanced targeting and release kinetics. It also describes the current challenges in this research area as well as future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vitor Francisco
- Biomaterials and Stem-Cell Based Therapeutics Group, Centre of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
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49
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van der Meel R, Chen S, Zaifman J, Kulkarni JA, Zhang XRS, Tam YK, Bally MB, Schiffelers RM, Ciufolini MA, Cullis PR, Tam YYC. Modular Lipid Nanoparticle Platform Technology for siRNA and Lipophilic Prodrug Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2103025. [PMID: 34337865 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Successfully employing small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics requires the use of nanotechnology for efficient intracellular delivery. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have enabled the approval of various nucleic acid therapeutics. A major advantage of LNPs is the interchangeability of its building blocks and RNA payload, which allow it to be a highly modular system. In addition, drug derivatization approaches can be used to synthesize lipophilic small molecule prodrugs that stably incorporate in LNPs. This provides ample opportunities to develop combination therapies by co-encapsulating multiple therapeutic agents in a single formulation. Here, it is described how the modular LNP platform is applied for combined gene silencing and chemotherapy to induce additive anticancer effects. It is shown that various lipophilic taxane prodrug derivatives and siRNA against the androgen receptor, a prostate cancer driver, can be efficiently and stably co-encapsulated in LNPs without compromising physicochemical properties or gene-silencing ability. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the combination therapy induces additive therapeutic effects in vitro. Using a double-radiolabeling approach, the pharmacokinetic properties and biodistribution of LNPs and prodrugs following systemic administration in tumor-bearing mice are quantitatively determined. These results indicate that co-encapsulating siRNA and lipophilic prodrugs into LNPs is an attractive and straightforward plug-and-play approach for combination therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sam Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Integrated Nanotherapeutics, Burnaby, BC, V5G 4X4, Canada
| | - Josh Zaifman
- Integrated Nanotherapeutics, Burnaby, BC, V5G 4X4, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Jayesh A Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Xu Ran S Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Marcel B Bally
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Drug Research and Development, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Raymond M Schiffelers
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Marco A Ciufolini
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- NanoMedicines Innovation Network, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Yuen Yi C Tam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Integrated Nanotherapeutics, Burnaby, BC, V5G 4X4, Canada
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50
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Carrasco MJ, Alishetty S, Alameh MG, Said H, Wright L, Paige M, Soliman O, Weissman D, Cleveland TE, Grishaev A, Buschmann MD. Ionization and structural properties of mRNA lipid nanoparticles influence expression in intramuscular and intravascular administration. Commun Biol 2021; 4:956. [PMID: 34381159 PMCID: PMC8358000 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02441-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) are used to deliver siRNA and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The main factor known to determine their delivery efficiency is the pKa of the LNP containing an ionizable lipid. Herein, we report a method that can predict the LNP pKa from the structure of the ionizable lipid. We used theoretical, NMR, fluorescent-dye binding, and electrophoretic mobility methods to comprehensively measure protonation of both the ionizable lipid and the formulated LNP. The pKa of the ionizable lipid was 2-3 units higher than the pKa of the LNP primarily due to proton solvation energy differences between the LNP and aqueous medium. We exploited these results to explain a wide range of delivery efficiencies in vitro and in vivo for intramuscular (IM) and intravascular (IV) administration of different ionizable lipids at escalating ionizable lipid-to-mRNA ratios in the LNP. In addition, we determined that more negatively charged LNPs exhibit higher off-target systemic expression of mRNA in the liver following IM administration. This undesirable systemic off-target expression of mRNA-LNP vaccines could be minimized through appropriate design of the ionizable lipid and LNP. Carrasco et al. report a method that can predict the lipid nanoparticles (LNP) pKa from the structure of the ionizable lipid. They investigate the delivery efficiency for intramuscular and intravascular administration and propose design principles to limit off-target systemic distribution and expression for mRNA LNP vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel J Carrasco
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Suman Alishetty
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | | | - Hooda Said
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Lacey Wright
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Ousamah Soliman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas E Cleveland
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research National Institute of Standards and Technology, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Grishaev
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research National Institute of Standards and Technology, Rockville, MD, USA
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