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Guasp P, Reiche C, Sethna Z, Balachandran VP. RNA vaccines for cancer: Principles to practice. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:1163-1184. [PMID: 38848720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Vaccines are the most impactful medicines to improve health. Though potent against pathogens, vaccines for cancer remain an unfulfilled promise. However, recent advances in RNA technology coupled with scientific and clinical breakthroughs have spurred rapid discovery and potent delivery of tumor antigens at speed and scale, transforming cancer vaccines into a tantalizing prospect. Yet, despite being at a pivotal juncture, with several randomized clinical trials maturing in upcoming years, several critical questions remain: which antigens, tumors, platforms, and hosts can trigger potent immunity with clinical impact? Here, we address these questions with a principled framework of cancer vaccination from antigen detection to delivery. With this framework, we outline features of emergent RNA technology that enable rapid, robust, real-time vaccination with somatic mutation-derived neoantigens-an emerging "ideal" antigen class-and highlight latent features that have sparked the belief that RNA could realize the enduring vision for vaccines against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Guasp
- Immuno-Oncology Service, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Reiche
- Immuno-Oncology Service, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zachary Sethna
- Immuno-Oncology Service, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vinod P Balachandran
- Immuno-Oncology Service, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Amaya L, Abe B, Liu J, Zhao F, Zhang WL, Chen R, Li R, Wang S, Kamber RA, Tsai MC, Bassik MC, Majeti R, Chang HY. Pathways for macrophage uptake of cell-free circular RNAs. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2104-2118.e6. [PMID: 38761795 PMCID: PMC11218042 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNAs present in cell-free RNA, which may comprise cellular debris and pathogen genomes. Here, we investigate the phenomenon and mechanism of cellular uptake and intracellular fate of exogenous circRNAs. Human myeloid cells and B cells selectively internalize extracellular circRNAs. Macrophage uptake of circRNA is rapid, energy dependent, and saturable. CircRNA uptake can lead to translation of encoded sequences and antigen presentation. The route of internalization influences immune activation after circRNA uptake, with distinct gene expression programs depending on the route of RNA delivery. Genome-scale CRISPR screens and chemical inhibitor studies nominate macrophage scavenger receptor MSR1, Toll-like receptors, and mTOR signaling as key regulators of receptor-mediated phagocytosis of circRNAs, a dominant pathway to internalize circRNAs in parallel to macropinocytosis. These results suggest that cell-free circRNA serves as an "eat me" signal and danger-associated molecular pattern, indicating orderly pathways of recognition and disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Amaya
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brian Abe
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wenyan Lucy Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert Chen
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Steven Wang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Roarke A Kamber
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Miao-Chih Tsai
- RNA Medicine Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael C Bassik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; RNA Medicine Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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3
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Kramps T. Introduction to RNA Vaccines Post COVID-19. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:1-22. [PMID: 38814388 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Available prophylactic vaccines help prevent many infectious diseases that burden humanity. Future vaccinology will likely extend these benefits by more effectively countering newly emerging pathogens, fighting currently intractable infections, or even generating novel treatment modalities for non-infectious diseases. Instead of applying protein antigen directly, RNA vaccines contain short-lived genetic information that guides the expression of protein antigen in the vaccinee, like infection with a recombinant viral vector. Upon decades of research, messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines have proven clinical value in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as they combine benefits of killed subunit vaccines and live-attenuated vectors, including flexible production, self-adjuvanting effects, and stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity. RNA vaccines remain subject to continued development raising high hopes for broader future application. Their mechanistic versatility promises to make them a key tool of vaccinology and immunotherapy going forward. Here, I briefly review key developments in RNA vaccines and outline the contents of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology.
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Chandarana C, Tiwari A. A Review of Clinical Trials of Cancer and Its Treatment as a Vaccine. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2024; 19:7-33. [PMID: 37953617 DOI: 10.2174/0115748871260733231031081921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer and infectious diseases are one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. An unhealthy lifestyle, poor drug use, or drug misuse contribute to the rise in morbidity and mortality brought on by these illnesses. The inadequacies of the medications now being used to treat these disorders, along with the growing issue of drug resistance, have compelled researchers to look for novel compounds with therapeutic promise. The number of infections and diseases has significantly abated due to vaccine development and use over time, which is described in detail. Several novel vaccines can now be produced by manipulating Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), Ribonucleic acid (RNA), Messenger Ribonucleic acid (mRNA), proteins, viral vector Recombinant, and other molecules due to advances in genetic engineering and our understanding of the immune defense. OBJECTIVE The main topic of discussion is cancer-based vaccinations, which were developed less than a decade ago but have already been used to treat a wide range of both life-threatening and deadly diseases. It contains clinical studies for cancer vaccines against kidney, liver, prostate, cervix, and certain RNA-based cancer vaccines against breast and bladder cancer. RESULTS Numerous studies using various DNA and RNA-based methods have been conducted on the basis of cancer, with 9-10 diseases related to DNA and 8-9 diseases associated with RNA. Some of these studies have been completed, while others have been eliminated due to a lack of research; further studies are ongoing regarding the same. CONCLUSION This brief discussion of vaccines and their varieties with examples also discusses vaccine clinical trials in relation to cancer diseases in this DNA and RNA-based cancer vaccine that has had successful clinical trials like the cervical cancer drug VGX-3100, the kidney cancer drug Pembrolizumab, MGN-1601, the prostate cancer drug pTVG-HP with rhGM-CSF, the melanoma cancer drug proteasome siRNA, and the lung cancer drug FRAME-001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandani Chandarana
- Department of Quality Assurance, SSR College of Pharmacy, Sayli Road, Silvassa, U.T of Dadra Nagar and Haveli- 396230, India
| | - Anuradha Tiwari
- Department of Quality Assurance, SSR College of Pharmacy, Sayli Road, Silvassa, U.T of Dadra Nagar and Haveli- 396230, India
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Damour A, Delalande P, Cordelières F, Lafon ME, Faure M, Segovia-Kueny S, Stalens C, Mathis S, Spinazzi M, Violleau MH, Wodrich H, Solé G. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination efficacy in patients with severe neuromuscular diseases. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:983-992. [PMID: 37633734 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with severe neuromuscular disease (sNMD) are considered at high risk of severe COVID-19. Muscle tissue is often replaced by fibroadipose tissue in these diseases whereas the new mRNA-based vaccines are injected intramuscularly. We aimed at evaluating the efficacy of two injections associated with a booster injection of mRNA vaccine in these patients. METHODS We performed an observational, prospective, single-centre study to investigate the level of anti-S antibodies (Abs) and their neutralization activity at weeks 6 (W6) and 24 (W24) after two injections of mRNA-1273 vaccine and at weeks 12 (BW12) and 29 (BW29) after a booster injection of BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with sNMD. RESULTS Thirty-three patients with sNMD were included. At W6, 30 patients (90.1%) showed a protective serum level of specific anti-S Abs with a strong neutralization capacity. We observed a decline over time: only 12 patients (36.3%) retained anti-S Abs levels considered as protective at W24. The neutralization activity remained above the cut off in 23 (69.7%). The booster vaccination restored robust neutralization activity for all analysed 22 patients (100%) at BW12, which was maintained without any significant drop at BW29 (16). No severe adverse event was reported in this cohort and none of the 33 patients developed symptomatic COVID-19 over one year. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that most sNMD patients receiving two injections of COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines develop a strong humoral response after vaccination. A decline over time was observed but a single booster injection restores a long-term immunity. Moreover, no safety issues were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Damour
- CNRS UMR 5234, Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - P Delalande
- MAS Yolaine-de-Kepper, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, France
| | - F Cordelières
- Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, University Bordeaux, CNRS, Inserm, Bordeaux, France
| | - M E Lafon
- CNRS UMR 5234, Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Virology Laboratory, Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux University Hospitals, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Faure
- CNRS UMR 5234, Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - S Mathis
- Neuromuscular Reference Center AOC, Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Department, Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux University Hospitals, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Spinazzi
- Neuromuscular Reference Center AOC, Neurology Department, Angers University Hospital Center, Angers, France
| | - M H Violleau
- Neuromuscular Reference Center AOC, Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Department, Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux University Hospitals, Bordeaux, France
| | - H Wodrich
- CNRS UMR 5234, Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - G Solé
- Neuromuscular Reference Center AOC, Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Department, Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux University Hospitals, Bordeaux, France.
