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Mai LD, Wimberley SC, Champion JA. Intracellular delivery strategies using membrane-interacting peptides and proteins. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:15465-15480. [PMID: 39091235 PMCID: PMC11340348 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr02093f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
While the cellular cytosol and organelles contain attractive targets for disease treatments, it remains a challenge to deliver therapeutic biomacromolecules to these sites. This is due to the selective permeability of the plasma and endosomal membranes, especially for large and hydrophilic therapeutic cargos such as proteins and nucleic acids. In response, many different delivery systems and molecules have been devised to help therapeutics cross these barriers to reach cytosolic targets. Among them are peptide and protein-based systems, which have several advantages over other natural and synthetic materials including their ability to interact with cell membranes. In this review, we will describe recent advances and current challenges of peptide and protein strategies that leverage cell membrane association and modulation to enable cytosolic delivery of biomacromolecule cargo. The approaches covered here include peptides and proteins derived from or inspired by natural sequences as well as those designed de novo for delivery function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh D Mai
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332-2000, USA.
| | - Sydney C Wimberley
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332-2000, USA.
- BioEngineering Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Julie A Champion
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332-2000, USA.
- BioEngineering Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
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2
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Hoogstraten CA, Schirris TJJ, Russel FGM. Unlocking mitochondrial drug targets: The importance of mitochondrial transport proteins. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14150. [PMID: 38666512 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
A disturbed mitochondrial function contributes to the pathology of many common diseases. These organelles are therefore important therapeutic targets. On the contrary, many adverse effects of drugs can be explained by a mitochondrial off-target effect, in particular, due to an interaction with carrier proteins in the inner membrane. Yet this class of transport proteins remains underappreciated and understudied. The aim of this review is to provide a deeper understanding of the role of mitochondrial carriers in health and disease and their significance as drug targets. We present literature-based evidence that mitochondrial carrier proteins are associated with prevalent diseases and emphasize their potential as drug (off-)target sites by summarizing known mitochondrial drug-transporter interactions. Studying these carriers will enhance our knowledge of mitochondrial drug on- and off-targets and provide opportunities to further improve the efficacy and safety of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Hoogstraten
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom J J Schirris
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Russel
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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3
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Yeoh YQ, Amin A, Cuic B, Tomas D, Turner BJ, Shabanpoor F. Efficient systemic CNS delivery of a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide with a blood-brain barrier-penetrating ApoE-derived peptide. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116737. [PMID: 38749176 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders by modulating gene expression with high selectivity and specificity. However, the poor permeability of ASO across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) diminishes its therapeutic success. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of BBB-penetrating peptides (BPP) derived from either the receptor-binding domain of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) or a transferrin receptor-binding peptide (THR). The BPPs were conjugated to phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) that are chemically analogous to the 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (MOE)-modified ASO approved by the FDA for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The BPP-PMO conjugates significantly increased the level of full-length SMN2 in the patient-derived SMA fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent manner with minimal to no toxicity. Furthermore, the systemic administration of the most potent BPP-PMO conjugates significantly increased the expression of full-length SMN2 in the brain and spinal cord of SMN2 transgenic adult mice. Notably, BPP8-PMO conjugate showed a 1.25-fold increase in the expression of full-length functional SMN2 in the brain. Fluorescence imaging studies confirmed that 78% of the fluorescently (Cy7)-labelled BPP8-PMO reached brain parenchyma, with 11% uptake in neuronal cells. Additionally, the BPP-PMO conjugates containing retro-inverso (RI) D-BPPs were found to possess extended half-lives compared to their L-counterparts, indicating increased stability against protease degradation while preserving the bioactivity. This delivery platform based on BPP enhances the CNS bioavailability of PMO targeting the SMN2 gene, paving the way for the development of systemically administered neurotherapeutics for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qi Yeoh
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Azin Amin
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Brittany Cuic
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Doris Tomas
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Bradley J Turner
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Fazel Shabanpoor
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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4
