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Rahn HP, Sun J, Li Z, Waymouth RM, Levy R, Wender PA. Isoprenoid CARTs: In Vitro and In Vivo mRNA Delivery by Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters Functionalized with Archaea-inspired Branched Lipids. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4305-4316. [PMID: 38814265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The delivery of oligonucleotides across biological barriers is a challenge of unsurpassed significance at the interface of materials science and medicine, with emerging clinical utility in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations, immunotherapies, genome editing, and cell rejuvenation. Here, we address the role of readily available branched lipids in the design, synthesis, and evaluation of isoprenoid charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs), a pH-responsive oligomeric nanoparticle delivery system for RNA. Systematic variation of the lipid block reveals an emergent relationship between the lipid block and the neutralization kinetics of the polycationic block. Unexpectedly, iA21A11, a CART with the smallest lipid side chain, isoamyl-, was identified as the lead isoprenoid CART for the in vitro transfection of immortalized lymphoblastic cell lines. When administered intramuscularly in a murine model, iA21A11-mRNA complexes induce higher protein expression levels than our previous lead CART, ONA. Isoprenoid CARTs represent a new delivery platform for RNA vaccines and other polyanion-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison P Rahn
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jiuzhi Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Zhijian Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Robert M Waymouth
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ronald Levy
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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2
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Siebart JC, Chan CS, Yao X, Su FY, Kwong GA. In vivo gene delivery to immune cells. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 88:103169. [PMID: 38972172 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Immune cell therapies are an emerging class of living drugs that rely on the delivery of therapeutic transgenes to enhance, modulate, or restore cell function, such as those that encode for tumor-targeting receptors or replacement proteins. However, many cellular immunotherapies are autologous treatments that are limited by high manufacturing costs, typical vein-to-vein time of 3-4 weeks, and severe immune-related adverse effects. To address these issues, different classes of gene delivery vehicles are being developed to target specific immune cell subsets in vivo to address the limitations of ex vivo manufacturing, modulate therapeutic responses in situ, and reduce on- and off-target toxicity. The success of in vivo gene delivery to immune cells - which is being tested at the preclinical and clinical stages of development for the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmunity - is paramount for the democratization of cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison C Siebart
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ching S Chan
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Xinyi Yao
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Fang-Yi Su
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Gabriel A Kwong
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Integrated Cancer Research Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Georgia ImmunoEngineering Consortium, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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3
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Gong N, Alameh MG, El-Mayta R, Xue L, Weissman D, Mitchell MJ. Enhancing in situ cancer vaccines using delivery technologies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024:10.1038/s41573-024-00974-9. [PMID: 38951662 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00974-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
In situ cancer vaccination refers to any approach that exploits tumour antigens available at a tumour site to induce tumour-specific adaptive immune responses. These approaches hold great promise for the treatment of many solid tumours, with numerous candidate drugs under preclinical or clinical evaluation and several products already approved. However, there are challenges in the development of effective in situ cancer vaccines. For example, inadequate release of tumour antigens from tumour cells limits antigen uptake by immune cells; insufficient antigen processing by antigen-presenting cells restricts the generation of antigen-specific T cell responses; and the suppressive immune microenvironment of the tumour leads to exhaustion and death of effector cells. Rationally designed delivery technologies such as lipid nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds and polymeric nanoparticles are uniquely suited to overcome these challenges through the targeted delivery of therapeutics to tumour cells, immune cells or the extracellular matrix. Here, we discuss delivery technologies that have the potential to reduce various clinical barriers for in situ cancer vaccines. We also provide our perspective on this emerging field that lies at the interface of cancer vaccine biology and delivery technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn institute for RNA innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lulu Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn institute for RNA innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn institute for RNA innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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4
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Zhao NQ, Pi R, Nguyen DN, Ranganath T, Seiler C, Holmes S, Marson A, Blish CA. NKp30 and NKG2D contribute to natural killer recognition of HIV-infected cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.24.600449. [PMID: 38979175 PMCID: PMC11230221 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.600449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells respond rapidly in early HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 prevention and control strategies harnessing NK cells could be enabled by mechanistic understanding of how NK cells recognize HIV-infected T cells. Here, we profiled the phenotype of human primary NK cells responsive to autologous HIV-1-infected CD4 + T cells in vitro. We characterized the patterns of NK cell ligand expression on CD4 + T cells at baseline and after infection with a panel of transmitted/founder HIV-1 strains to identify key receptor-ligand pairings. CRISPR editing of CD4 + T cells to knockout the NKp30 ligand B7-H6, or the NKG2D ligands MICB or ULBP2 reduced NK cell responses to HIV-infected cells in some donors. In contrast, overexpression of NKp30 or NKG2D in NK cells enhanced their targeting of HIV-infected cells. Collectively, we identified receptor-ligand pairs including NKp30:B7-H6 and NKG2D:MICB/ULBP2 that contribute to NK cell recognition of HIV-infected cells.