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Wei HH, Zheng L, Wang Z. mRNA therapeutics: New vaccination and beyond. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:749-759. [PMID: 38933291 PMCID: PMC10017382 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea of mRNA therapy had been conceived for decades before it came into reality during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mRNA vaccine emerges as a powerful and general tool against new viral infections, largely due to its versatility and rapid development. In addition to prophylactic vaccines, mRNA technology also offers great promise for new applications as a versatile drug modality. However, realizing the conceptual potential faces considerable challenges, such as minimal immune stimulation, high and long-term expression, and efficient delivery to target cells and tissues. Here we review the applications of mRNA-based therapeutics, with emphasis on the innovative design and future challenges/solutions. In addition, we also discuss the next generation of mRNA therapy, including circular mRNA and self-amplifying RNAs. We aim to provide a conceptual overview and outlook on mRNA therapeutics beyond prophylactic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Huan Wei
- Bio-med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai 200032, China
| | | | - Zefeng Wang
- Bio-med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, China
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Chen Q, Jin Y, Li X, Zhang P, Pan W, Zhang D, Lin D, Chen W, Lin J. Comparison of tumor-derived total RNA and cell lysate on antitumor immune activity. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114377. [PMID: 36764134 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-derived total RNA (TdRNA) and cell lysate (TCL), with almost all the relevant tumor antigens, represent attractive alternative sources of antigens in antitumor immunotherapy. However, the comparison of their capacity to elicit immune responses against breast cancer is still lacking. In this study, the antitumor immune effects of TdRNA and TCL were systematically compared. We isolated TdRNA and TCL from 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells, and found that both sources of antigens could stimulate the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) at the cellular and in vivo levels, and induce robust cellular immune responses, as evidenced by the increased percentages of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the inguinal lymph nodes and spleen. But TdRNA performed stronger immunoactivities than TCL on the increase of T cell population through DCs activation. Additionally, the synergistic antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel (PTX) with TdRNA and TCL respectively was further evaluated in the murine 4T1 tumor model. Compared with TCL, TdRNA could inhibit tumor growth more effectively with low systemic toxicity when combined with PTX, which was, at least in part, attributable to the improvement of systemic immune function and tumor immune infiltration. Overall, TdRNA outperforms TCL in antitumor immunity, and is expected to be a promising candidate for application as the source of tumor antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yipeng Jin
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinqiu Li
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Peihua Zhang
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanbing Pan
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Di Zhang
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Degui Lin
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Pathology, The 8th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China.
| | - Jiahao Lin
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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8
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Utilizing chemotherapy-induced tumor RNA nanoparticles to improve cancer chemoimmunotherapy. Acta Biomater 2023; 158:698-707. [PMID: 36563773 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy has become a popular combination strategy to improve the response rate of immunotherapy since certain chemotherapeutic drugs kill tumor cells by an immunogenic cell death (ICD) pathway, which activates antitumor immune responses. Unfortunately, the synergistic effect of chemoimmunotherapy can be impaired due to the toxicities of chemotherapeutic agent-induced lymphatic depletion and immunosuppression. In this study, we present an approach to improve immunotherapy by using tumor RNA nanoparticles (RNA-NPs) where RNA is directly extracted from chemotherapy-treated cancer cells and then condensed by protamine via electrostatic interactions to form complexes. Such RNA-NPs can be effectively taken up by dendritic cells (DCs) in the draining lymph nodes after subcutaneous injection. Compared with noninduced tumor RNA nanoparticles (N-RNA-NPs), chemotherapy-induced tumor RNA nanoparticles (C-RNA-NPs) can significantly promote DC maturation and stimulate a stronger immune response against established CT-26 colon carcinoma. Besides, C-RNA-NPs can improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy by facilitating the infiltration of intratumoral T cells and increasing the ratio of CD8+ T cells to regulatory T cells (Tregs). More importantly, the synergistic effect of chemoimmunotherapy is also enhanced by treatment with C-RNA-NPs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Although immune checkpoint blockade therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in some advanced cancers, the low response rate has significantly limited its clinical application. To address this issue, a new strategy for improving cancer immunotherapy using chemotherapy-induced tumor RNA nanoparticles (C-RNA-NPs) is developed in this work. The proposed C-RNA-NPs could be captured by dendritic cells, which were then stimulated to the maturation status to initiate an anticancer immune response. Furthermore, the response rate to immunotherapy was significantly increased by promoting intratumoral T-cell infiltration and elevating the intratumoral ratio of CD8+ T cells to regulatory T cells after treatment with C-RNA-NPs. Therefore, C-RNA-NPs have the potential to improve cancer immunotherapy.