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Periyasamy K, Maloverjan M, Biswas A, Remm A, Pook M, Rebane A, Pooga M. PepFect14 mediates the delivery of mRNA into human primary keratinocytes and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1219761. [PMID: 37521463 PMCID: PMC10374019 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1219761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based vaccines and candidate therapeutics have great potential in various medical fields. For the delivery of mRNA into target cells and tissues, lipid formulations are often employed. However, this approach could cause the activation of immune responses, making it unsuitable for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Therefore, alternative delivery systems are highly demanded. In this study, we evaluated the transport efficiency and characteristics of cell-penetrating peptide PepFect14 (PF14) and mRNA nanoparticles in the presence of different additives. Our results show that all PF14-mRNA formulations entered cultured cells, while calcium chloride enhanced the transport and production of the encoded protein in HeLa and HaCaT cell lines, and polysorbate 80 did so in primary human keratinocytes. All formulations had similar physical properties and did not remarkably affect cell viability. By selectively blocking endocytosis pathways, we show that PF14-mRNA nanoparticles primarily entered HeLa cells via macropinocytosis and HaCaT cells via both macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, while none of the blockers significantly affected the delivery into primary keratinocytes. Finally, subcutaneous injection of PF14-mRNA nanoparticles before inducing mouse irritant contact dermatitis resulted in the expression of a reporter protein without provoking harmful immune responses in the skin. Together, our findings suggest that PF14-mRNA nanoparticles have the potential for developing mRNA-based therapeutics for treating inflammatory skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapilraj Periyasamy
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Abhijit Biswas
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anu Remm
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Martin Pook
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ana Rebane
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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5
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Stillger K, Neundorf I. Cell-permeable peptide-based delivery vehicles useful for subcellular targeting and beyond. Cell Signal 2023:110796. [PMID: 37423344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Personal medicine aims to provide tailor-made diagnostics and treatments and has been emerged as a promising but challenging strategy during the last years. This includes the active delivery and localization of a therapeutic compound to a targeted site of action within a cell. An example being targeting the interference of a distinct protein-protein interaction (PPI) within the cell nucleus, mitochondria or other subcellular location. Therefore, not only the cell membrane has to be overcome but also the final intracellular destination has to be reached. One approach which fulfills both requirements is to use short peptide sequences that are able to translocate into cells as targeting and delivery vehicles. In fact, recent progress in this field demonstrates how these tools can modulate the pharmacological parameters of a drug without compromising its biological activity. Beside classical targets that are addressed by various small molecule drugs such as receptors, enzymes, or ion channels, PPIs have received increasing attention as potential therapeutic targets. Within this review, we will provide a recent update on cell-permeable peptides targeting subcellular destinations. We include chimeric peptide probes that combine cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and a targeting sequence, as well peptides having intrinsic cell-permeability and which are often used to target PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Stillger
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
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6
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Abstract
From the first clinical trial by Dr. W.F. Anderson to the most recent US Food and Drug Administration-approved Luxturna (Spark Therapeutics, 2017) and Zolgensma (Novartis, 2019), gene therapy has revamped thinking and practice around cancer treatment and improved survival rates for adult and pediatric patients with genetic diseases. A major challenge to advancing gene therapies for a broader array of applications lies in safely delivering nucleic acids to their intended sites of action. Peptides offer unique potential to improve nucleic acid delivery based on their versatile and tunable interactions with biomolecules and cells. Cell-penetrating peptides and intracellular targeting peptides have received particular focus due to their promise for improving the delivery of gene therapies into cells. We highlight key examples of peptide-assisted, targeted gene delivery to cancer-specific signatures involved in tumor growth and subcellular organelle-targeting peptides, as well as emerging strategies to enhance peptide stability and bioavailability that will support long-term implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Urandur
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA; ,
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA; ,
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7
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Soldatov VO, Kubekina MV, Skorkina MY, Belykh AE, Egorova TV, Korokin MV, Pokrovskiy MV, Deykin AV, Angelova PR. Current advances in gene therapy of mitochondrial diseases. J Transl Med 2022; 20:562. [PMID: 36471396 PMCID: PMC9724384 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases (MD) are a heterogeneous group of multisystem disorders involving metabolic errors. MD are characterized by extremely heterogeneous symptoms, ranging from organ-specific to multisystem dysfunction with different clinical courses. Most primary MD are autosomal recessive but maternal inheritance (from mtDNA), autosomal dominant, and X-linked inheritance is also known. Mitochondria are unique energy-generating cellular organelles designed to survive and contain their own unique genetic coding material, a circular mtDNA fragment of approximately 16,000 base pairs. The mitochondrial genetic system incorporates closely interacting bi-genomic factors encoded by the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Understanding the dynamics of mitochondrial genetics supporting mitochondrial biogenesis is especially important for the development of strategies for the treatment of rare and difficult-to-diagnose diseases. Gene therapy is one of the methods for correcting mitochondrial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O Soldatov
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.