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5
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Narasipura EA, Fenton OS. Advances in non-viral mRNA delivery to the spleen. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3027-3044. [PMID: 38712531 PMCID: PMC11175841 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00038b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Developing safe and effective delivery strategies for localizing messenger RNA (mRNA) payloads to the spleen is an important goal in the field of genetic medicine. Accomplishing this goal is challenging due to the instability, size, and charge of mRNA payloads. Here, we provide an analysis of non-viral delivery technologies that have been developed to deliver mRNA payloads to the spleen. Specifically, our review begins by outlining the unique anatomy and potential targets for mRNA delivery within the spleen. Next, we describe approaches in mRNA sequence engineering that can be used to improve mRNA delivery to the spleen. Then, we describe advances in non-viral carrier systems that can package and deliver mRNA payloads to the spleen, highlighting key advances in the literature in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and polymer nanoparticle (PNP) technology platforms. Finally, we provide commentary and outlook on how splenic mRNA delivery may afford next-generation treatments for autoimmune disorders and cancers. In undertaking this approach, our goal with this review is to both establish a fundamental understanding of drug delivery challenges associated with localizing mRNA payloads to the spleen, while also broadly highlighting the potential to use these genetic medicines to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshan A Narasipura
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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6
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Pham JPA, Coronel MM. Unlocking Transplant Tolerance with Biomaterials. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400965. [PMID: 38843866 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
For patients suffering from organ failure due to injury or autoimmune disease, allogeneic organ transplantation with chronic immunosuppression is considered the god standard in terms of clinical treatment. However, the true "holy grail" of transplant immunology is operational tolerance, in which the recipient exhibits a sustained lack of alloreactivity toward unencountered antigen presented by the donor graft. This outcome is resultant from critical changes to the phenotype and genotype of the immune repertoire predicated by the activation of specific signaling pathways responsive to soluble and mechanosensitive cues. Biomaterials have emerged as a medium for interfacing with and reprogramming these endogenous pathways toward tolerance in precise, minimally invasive, and spatiotemporally defined manners. By viewing seminal and contemporary breakthroughs in transplant tolerance induction through the lens of biomaterials-mediated immunomodulation strategies-which include intrinsic material immunogenicity, the depot effect, graft coatings, induction and delivery of tolerogenic immune cells, biomimicry of tolerogenic immune cells, and in situ reprogramming-this review emphasizes the stunning diversity of approaches in the field and spotlights exciting future directions for research to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- John-Paul A Pham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Elizabeth Caswell Diabetes Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - María M Coronel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Elizabeth Caswell Diabetes Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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7
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Li Z, Amaya L, Ee A, Wang SK, Ranjan A, Waymouth RM, Chang HY, Wender PA. Organ- and Cell-Selective Delivery of mRNA In Vivo Using Guanidinylated Serinol Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:14785-14798. [PMID: 38743019 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Selective RNA delivery is required for the broad implementation of RNA clinical applications, including prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations, immunotherapies for cancer, and genome editing. Current polyanion delivery relies heavily on cationic amines, while cationic guanidinium systems have received limited attention due in part to their strong polyanion association, which impedes intracellular polyanion release. Here, we disclose a general solution to this problem in which cationic guanidinium groups are used to form stable RNA complexes upon formulation but at physiological pH undergo a novel charge-neutralization process, resulting in RNA release. This new delivery system consists of guanidinylated serinol moieties incorporated into a charge-altering releasable transporter (GSer-CARTs). Significantly, systematic variations in structure and formulation resulted in GSer-CARTs that exhibit highly selective mRNA delivery to the lung (∼97%) and spleen (∼98%) without targeting ligands. Illustrative of their breadth and translational potential, GSer-CARTs deliver circRNA, providing the basis for a cancer vaccination strategy, which in a murine model resulted in antigen-specific immune responses and effective suppression of established tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Laura Amaya
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Aloysius Ee
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Sean K Wang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alok Ranjan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Robert M Waymouth