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Gilboa E, Boczkowski D, Nair SK. The Quest for mRNA Vaccines. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:449-456. [PMID: 36346283 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 is nothing short of a medical revolution. Given its chemical lability the use of mRNA as a therapeutic has been counterintuitive and met with skepticism. The development of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines was the culmination of long and painstaking efforts by many investigators spanning over 30 years and culminating with the seminal studies of Kariko and Weissman. This review will describe one chapter in this saga, studies that have shown that mRNA can function as a therapeutic. It started with our seminal observation that dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with mRNA in vitro administered to mice inhibits tumor growth, and led to first-in-human clinical trials with mRNA vaccines in cancer patients. The clinical development of this patient-specific DCs-mRNA approach and use on a larger scale was hindered by the challenges associated with personalized cell therapies. Confirmed and extended by many investigators, these studies did serve as impetus and motivation that led scientists to persevere, eventually leading to the development of simple, broadly applicable, and highly effective protocols of directly injecting mRNA into patients, culminating in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - David Boczkowski
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Kumar S, Basu M, Ghosh P, Ansari A, Ghosh MK. COVID-19: Clinical status of vaccine development to date. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 89:114-149. [PMID: 36184710 PMCID: PMC9538545 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced COVID-19 is a complicated disease. Clinicians are continuously facing difficulties to treat infected patients using the principle of repurposing of drugs as no specific drugs are available to treat COVID-19. To minimize the severity and mortality, global vaccination is the only hope as a potential preventive measure. After a year-long global research and clinical struggle, 165 vaccine candidates have been developed and some are currently still in the pipeline. A total of 28 candidate vaccines have been approved for use and the remainder are in different phases of clinical trials. In this comprehensive report, the authors aim to demonstrate, classify and provide up-to-date clinical trial status of all the vaccines discovered to date and specifically focus on the approved candidates. Finally, the authors specifically focused on the vaccination of different types of medically distinct populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Kumar
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder DivisionCouncil of Scientific and Industrial Research‐Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR‐IICB), TRUE CampusKolkataIndia
| | - Malini Basu
- Department of MicrobiologyDhruba Chand Halder CollegeIndia
| | - Pratyasha Ghosh
- Department of Economics, Bethune CollegeUniversity of CalcuttaKolkataIndia
| | - Aafreen Ansari
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder DivisionCouncil of Scientific and Industrial Research‐Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR‐IICB), TRUE CampusKolkataIndia
| | - Mrinal K. Ghosh
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder DivisionCouncil of Scientific and Industrial Research‐Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR‐IICB), TRUE CampusKolkataIndia
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Zhang M, Hussain A, Yang H, Zhang J, Liang XJ, Huang Y. mRNA-based modalities for infectious disease management. NANO RESEARCH 2022; 16:672-691. [PMID: 35818566 PMCID: PMC9258466 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-022-4627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still rampant all over the world, causing incalculable losses to the world. Major pharmaceutical organizations around the globe are focusing on vaccine research and drug development to prevent further damage caused by the pandemic. The messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has got ample of attention after the success of the two very effective mRNA vaccines during the recent pandemic of COVID-19. mRNA vaccine has been promoted to the core stage of pharmaceutical industry, and the rapid development of mRNA technology has exceeded expectations. Beyond COVID-19, the mRNA vaccine has been tested for various infectious diseases and undergoing clinical trials. Due to the ability of constant mutation, the viral infections demand abrupt responses and immediate production, and therefore mRNA-based technology offers best answers to sudden outbreaks. The need for mRNA-based vaccine became more obvious due to the recent emergence of new Omicron variant. In this review, we summarized the unique properties of mRNA-based vaccines for infectious diseases, delivery technologies, discussed current challenges, and highlighted the prospects of this promising technology in the future. We also discussed various clinical studies as well preclinical studies conducted on mRNA therapeutics for diverse infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Haiyin Yang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002 China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology (Institute of Engineering Medicine), Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
- School of Materials and the Environment, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, 519085 China
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12
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Borah P, Deb PK, Al-Shar’i NA, Dahabiyeh LA, Venugopala KN, Singh V, Shinu P, Hussain S, Deka S, Chandrasekaran B, Jaradat DMM. Perspectives on RNA Vaccine Candidates for COVID-19. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:635245. [PMID: 33869282 PMCID: PMC8044912 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.635245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With the current outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2, vaccination is acclaimed as a public health care priority. Rapid genetic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 has triggered the scientific community to search for effective vaccines. Collaborative approaches from research institutes and biotech companies have acknowledged the use of viral proteins as potential vaccine candidates against COVID-19. Nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) vaccines are considered the next generation vaccines as they can be rapidly designed to encode any desirable viral sequence including the highly conserved antigen sequences. RNA vaccines being less prone to host genome integration (cons of DNA vaccines) and anti-vector immunity (a compromising factor of viral vectors) offer great potential as front-runners for universal COVID-19 vaccine. The proof of concept for RNA-based vaccines has already been proven in humans, and the prospects for commercialization are very encouraging as well. With the emergence of COVID-19, mRNA-1273, an mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna, Inc. was the first to enter human trials, with the first volunteer receiving the dose within 10 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequencing. The recent interest in mRNA vaccines has been fueled by the state of the art technologies that enhance mRNA stability and improve vaccine delivery. Interestingly, as per the "Draft landscape of COVID-19 candidate vaccines" published by the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 29, 2020, seven potential RNA based COVID-19 vaccines are in different stages of clinical trials; of them, two candidates already received emergency use authorization, and another 22 potential candidates are undergoing pre-clinical investigations. This review will shed light on the rationality of RNA as a platform for vaccine development against COVID-19, highlighting the possible pros and cons, lessons learned from the past, and the future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pobitra Borah
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, India
- Pratiksha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam, India
| | - Pran Kishore Deb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nizar A. Al-Shar’i
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lina A. Dahabiyeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Katharigatta N. Venugopala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Vinayak Singh
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Pottathil Shinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Snawar Hussain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Satyendra Deka
- Pratiksha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam, India
| | - Balakumar Chandrasekaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Da’san M. M. Jaradat
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
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Zhao J, Zhao S, Ou J, Zhang J, Lan W, Guan W, Wu X, Yan Y, Zhao W, Wu J, Chodosh J, Zhang Q. COVID-19: Coronavirus Vaccine Development Updates. Front Immunol 2020; 11:602256. [PMID: 33424848 PMCID: PMC7785583 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.602256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a newly emerged coronavirus, and has been pandemic since March 2020 and led to many fatalities. Vaccines represent the most efficient means to control and stop the pandemic of COVID-19. However, currently there is no effective COVID-19 vaccine approved to use worldwide except for two human adenovirus vector vaccines, three inactivated vaccines, and one peptide vaccine for early or limited use in China and Russia. Safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 are in urgent need. Researchers around the world are developing 213 COVID-19 candidate vaccines, among which 44 are in human trials. In this review, we summarize and analyze vaccine progress against SARS-CoV, Middle-East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2, including inactivated vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, subunit vaccines, virus like particles, nucleic acid vaccines, and viral vector vaccines. As SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV share the common genus, Betacoronavirus, this review of the major research progress will provide a reference and new insights into the COVID-19 vaccine design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxian Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wendong Lan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Guan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - James Chodosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Howe Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Blakney AK, Deletic P, McKay PF, Bouton CR, Ashford M, Shattock RJ, Sabirsh A. Effect of complexing lipids on cellular uptake and expression of messenger RNA in human skin explants. J Control Release 2020; 330:1250-1261. [PMID: 33250305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) represents a promising next-generation approach for both treatment and vaccination. Lipid based particles are one of the most investigated delivery systems for mRNA formulations. Here we explore how the complexing lipid affects uptake and translation of lipoplex-delivered RNA in resident cells in human skin explants and, we explore a more modular delivery system that utilizes mRNA added to pre-formed nanoparticles prior to dosing. We prepared formulations of lipoplexes with ionizable, cationic or zwitterionic lipids, externally complexed these with mRNA, and observed which cells internalized and/or expressed the mRNA over 72 h after intradermal injections into primary, human, skin explants. Using a flow cytometry panel to assess cellular phenotypes, mRNA uptake and mRNA expression, we found that, unlike other cell types, adipocytes expressed mRNA efficiently at 4 and 24 h after mRNA-lipoplex injection and contributed the greatest proportion of total RNA-encoded protein expression, despite being the lowest frequency cell type. Other cell types (epithelial cells, fibroblasts, T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, NK cells, Langerhans cells, and leukocytes) had increasing mRNA expression over the course of 72 h, irrespective of lipoplex formulation. We observed that overall charge of the particle, but not the complexing lipid classification, was predictive for the pattern of mRNA uptake and expression among resident cell types in this model. This study provides insight into maximizing protein expression, using modular mRNA lipoplexes that are more compatible with product development, in a clinically relevant, human skin explant model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Blakney
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W21PG, United Kingdom.