| | - Marina V Kubekina
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Yu Skorkina
- Department of Biochemistry, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Andrei E Belykh
- Dioscuri Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tatiana V Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Korokin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Pokrovskiy
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Plamena R Angelova
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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8
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Gao F, Yu B, Cong H, Shen Y. Delivery process and effective design of vectors for cancer therapy. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:6896-6921. [PMID: 36048171 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01326f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the efficacy of nano-drugs has not been significantly better than that of the drugs themselves, mainly because nano-drugs enter the tumor vasculature, stay near the blood vessels, and cannot enter the tumor tissues or tumor cells to complete the drug delivery process. Although intratumor injection can significantly decrease this risk, the side effects are strong. The advent of drug delivery carrier materials offers an opportunity to avoid the side effects of systemic drug delivery and the damage caused by tumor resection, holding great promise for the future of cancer therapy. Here, we systematically review recent research advances in the classification of drug delivery carrier materials and the delivery process in drug delivery systems. This review is divided into several main sections, first, we summarize the classification of tumor drug carrier materials, including drug delivery vectors and gene delivery vectors, etc., which are introduced in detail, respectively. Then we describe the carrier materials to deliver the drug cascade and the transition pathways for drug delivery, including stabilization transitions, charge inversions, and size changes. Finally, we discuss the current design strategies and research progress of drug vectors and provide a summary and outlook. This review aims to summarize different drug delivery vehicles and delivery processes to provide ideas for effective cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Gao
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Bing Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hailin Cong
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Center for Bionanoengineering, and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
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9
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Cerrato CP, Langel Ü. An update on cell-penetrating peptides with intracellular organelle targeting. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:133-146. [PMID: 35086398 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2034784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) technologies represent an important strategy to address drug delivery to specific intracellular compartments by covalent conjugation to targeting sequences, potentially enabling strategies to combat most diseases. AREAS COVERED This updated review article provides an overview of current intracellular organelle targeting by CPP. The targeting strategies of CPP and CPP/cargo complexes to specific cells or intracellular organelles are summarized, and the review provides an update on the current data for their pharmacological and therapeutical applications. EXPERT OPINION Targeted drug delivery is moving from the level of tissue or specific pathogenic cell to the level of specific organelle that is the target of the drug, an important aspect in drug design and development. Organelle-targeted drug delivery results in improved efficacy, ability to control mode of action, reduction of undesired toxicities and side effects, and possibility to overcome drug resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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10
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Abstract
In this introductory chapter, we first define cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), give short overview of CPP history and discuss several aspects of CPP classification. Next section is devoted to the mechanism of CPP penetration into the cells, where direct and endocytic internalization of CPP is explained. Kinetics of internalization is discussed more extensively, since this topic is not discussed in other chapters of this book. At the end of this section some features of the thermodynamics of CPP interaction with the membrane is also presented. Finally, we present different cargoes that can be transferred into the cells by CPPs and briefly discuss the effect of cargo on the rate and efficiency of penetration into the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Zorko
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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11
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Mitochondrial Targeting Probes, Drug Conjugates, and Gene Therapeutics. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34766305 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1752-6_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Mitochondria represent an important drug target for many phatology, including neurodegeneration, metabolic disease, heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and cancer. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are caused by mutation in mitochondrial DNA or in nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been employed to overcome biological barriers, target this organelle, and therapeuticaly restore mitochondrial functions. Here, we describe recent methods used to deliver oligonucleotides targeting mitochondrial protein by using mitochondrial penetrating peptides. In particular, we highlight recent advances of formulated peptides/oligonucleotides nanocomplexes as a proof-of-principle for pharmaceutical form of peptide-based therapeutics.
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12
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Tarvirdipour S, Skowicki M, Schoenenberger CA, Palivan CG. Peptide-Assisted Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems on the Rise. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9092. [PMID: 34445799 PMCID: PMC8396486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns associated with nanocarriers' therapeutic efficacy and side effects have led to the development of strategies to advance them into targeted and responsive delivery systems. Owing to their bioactivity and biocompatibility, peptides play a key role in these strategies and, thus, have been extensively studied in nanomedicine. Peptide-based nanocarriers, in particular, have burgeoned with advances in purely peptidic structures and in combinations of peptides, both native and modified, with polymers, lipids, and inorganic nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize advances on peptides promoting gene delivery systems. The efficacy of nucleic acid therapies largely depends on cell internalization and the delivery to subcellular organelles. Hence, the review focuses on nanocarriers where peptides are pivotal in ferrying nucleic acids to their site of action, with a special emphasis on peptides that assist anionic, water-soluble nucleic acids in crossing the membrane barriers they encounter on their way to efficient function. In a second part, we address how peptides advance nanoassembly delivery tools, such that they navigate delivery barriers and release their nucleic acid cargo at specific sites in a controlled fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Tarvirdipour
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- Department of Biosystem Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Skowicki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (M.S.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Chakraborty C, Sharma AR, Bhattacharya M, Lee SS. From COVID-19 to Cancer mRNA Vaccines: Moving From Bench to Clinic in the Vaccine Landscape. Front Immunol 2021; 12:679344. [PMID: 34305909 PMCID: PMC8293291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.679344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, mRNA vaccines have become a significant type of therapeutic and have created new fields in the biopharmaceutical industry. mRNA vaccines are promising next-generation vaccines that have introduced a new age in vaccinology. The recent approval of two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2) has accelerated mRNA vaccine technology and boosted the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. These mRNA vaccines will help to tackle COVID-19 pandemic through immunization, offering considerable hope for future mRNA vaccines. Human trials with data both from mRNA cancer vaccines and mRNA infectious disease vaccines have provided encouraging results, inspiring the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to focus on this area of research. In this article, we discuss current mRNA vaccines broadly in two parts. In the first part, mRNA vaccines in general and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are discussed. We presented the mRNA vaccine structure in general, the different delivery systems, the immune response, and the recent clinical trials for mRNA vaccines (both for cancer mRNA vaccines and different infectious diseases mRNA vaccines). In the second part, different COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are explained. Finally, we illustrated a snapshot of the different leading mRNA vaccine developers, challenges, and future prospects of mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | | | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
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14
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Cell-Penetrating Peptides and Transportan. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13070987. [PMID: 34210007 PMCID: PMC8308968 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the most recent 25–30 years, multiple novel mechanisms and applications of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have been demonstrated, leading to novel drug delivery systems. In this review, I present a brief introduction to the CPP area with selected recent achievements. This is followed by a nostalgic journey into the research in my own laboratories, which lead to multiple CPPs, starting from transportan and paving a way to CPP-based therapeutic developments in the delivery of bio-functional materials, such as peptides, proteins, vaccines, oligonucleotides and small molecules, etc.