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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8
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Shen G, Liu J, Yang H, Xie N, Yang Y. mRNA therapies: Pioneering a new era in rare genetic disease treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:696-721. [PMID: 38580137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases, often referred to as orphan diseases due to their low prevalence and limited treatment options, have long posed significant challenges to our medical system. In recent years, Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy has emerged as a highly promising treatment approach for various diseases caused by genetic mutations. Chemically modified mRNA is introduced into cells using carriers like lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), producing functional proteins that compensate for genetic deficiencies. Given the advantages of precise dosing, biocompatibility, transient expression, and minimal risk of genomic integration, mRNA therapies can safely and effectively correct genetic defects in rare diseases and improve symptoms. Currently, dozens of mRNA drugs targeting rare diseases are undergoing clinical trials. This comprehensive review summarizes the progress of mRNA therapy in treating rare genetic diseases. It introduces the development, molecular design, and delivery systems of mRNA therapy, highlighting their research progress in rare genetic diseases based on protein replacement and gene editing. The review also summarizes research progress in various rare disease models and clinical trials. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and future prospects of mRNA therapy. Researchers are encouraged to join this field and collaborate to advance the clinical translation of mRNA therapy, bringing hope to patients with rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobo Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hanmei Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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9
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Pathan S, Jayakannan M. Zwitterionic Strategy to Stabilize Self-Immolative Polymer Nanoarchitecture under Physiological pH for Drug Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304599. [PMID: 38574242 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The major bottleneck in using polymer nanovectors for biomedical application, particularly those based on self-immolative poly(amino ester) (PAE), lies in their uncontrolled autodegradation at physiological pH before they can reach the intended target. Here, an elegant triblock-copolymer strategy is designed to stabilize the unstable PAE chains via zwitterionic interactions under physiological pH (pH 7.4) and precisely program their enzyme-responsive biodegradation specifically within the intracellular compartments, ensuring targeted delivery of the cargoes. To achieve this goal, biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) platform is chosen, and structure-engineered several di- and triblock architectures to arrive the precise macromolecular geometry. The hydrophobic-PCL core and hydrophilic anionic-PCL block at the periphery shield PAEs against autodegradation, thereby ensuring stability under physiological pH in PBS, FBS, cell culture medium and bloodstream. The clinical anticancer drug doxorubicin and deep-tissue penetrable near-infrared IR-780 biomarker is encapsulated to study their biological actions by in vitro live cancer cells and in vivo bioimaging in live animals. These zwitterions are biocompatible, nonhemolytic, and real-time in vitro live-cell confocal studies have confirmed their internalization and enzymatic biodegradation in the endo-lysosomal compartments to deliver the payload. In vivo bioimaging establishes their prolonged blood circulation for over 72 h, and the biodistribution analysis reveals the accumulation of nanoparticles predominantly in the excretory organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahidkhan Pathan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Pune), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Manickam Jayakannan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Pune), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
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10
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Kim J, Eygeris Y, Ryals RC, Jozić A, Sahay G. Strategies for non-viral vectors targeting organs beyond the liver. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:428-447. [PMID: 38151642 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, nanoparticles have evolved to a clinical modality to deliver diverse nucleic acids. Rising interest in nanomedicines comes from proven safety and efficacy profiles established by continuous efforts to optimize physicochemical properties and endosomal escape. However, despite their transformative impact on the pharmaceutical industry, the clinical use of non-viral nucleic acid delivery is limited to hepatic diseases and vaccines due to liver accumulation. Overcoming liver tropism of nanoparticles is vital to meet clinical needs in other organs. Understanding the anatomical structure and physiological features of various organs would help to identify potential strategies for fine-tuning nanoparticle characteristics. In this Review, we discuss the source of liver tropism of non-viral vectors, present a brief overview of biological structure, processes and barriers in select organs, highlight approaches available to reach non-liver targets, and discuss techniques to accelerate the discovery of non-hepatic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Antony Jozić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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11