| | - Polina Deletic
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Paul F McKay
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Clément R Bouton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery Pharmaceutical Sciences, R & D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Robin J Shattock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W21PG, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Sabirsh
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R & D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Brisse M, Vrba SM, Kirk N, Liang Y, Ly H. Emerging Concepts and Technologies in Vaccine Development. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583077. [PMID: 33101309 PMCID: PMC7554600 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of vaccination to greatly mitigate or eliminate threat of diseases caused by pathogens, there are still known diseases and emerging pathogens for which the development of successful vaccines against them is inherently difficult. In addition, vaccine development for people with compromised immunity and other pre-existing medical conditions has remained a major challenge. Besides the traditional inactivated or live attenuated, virus-vectored and subunit vaccines, emerging non-viral vaccine technologies, such as viral-like particle and nanoparticle vaccines, DNA/RNA vaccines, and rational vaccine design, offer innovative approaches to address existing challenges of vaccine development. They have also significantly advanced our understanding of vaccine immunology and can guide future vaccine development for many diseases, including rapidly emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and diseases that have not traditionally been addressed by vaccination, such as cancers and substance abuse. This review provides an integrative discussion of new non-viral vaccine development technologies and their use to address the most fundamental and ongoing challenges of vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Brisse
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Sophia M. Vrba
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Natalie Kirk
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
- Comparative Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Yuying Liang
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
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16
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Faghfuri E, Pourfarzi F, Faghfouri AH, Abdoli Shadbad M, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Baradaran B. Recent developments of RNA-based vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:201-218. [PMID: 32842798 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1815704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer immunotherapy is more dependent on monoclonal antibodies, proteins, and cells, as therapeutic agents, to attain prominent outcomes. However, cancer immunotherapy's clinical benefits need to be enhanced, as many patients still do not respond well to existing treatments, or their diseases may relapse after temporary control. RNA-based approaches have provided new options for advancing cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, considerable efforts have been made to utilize RNA for vaccine production. RNA vaccines, which encode tumor-associated or specific epitopes, stimulate adaptive immunity. This adaptive immune response is capable of elimination or reduction of tumor burden. It is crucial to develop effective RNA transfer technologies that penetrate the lipid bilayer to reach the cytoplasm for translation into functional proteins. Two important delivery methods include the loading of mRNA into dendritic cells ex vivo; and direct injection of naked RNA with or without a carrier. AREAS COVERED The latest results of pre-clinical and clinical studies with RNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy are summarized in this review. EXPERT OPINION RNA vaccines are now in early clinical development with promising safety and efficacy outcomes. Also, the translation capacity and durability of these vaccines can be increased with chemical modifications and sequence engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Faghfuri
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences , Ardabil, Iran
| | - Farhad Pourfarzi
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences , Ardabil, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Faghfouri
- Student's Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Science , Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz, Iran
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17
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Piyush R, Rajarshi K, Chatterjee A, Khan R, Ray S. Nucleic acid-based therapy for coronavirus disease 2019. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05007. [PMID: 32984620 PMCID: PMC7501848 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic that originated in China has already spread into more than 190 countries, resulting in huge loss of human life and many more are at the stake of losing it; if not intervened with the best therapeutics to contain the disease. For that aspect, various scientific groups are continuously involved in the development of an effective line of treatment to control the novel coronavirus from spreading rapidly. Worldwide scientists are evaluating various biomolecules and synthetic inhibitors against COVID-19; where the nucleic acid-based molecules may be considered as potential drug candidates. These molecules have been proved potentially effective against SARS-CoV, which shares high sequence similarity with SARS-CoV-2. Recent advancements in nucleic acid-based therapeutics are helpful in targeted drug delivery, safely and effectively. The use of nucleic acid-based molecules also known to regulate the level of gene expression inside the target cells. This review mainly focuses on various nucleic acid-based biologically active molecules and their therapeutic potentials in developing vaccines for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikant Piyush
- School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625021, India
| | - Keshav Rajarshi
- School of Community Science and Technology (SOCSAT) Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal 711103, India
| | - Aroni Chatterjee
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Virus Research Laboratory, NICED, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajni Khan
- Motihari College of Engineering, Bariyarpur, Motihari, NH 28A, Furshatpur, Motihari, Bihar 845401, India
| | - Shashikant Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University Motihari, 845401, India
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18
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Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), primarily exosomes and microvesicles, are critical intercellular mediators of communication. Over the past decade, improved knowledge and methodologies have enabled the detection and quantification of RNA species in EVs, despite their extremely low levels. Recently, EV-associated long RNAs (exLRs) have been drawing much attention. Delivered by EVs, they have higher stability, greater difference in temporal and spatial expression, and the capacity to remodel both proximal and distal recipient cells. These properties guarantee their roles as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, vaccines, and gene therapy agents in a wide range of human diseases. Despite the progress in this area of research, limitations in both knowledge and methodologies have hindered its further development. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed studies related to exLRs, including protein-coding messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and noncoding RNAs (long noncoding RNAs and circular RNAs) in EVs to indicate their value in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases; we also present a series of yet unsettled issues in this novel area, hence providing insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Rauch S, Jasny E, Schmidt KE, Petsch B. New Vaccine Technologies to Combat Outbreak Situations. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1963. [PMID: 30283434 PMCID: PMC6156540 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ever since the development of the first vaccine more than 200 years ago, vaccinations have greatly decreased the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, famously leading to the eradication of small pox and allowing the restriction of diseases such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and measles. A multitude of research efforts focuses on the improvement of established and the discovery of new vaccines such as the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine in 2006. However, radical changes in the density, age distribution and traveling habits of the population worldwide as well as the changing climate favor the emergence of old and new pathogens that bear the risk of becoming pandemic threats. In recent years, the rapid spread of severe infections such as HIV, SARS, Ebola, and Zika have highlighted the dire need for global preparedness for pandemics, which necessitates the extremely rapid development and comprehensive distribution of vaccines against potentially previously unknown pathogens. What is more, the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria calls for new approaches to prevent infections. Given these changes, established methods for the identification of new vaccine candidates are no longer sufficient to ensure global protection. Hence, new vaccine technologies able to achieve rapid development as well as large scale production are of pivotal importance. This review will discuss viral vector and nucleic acid-based vaccines (DNA and mRNA vaccines) as new approaches that might be able to tackle these challenges to global health.