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15
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Faria R, Vivés E, Boisguerin P, Sousa A, Costa D. Development of Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Mitochondrial Plasmid DNA Delivery. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1836. [PMID: 34206125 PMCID: PMC8199553 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A mitochondrion is a cellular organelle able to produce cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). As in the nucleus, mitochondria contain their own genome: the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This genome is particularly susceptible to mutations that are at the basis of a multitude of disorders, especially those affecting the heart, the central nervous system and muscles. Conventional clinical practice applied to mitochondrial diseases is very limited and ineffective; a clear need for innovative therapies is demonstrated. Gene therapy seems to be a promising approach. The use of mitochondrial DNA as a therapeutic, optimized by peptide-based complexes with mitochondrial targeting, can be seen as a powerful tool in the reestablishment of normal mitochondrial function. In line with this requirement, in this work and for the first time, a mitochondrial-targeting sequence (MTS) has been incorporated into previously researched peptides, to confer on them a targeting ability. These peptides were then considered to complex a plasmid DNA (pDNA) which contains the mitochondrial gene ND1 (mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase 1 protein), aiming at the formation of peptide-based nanoparticles. Currently, the ND1 plasmid is one of the most advanced bioengineered vectors for conducting research on mitochondrial gene expression. The formed complexes were characterized in terms of pDNA complexation capacity, morphology, size, surface charge and cytotoxic profile. These data revealed that the developed carriers possess suitable properties for pDNA delivery. Furthermore, in vitro studies illustrated the mitochondrial targeting ability of the novel peptide/pDNA complexes. A comparison between the different complexes revealed the most promising ones that complex pDNA and target mitochondria. This may contribute to the optimization of peptide-based non-viral systems to target mitochondria, instigating progress in mitochondrial gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rúben Faria
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (R.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Eric Vivés
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, 34295 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (P.B.)
| | - Prisca Boisguerin
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, 34295 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (P.B.)
| | - Angela Sousa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (R.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (R.F.); (A.S.)
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Boisguérin P, Konate K, Josse E, Vivès E, Deshayes S. Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Delivery. Biomedicines 2021; 9:583. [PMID: 34065544 PMCID: PMC8161338 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy offers the possibility to skip, repair, or silence faulty genes or to stimulate the immune system to fight against disease by delivering therapeutic nucleic acids (NAs) to a patient. Compared to other drugs or protein treatments, NA-based therapies have the advantage of being a more universal approach to designing therapies because of the versatility of NA design. NAs (siRNA, pDNA, or mRNA) have great potential for therapeutic applications for an immense number of indications. However, the delivery of these exogenous NAs is still challenging and requires a specific delivery system. In this context, beside other non-viral vectors, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) gain more and more interest as delivery systems by forming a variety of nanocomplexes depending on the formulation conditions and the properties of the used CPPs/NAs. In this review, we attempt to cover the most important biophysical and biological aspects of non-viral peptide-based nanoparticles (PBNs) for therapeutic nucleic acid formulations as a delivery system. The most relevant peptides or peptide families forming PBNs in the presence of NAs described since 2015 will be presented. All these PBNs able to deliver NAs in vitro and in vivo have common features, which are characterized by defined formulation conditions in order to obtain PBNs from 60 nm to 150 nm with a homogeneous dispersity (PdI lower than 0.3) and a positive charge between +10 mV and +40 mV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sébastien Deshayes
- PhyMedExp, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, 34295 Montpellier, France; (P.B.); (K.K.); (E.J.); (E.V.)
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