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20
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Shin H, Park SJ, Yim Y, Kim J, Choi C, Won C, Min DH. Recent Advances in RNA Therapeutics and RNA Delivery Systems Based on Nanoparticles. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hojeong Shin
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Jin Park
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeajee Yim
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Kim
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence Technology; Lemonex Inc.; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwon Choi
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolhee Won
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence Technology; Lemonex Inc.; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Dal-Hee Min
- Center for RNA Research; Institute for Basic Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry; Seoul National University; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence Technology; Lemonex Inc.; Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
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21
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Pardi N, Hogan MJ, Porter FW, Weissman D. mRNA vaccines - a new era in vaccinology. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:261-279. [PMID: 29326426 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2423] [Impact Index Per Article: 403.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines represent a promising alternative to conventional vaccine approaches because of their high potency, capacity for rapid development and potential for low-cost manufacture and safe administration. However, their application has until recently been restricted by the instability and inefficient in vivo delivery of mRNA. Recent technological advances have now largely overcome these issues, and multiple mRNA vaccine platforms against infectious diseases and several types of cancer have demonstrated encouraging results in both animal models and humans. This Review provides a detailed overview of mRNA vaccines and considers future directions and challenges in advancing this promising vaccine platform to widespread therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Hogan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Frederick W Porter
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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22
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Abstract
RNA vaccines are attractive, because they exhibit characteristics of subunit vaccines and live-attenuated vectors, including flexible production and induction of both humoral and cellular immunity. While human proof-of-concept for RNA vaccines is still pending, the nascent field of RNA therapeutics has already attracted substantial industry and government funding as well as record investments of private venture capital. Most recently, the WHO acknowledged messenger RNA (mRNA) as a new therapeutic class. In this chapter, we briefly review key developments in RNA vaccines and outline the contents of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kramps
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Binger Strasse 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
| | - Knut Elbers
- Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Binger Strasse 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
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Abstract
The study of RNA has continually emphasized the structural and functional versatility of RNA molecules. This versatility has inspired translational and clinical researchers to explore the utility of RNA-based therapeutic agents for a wide variety of medical applications. Several RNA therapeutics, with diverse modes of action, are being evaluated in large late-stage clinical trials, and many more are in early clinical development. Hundreds of patients are enrolled in large trials testing messenger RNAs to combat cancer, small interfering RNAs to treat renal and hepatic disorders, and aptamers to combat ocular and cardiovascular disease. Results from these studies are generating considerable interest among the biomedical community and the public and will be important for the future development of this emerging class of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Sullenger
- Duke Translational Research Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Smita Nair
- Duke Translational Research Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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24
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Park HJ, Ko HL, Jung SY, Jo HB, Nam JH. The Characteristics of RNA Vaccine; its Strengths and Weaknesses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4167/jbv.2016.46.3.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jung Park
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hae Li Ko
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Seo-Yeon Jung
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Han-Byeol Jo
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Nam
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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25
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Rhoads RE. Synthetic mRNA: Production, Introduction into Cells, and Physiological Consequences. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1428:3-27. [PMID: 27236789 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3625-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances have made it possible to synthesize mRNA in vitro that is relatively stable when introduced into mammalian cells, has a diminished ability to activate the innate immune response against exogenous (virus-like) RNA, and can be efficiently translated into protein. Synthetic methods have also been developed to produce mRNA with unique investigational properties such as photo-cross-linking, fluorescence emission, and attachment of ligands through click chemistry. Synthetic mRNA has been proven effective in numerous applications beneficial for human health such as immunizing patients against cancer and infections diseases, alleviating diseases by restoring deficient proteins, converting somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells to use in regenerative medicine therapies, and engineering the genome by making specific alterations in DNA. This introductory chapter provides background information relevant to the following 20 chapters of this volume that present protocols for these applications of synthetic mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Rhoads
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, 71130-3932, USA.
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26
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Mutanome Engineered RNA Immunotherapy: Towards Patient-Centered Tumor Vaccination. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:595363. [PMID: 26844233 PMCID: PMC4710911 DOI: 10.1155/2015/595363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in nucleic acid sequencing technologies have revolutionized the field of genomics, allowing the efficient targeting of mutated neoantigens for personalized cancer vaccination. Due to their absence during negative selection of T cells and their lack of expression in healthy tissue, tumor mutations are considered as optimal targets for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest that synthetic mRNA can serve as potent drug format allowing the cost efficient production of highly efficient vaccines in a timely manner. In this review, we describe a process, which integrates next generation sequencing based cancer mutanome mapping, in silico target selection and prioritization approaches, and mRNA vaccine manufacturing and delivery into a process we refer to as MERIT (mutanome engineered RNA immunotherapy).
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Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has recently emerged with remarkable potential as an effective alternative to DNA-based therapies because of several unique advantages. mRNA does not require nuclear entry for transfection activity and has a negligible chance of integrating into the host genome which excludes the possibility of potentially detrimental genomic alternations. Chemical modification of mRNA has further enhanced its stability and decreased its activation of innate immune responses. Additionally, mRNA has been found to have rapid expression and predictable kinetics. Nevertheless, the ubiquitous application of mRNA remains challenging given its unfavorable attributes, such as large size, negative charge and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. Further refinement of mRNA delivery modalities is therefore essential for its development as a therapeutic tool. This review provides an exclusive overview of current state-of-the-art biomaterials and nanotechnology platforms for mRNA delivery, and discusses future prospects to bring these exciting technologies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ariful Islam
- Laboratory for Nanoengineering & Drug Delivery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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RNA-Based Vaccines in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:794528. [PMID: 26665011 PMCID: PMC4668311 DOI: 10.1155/2015/794528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA vaccines traditionally consist of messenger RNA synthesized by in vitro transcription using a bacteriophage RNA polymerase and template DNA that encodes the antigen(s) of interest. Once administered and internalized by host cells, the mRNA transcripts are translated directly in the cytoplasm and then the resulting antigens are presented to antigen presenting cells to stimulate an immune response. Alternatively, dendritic cells can be loaded with either tumor associated antigen mRNA or total tumor RNA and delivered to the host to elicit a specific immune response. In this review, we will explain why RNA vaccines represent an attractive platform for cancer immunotherapy, discuss modifications to RNA structure that have been developed to optimize mRNA vaccine stability and translational efficiency, and describe strategies for nonviral delivery of mRNA vaccines, highlighting key preclinical and clinical data related to cancer immunotherapy.
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Rahn J, Hoffmann D, Harder TC, Beer M. Vaccines against influenza A viruses in poultry and swine: Status and future developments. Vaccine 2015; 33:2414-24. [PMID: 25835575 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses are important pathogens with a very broad host spectrum including domestic poultry and swine. For preventing clinical disease and controlling the spread, vaccination is one of the most efficient tools. Classical influenza vaccines for domestic poultry and swine are conventional inactivated preparations. However, a very broad range of novel vaccine types ranging from (i) nucleic acid-based vaccines, (ii) replicon particles, (iii) subunits and virus-like particles, (iv) vectored vaccines, or (v) live-attenuated vaccines has been described, and some of them are now also used in the field. The different novel approaches for vaccines against avian and swine influenza virus infections are reviewed, and additional features like universal vaccines, novel application approaches and the "differentiating infected from vaccinated animals" (DIVA)-strategy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rahn
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - D Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - T C Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Abstract
Recombinant nucleic acids are considered as promising next-generation vaccines. These vaccines express the native antigen upon delivery into tissue, thus mimicking live attenuated vaccines without having the risk of reversion to pathogenicity. They also stimulate the innate immune system, thus potentiating responses. Nucleic acid vaccines are easy to produce at reasonable cost and are stable. During the past years, focus has been on the use of plasmid DNA for vaccination. Now mRNA and replicon vaccines have come into focus as promising technology platforms for vaccine development. This review discusses self-replicating RNA vaccines developed from alphavirus expression vectors. These replicon vaccines can be delivered as RNA, DNA or as recombinant virus particles. All three platforms have been pre-clinically evaluated as vaccines against a number of infectious diseases and cancer. Results have been very encouraging and propelled the first human clinical trials, the results of which have been promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Ljungberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Van Lint S, Renmans D, Broos K, Dewitte H, Lentacker I, Heirman C, Breckpot K, Thielemans K. The ReNAissanCe of mRNA-based cancer therapy. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:235-51. [PMID: 25263094 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.957685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
About 25 years ago, mRNA became a tool of interest in anticancer vaccination approaches. However, due to its rapid degradation in situ, direct application of mRNA was confronted with considerable skepticism during its early use. Consequently, mRNA was for a long time mainly used for the ex vivo transfection of dendritic cells, professional antigen-presenting cells known to stimulate immunity. The interest in direct application of mRNA experienced a revival, as researchers became aware of the many advantages mRNA offers. Today, mRNA is considered to be an ideal vehicle for the induction of strong immune responses against cancer. The growing numbers of preclinical trials and as a consequence the increasing clinical application of mRNA as an off-the-shelf anticancer vaccine signifies a renaissance for transcript-based antitumor therapy. In this review, we highlight this renaissance using a timeline providing all milestones in the application of mRNA for anticancer vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Jette, Belgium
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Sahin U, Karikó K, Türeci Ö. mRNA-based therapeutics--developing a new class of drugs. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2014; 13:759-80. [PMID: 25233993 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1392] [Impact Index Per Article: 139.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA has recently come into focus as a potential new drug class to deliver genetic information. Such synthetic mRNA can be engineered to transiently express proteins by structurally resembling natural mRNA. Advances in addressing the inherent challenges of this drug class, particularly related to controlling the translational efficacy and immunogenicity of the IVTmRNA, provide the basis for a broad range of potential applications. mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines have entered clinical development. Meanwhile, emerging novel approaches include in vivo delivery of IVT mRNA to replace or supplement proteins, IVT mRNA-based generation of pluripotent stem cells and genome engineering using IVT mRNA-encoded designer nucleases. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of mRNA-based drug technologies and their applications, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities in developing these into a new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Sahin
- 1] TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katalin Karikó
- 1] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Özlem Türeci
- TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Kramps T, Probst J. Messenger RNA-based vaccines: progress, challenges, applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2013; 4:737-49. [PMID: 23893949 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years after the demonstration that messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed and immunogenic upon direct injection in mice, the first successful proof-of-concept of specific protection against viral infection in small and large animals was reported. These data indicate wider applicability to infectious disease and should encourage continued translation of mRNA-based prophylactic vaccines into human clinical trials. At the conceptual level, mRNA-based vaccines-more than other genetic vectors-combine the simplicity, safety, and focused immunogenicity of subunit vaccines with favorable immunological properties of live viral vaccines: (1) mRNA vaccines are molecularly defined and carry no excess information. In the environment and upon physical contact, RNA is rapidly degraded by ubiquitous RNases and cannot persist. These characteristics also guarantee tight control over their immunogenic profile (including avoidance of vector-specific immune responses that could interfere with repeated administration), pharmacokinetics, and dosing. (2) mRNA vaccines are synthetically produced by an enzymatic process, just requiring information about the nucleic acid sequence of the desired antigen. This greatly reduces general complications associated with biological vaccine production, such as handling of infectious agents, genetic variability, environmental risks, or restrictions to vaccine distribution. (3) RNA can be tailored to provide potent adjuvant stimuli to the innate immune system by direct activation of RNA-specific receptors; this may reduce the need for additional adjuvants. The formation of native antigen in situ affords great versatility, including intracellular localization, membrane association, posttranslational modification, supra-molecular assembly, or targeted structural optimization of delivered antigen. Messenger RNA vaccines induce balanced immune responses including B cells, helper T cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, rendering them an extremely adaptable platform. This article surveys the design, mode of action, and capabilities of state-of-the-art mRNA vaccines, focusing on the paradigm of influenza prophylaxis.
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Geall AJ, Mandl CW, Ulmer JB. RNA: the new revolution in nucleic acid vaccines. Semin Immunol 2013; 25:152-9. [PMID: 23735226 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid vaccines have the potential to address issues of safety and effectiveness sometimes associated with vaccines based on live attenuated viruses and recombinant viral vectors. In addition, methods to manufacture nucleic acid vaccines are suitable as generic platforms and for rapid response, both of which will be very important for addressing newly emerging pathogens in a timely fashion. Plasmid DNA is the more widely studied form of nucleic acid vaccine and proof of principle in humans has been demonstrated, although no licensed human products have yet emerged. The RNA vaccine approach, based on mRNA and engineered RNA replicons derived from certain RNA viruses, is gaining increased attention and several vaccines are under investigation for infectious diseases, cancer and allergy. Human clinical trials are underway and the prospects for success are bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Geall
- Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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35
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Gilboa E. mRNA leapfrogs DNA to show promise for therapeutic gene transfer. Mol Ther 2013; 20:694-5. [PMID: 22472978 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
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Garg NK, Dwivedi P, Prabha P, Tyagi RK. RNA pulsed dendritic cells: an approach for cancer immunotherapy. Vaccine 2013; 31:1141-56. [PMID: 23306369 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immunotherapy of cancer is aimed at evoking both branches of immune system to elicite specific immune responses directed against tumor antigens to deal with residual tumor cells upon interaction, and thereby decreases mortality as well as morbidity of cancer patients. As dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized for antigen presentation, and their immunogenicity leads to the induction of antigen specific immune responses, various immunotherapeutic approaches have been designed for using DCs to present tumor-associated antigens to T-lymphocytes. As a part of proposed strategy ex vivo generated DCs might be loaded with antigens and re-infused to the patients and/or they can be used for the ex vivo expansion of anti-tumor lymphocytes. The DCs loaded ex vivo with RNA can be safely administered which proves to be an asset for producing antigen specific immune responses. Furthermore, already conducted studies have prompted clinical trials to be designed to investigate immunological and clinical effects of RNA pulsed DCs administered as an engineered therapeutic vaccine in cancer patients. However, selection of the antigens of interest, methods for introducing TAAgs into MHC class I and II processing pathways, methods for isolation and activation of DCs, and route of administration are the parameters to be considered for designing and conducting clinical trials with engineered DCs. The enhanced RNA transfection efficiency would further improve antigen processing and presentation and T-cell co-stimulation, resulting in the induction of heightened anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, RNA transfected dendritic cells continue to hold promise for cellular immunotherapy and opens new avenues to devising further strategies for cancer therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Kumar Garg
- Drug Delivery Research Group, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, Chandigarh, India
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Van Lint S, Heirman C, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. mRNA: From a chemical blueprint for protein production to an off-the-shelf therapeutic. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:265-74. [PMID: 23291946 PMCID: PMC3859745 DOI: 10.4161/hv.22661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Two decades ago, mRNA became the focus of research in molecular medicine and was proposed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the therapy of cancer. In this regard, mRNA has been mainly used for ex vivo modification of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells (DCs). This vaccination strategy has proven to be safe, well tolerated and capable of inducing tumor antigen-specific immune responses. Recently, the direct application of mRNA for in situ modification of APCs, hence immunization was shown to be feasible and at least as effective as DC-based immunization in pre-clinical models. It is believed that application of mRNA as an off-the-shelf vaccine represents an important step in the development of future cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. Here, we will discuss the use of ex vivo mRNA-modified DCs and “naked mRNA” for cancer immunotherapy focusing on parameters such as the employed DC subtype, DC activation stimulus and route of immunization. In addition, we will provide an overview on the clinical trials published so far, trying to link their outcome to the aforementioned parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy; Department of Immunology-Physiology; Medical School of the "Vrije Universiteit Brussel"; Jette, Belgium
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38
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Diken M, Kreiter S, Selmi A, Türeci O, Sahin U. Antitumor vaccination with synthetic mRNA: strategies for in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 969:235-246. [PMID: 23296938 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-260-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic antigen-encoding mRNA is increasingly exploited as a tool for delivery of genetic information of complete antigens into professional antigen presenting dendritic cells for HLA haplotype-independent antigen-specific vaccination against cancer. Two strategies for mRNA-based antitumor vaccination have emerged into the clinical setting. One is transfection of autologous dendritic cells with synthetic mRNA for adoptive transfer into the patient. The other is direct injection of naked synthetic mRNA. Both methods have proven to be feasible and safe and to elicit antigen-specific immune responses. The design of novel synthetic vaccines employing synthetic mRNA requires further in-depth investigation of its bioavailability and immune pharmacology. This chapter summarizes the state-of-art in this field and describes methods elementary for preclinical studies of mRNA-based antitumor vaccine protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Diken
- Translational Oncology and Immunology (TRON) at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Schlake T, Thess A, Fotin-Mleczek M, Kallen KJ. Developing mRNA-vaccine technologies. RNA Biol 2012; 9:1319-30. [PMID: 23064118 DOI: 10.4161/rna.22269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 373] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines combine desirable immunological properties with an outstanding safety profile and the unmet flexibility of genetic vaccines. Based on in situ protein expression, mRNA vaccines are capable of inducing a balanced immune response comprising both cellular and humoral immunity while not subject to MHC haplotype restriction. In addition, mRNA is an intrinsically safe vector as it is a minimal and only transient carrier of information that does not interact with the genome. Because any protein can be expressed from mRNA without the need to adjust the production process, mRNA vaccines also offer maximum flexibility with respect to development. Taken together, mRNA presents a promising vector that may well become the basis of a game-changing vaccine technology platform. Here, we outline the current knowledge regarding different aspects that should be considered when developing an mRNA-based vaccine technology.
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40
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Ulmer JB, Mason PW, Geall A, Mandl CW. RNA-based vaccines. Vaccine 2012; 30:4414-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Van Lint S, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. mRNA: delivering an antitumor message? Immunotherapy 2011; 3:605-7. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.11.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of: Fotin-Mleczek M, Duchardt KM, Lorenz C et al.: Messenger RNA-based vaccines with dual activity induce balanced TLR7-dependent adaptive immune responses and provide antitumor activity. J. Immunother. 34(1), 1–15 (2011). Two decades ago, mRNA was proposed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the therapy of cancer. Although direct delivery of mRNA to mice was shown to be feasible, mRNA has been mainly used for ex vivo modification of antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells. Fotin-Mleczek et al. introduces a two-component mRNA vaccine, consisting of antigen mRNA (firefly luciferase, ovalbumin or prostate carcinoma-specific antigen) and mRNA that is formulated in protamine as a source of not only antigen but also Toll-like receptor 7 ligands. Direct administration of the mRNA vaccine in mice results in sustained humoral and cellular immune responses, comprising, among others, antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells that mediate strong antitumor responses, in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines to induce immune responses and mediate sustained antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology-Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Jette, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular & Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology-Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Jette, Belgium
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Kreiter S, Diken M, Selmi A, Türeci Ö, Sahin U. Tumor vaccination using messenger RNA: prospects of a future therapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2011; 23:399-406. [PMID: 21497074 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2011.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
While the endeavor to vaccinate against cancer has been pursued for over 20 years, only recently was the first tumor vaccine approved. Among the different antigen formats assessed for vaccination, coding messenger RNA (mRNA) is emerging as a particularly attractive option. It can code for all types of transcript based proteins, is easy and cost efficient to produce, has a favorable safety profile and enables induction of combined immune responses. Within the last few years major developments have been achieved in this field. Clinical approaches use mRNA either for direct administration or for engineering of adoptively transferred dendritic cells. However, there are still challenges to be overcome for successful clinical application of mRNA-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kreiter
- Institute for Translational Oncology and Immunology (TRON), Langenbeck Str. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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43
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Selective uptake of naked vaccine RNA by dendritic cells is driven by macropinocytosis and abrogated upon DC maturation. Gene Ther 2011; 18:702-8. [PMID: 21368901 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Even though it is known for more than one decade that antigen-encoding RNA can deliver antigenic information to induce antigen-specific immunity against cancer, the nature and mechanism of RNA uptake have remained enigmatic. In this study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of naked RNA administered into the lymph node. We observed that RNA is rapidly and selectively uptaken by lymph node dendritic cells (DCs). Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the efficient internalization of RNA by human and murine DCs is primarily driven by macropinocytosis. Selective inhibition of macropinocytosis by compounds or as a consequence of DC maturation abrogated RNA internalization and delivery of encoded antigens. Our findings imply that bioavailability of recombinant RNA vaccines in vivo highly depends on the density and the maturation stage of DCs at the administration site and are of importance for the design of RNA-based clinical immunotherapy protocols.
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Lorenzi JCC, Trombone APF, Rocha CD, Almeida LP, Lousada RL, Malardo T, Fontoura IC, Rossetti RAM, Gembre AF, Silva AM, Silva CL, Coelho-Castelo AAM. Intranasal vaccination with messenger RNA as a new approach in gene therapy: use against tuberculosis. BMC Biotechnol 2010; 10:77. [PMID: 20961459 PMCID: PMC2972232 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-10-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND mRNAs are highly versatile, non-toxic molecules that are easy to produce and store, which can allow transient protein expression in all cell types. The safety aspects of mRNA-based treatments in gene therapy make this molecule one of the most promising active components of therapeutic or prophylactic methods. The use of mRNA as strategy for the stimulation of the immune system has been used mainly in current strategies for the cancer treatment but until now no one tested this molecule as vaccine for infectious disease. RESULTS We produce messenger RNA of Hsp65 protein from Mycobacterium leprae and show that vaccination of mice with a single dose of 10 μg of naked mRNA-Hsp65 through intranasal route was able to induce protection against subsequent challenge with virulent strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Moreover it was shown that this immunization was associated with specific production of IL-10 and TNF-alpha in spleen. In order to determine if antigen presenting cells (APCs) present in the lung are capable of capture the mRNA, labeled mRNA-Hsp65 was administered by intranasal route and lung APCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. These experiments showed that after 30 minutes until 8 hours the populations of CD11c+, CD11b+ and CD19+ cells were able to capture the mRNA. We also demonstrated in vitro that mRNA-Hsp65 leads nitric oxide (NO) production through Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results showed a novel and efficient strategy to control experimental tuberculosis, besides opening novel perspectives for the use of mRNA in vaccines against infectious diseases and clarifying the mechanisms involved in the disease protection we noticed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C C Lorenzi
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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Direct injection of protamine-protected mRNA: results of a phase 1/2 vaccination trial in metastatic melanoma patients. J Immunother 2009; 32:498-507. [PMID: 19609242 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3181a00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mice, injection of messenger RNA (mRNA) coding for tumor-associated antigens can induce antitumor immune responses and therefore offers a broadly applicable immunotherapy approach. We injected intradermally protamine-stabilized mRNAs coding for Melan-A, Tyrosinase, gp100, Mage-A1, Mage-A3, and Survivin in 21 metastatic melanoma patients. In 10 patients keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was added to the vaccine. Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor was applied as an adjuvant. Endpoints were toxicity and immune responses. No adverse events more than grade II have been observed. During treatment the frequency of Foxp3+/CD4+ regulatory T cells was significantly decreased upon mRNA vaccination in peripheral blood of the patients in the KLH arm, whereas myeloid suppressor cells (CD11b+HLA-DR lo monocytes) were reduced in the patients not receiving KLH. A reproducible increase of vaccine-directed T cells was observed in 2 of 4 immunologically evaluable patients. One of 7 patients with measurable disease showed a complete response. In conclusion, we show here that direct injection of protamine-protected mRNA is feasible and safe. The significant influence of the treatment on the frequency of immunosuppressive cells, the increase of vaccine-directed T cells upon treatment in a subset of patients together with the demonstration of a complete clinical response encourage further clinical investigation of the protamine-mRNA vaccine.
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47
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Abstract
Vaccination against tumor antigens has been shown to be a safe and efficacious prophylactic and therapeutic antitumor treatment in many animal models. Clinical studies in humans indicate that specific immunotherapy can also result in clinical benefits. The active pharmaceutical ingredient in such vaccines can be DNA, RNA, protein, or peptide and can be administered naked, encapsulated, or after delivery in vitro into cells that are then adoptively transferred. One of the easiest, most versatile and theoretically safest technologies relies on the direct injection of naked messenger RNA (mRNA) that code for tumor antigens. We and others have shown in mice that intradermal application of naked mRNA results in protein expression and the development of an immune response. We used this protocol to vaccinate 15 melanoma patients. For each patient a growing metastasis was removed, total RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed, amplified, and cloned. Libraries of cDNA were transcribed to produce unlimited amounts of copy mRNA. Autologous preparations were applied intradermally in combination with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor as adjuvant. We demonstrate here that such treatment is feasible and safe (phase 1 criteria). Furthermore, an increase in antitumor humoral immune response was seen in some patients. However, a demonstration of clinical effectiveness of direct injection of copy mRNA for antitumor immunotherapy was not shown in this study and must be evaluated in subsequent trials.
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Probst J, Weide B, Scheel B, Pichler BJ, Hoerr I, Rammensee HG, Pascolo S. Spontaneous cellular uptake of exogenous messenger RNA in vivo is nucleic acid-specific, saturable and ion dependent. Gene Ther 2007; 14:1175-80. [PMID: 17476302 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The development of new treatments in the post-genomic era requires methods for safe delivery of foreign genetic information in vivo. As a transient, natural and controllable alternative to recombinant viruses or plasmid DNA (pDNA), purified or in vitro transcribed messenger RNA (mRNA) can be used for the expression of any therapeutic protein in vitro and in vivo. As it has been shown previously, the simple injection of naked mRNA results in local uptake and expression. We show here that this process, in the skin, can greatly be modulated according to the injection solution composition and blocked by an excess of competing nucleic acids or a drug affecting cytosolic mobility. Different cell types at the site of injection can take up the foreign nucleic acid molecules and the protein translated from this is detected for no more than a few days. To test this gene transfer method in humans, we produced in vitro transcribed mRNA under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions in a dedicated facility. After injection into the human dermis, we could document the translation of the exogenous mRNA. Our results pave the way toward the use of mRNA as a vehicle for transient gene delivery in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Probst
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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49
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Scheel B, Aulwurm S, Probst J, Stitz L, Hoerr I, Rammensee HG, Weller M, Pascolo S. Therapeutic anti-tumor immunity triggered by injections of immunostimulating single-stranded RNA. Eur J Immunol 2006; 36:2807-16. [PMID: 17013976 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200635910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Stabilized synthetic RNA oligonucleotides (ORN) and protected messenger RNA (mRNA) were recently discovered to possess an immunostimulatory capacity through their recognition by TLR 7 and 8. We wanted to find out whether this danger signal is capable of triggering anti-tumor immunity when injected locally into an established tumor. Using the mouse glioma tumor cell line SMA-560 in syngenic VM/Dk mice, we were able to show that intra-tumor injections of protamine-stabilized mRNA do indeed induce tumor regression and long-term anti-tumor immunity. Residual RNA-injected tumors show CD8 infiltration. Distant injections of protamine-protected mRNA and intra-tumor injection of naked mRNA also result in anti-tumor immunity. Although they are strong danger signals, RNA are labile molecules with a short half-life: they do not trigger side effects such as long-term, uncontrolled immunostimulation evidenced by splenomegaly in CpG DNA-treated mice. In conclusion, RNA molecules are potent and safe danger signals that are relevant for active immunotherapy strategies aimed at the eradication of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Scheel
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Yagi H, Hashizume H, Horibe T, Yoshinari Y, Hata M, Ohshima A, Ito T, Takigawa M, Shibaki A, Shimizu H, Seo N. Induction of Therapeutically Relevant Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in Humans by Percutaneous Peptide Immunization. Cancer Res 2006; 66:10136-44. [PMID: 17047078 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Percutaneous peptide immunization (PPI) is a simple and noninvasive immunization approach to induce potent CTL responses by peptide delivery via skin with the stratum corneum removed. After such a barrier disruption in human skin, epidermal Langerhans cells, although functionally matured through the up-regulation of HLA expression and costimulatory molecules, were found to emigrate with a reduced number of dendrites. CD8(+) populations binding to MHC-peptide tetramers/pentamers and producing IFN-gamma appeared in the blood after PPI with HLA class I-restricted antigenic peptides. PPI with melanoma-associated peptides reduced the lesion size and suppressed further development of tumors in four of seven patients with advanced melanoma. These beneficial effects were accompanied by the generation of circulating CTLs with in vitro cytolytic activity and extensive infiltration of tetramer/pentamer-binding cells into regressing lesions. PPI elicited neither local nor systemic toxicity or autoimmunity, except for vitiligo, in patients with melanoma. Therefore, PPI represents a novel therapeutic intervention for cancer in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Yagi
- Department of Dermatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
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