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Wang J, Zhu H, Gan J, Liang G, Li L, Zhao Y. Engineered mRNA Delivery Systems for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308029. [PMID: 37805865 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutic strategies have shown remarkable promise in preventing and treating a staggering range of diseases. Optimizing the structure and delivery system of engineered mRNA has greatly improved its stability, immunogenicity, and protein expression levels, which has led to a wider range of uses for mRNA therapeutics. Herein, a thorough analysis of the optimization strategies used in the structure of mRNA is first provided and delivery systems are described in great detail. Furthermore, the latest advancements in biomedical engineering for mRNA technology, including its applications in combatting infectious diseases, treating cancer, providing protein replacement therapy, conducting gene editing, and more, are summarized. Lastly, a perspective on forthcoming challenges and prospects concerning the advancement of mRNA therapeutics is offered. Despite these challenges, mRNA-based therapeutics remain promising, with the potential to revolutionize disease treatment and contribute to significant advancements in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Haofang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jingjing Gan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
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12
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Espuche B, Moya SE, Calderón M. Nanogels: Smart tools to enlarge the therapeutic window of gene therapy. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123864. [PMID: 38309484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy can potentially treat a great number of diseases, from cancer to rare genetic disorders. Very recently, the development and emergency approval of nucleic acid-based COVID-19 vaccines confirmed its strength and versatility. However, gene therapy encounters limitations due to the lack of suitable carriers to vectorize therapeutic genetic material inside target cells. Nanogels are highly hydrated nano-size crosslinked polymeric networks that have been used in many biomedical applications, from drug delivery to tissue engineering and diagnostics. Due to their easy production, tunability, and swelling properties they have called the attention as promising vectors for gene delivery. In this review, nanogels are discussed as vectors for nucleic acid delivery aiming to enlarge gene therapy's therapeutic window. Recent works highlighting the optimization of inherent transfection efficiency and biocompatibility are reviewed here. The importance of the monomer choice, along with the internal structure, surface decoration, and responsive features are outlined for the different transfection modalities. The possible sources of toxicological endpoints in nanogels are analyzed, and the strategies to limit them are compared. Finally, perspectives are discussed to identify the remining challenges for the nanogels before their translation to the market as transfection agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Espuche
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Sergio E Moya
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain.
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13
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Zhang H, Gao X, Sun Q, Dong X, Zhu Z, Yang C. Incorporation of poly(γ-glutamic acid) in lipid nanoparticles for enhanced mRNA delivery efficiency in vitro and in vivo. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:361-376. [PMID: 38342193 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy shows immense potential for broad biomedical applications. However, the development of safe and efficacious mRNA delivery vectors remains challenging due to delivery barriers and inefficient intracellular payload release. Herein, we presented a simple strategy to boost the mRNA intracellular release by incorporation of anionic poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA) into an ionizable lipid-based LNP/mRNA. We systematically investigated the impact of PGA incorporation on mRNA transfection both in vitro and in vivo. The molecular weights and formulation ratios of PGA greatly affected the transfection efficacy of LNP/mRNA. From in vitro study, the optimized LNP/mRNA/PGA was formulated by incorporation of PGA with the molecular weight of 80 kDa or 200 kDa and the charge ratio (N/P/C) of 25/1/1. The optimized formulation achieved around 3-fold mRNA expression in HeLa cells compared to the bare LNP/mRNA. The intracellular releasing study using specific DNA probe revealed that this enhancement of transfection efficacy was attributed to the elevated mRNA release into cytoplasm. Moreover, the optimized LNP/mRNA/PGA achieved up to 5-fold or 3-fold increase of luciferase mRNA expression in vivo after being injected into mice systematically or intramuscularly, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of PGA did not significantly alter the biodistribution profile of the complexes on both organ and cellular levels. Therefore, our work provides a simple strategy to boost mRNA delivery, which holds great promise to improve the efficacy of mRNA therapeutics for various biomedical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The process of designing and screening potent mRNA carriers is complicated and time-consuming, while the efficacy is not always satisfying due to the delivery barriers and inefficient mRNA release. This work presented an alternative strategy to boost the mRNA delivery efficacy by incorporating an anionic natural polymer poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA) into LNP/mRNA complexes. The optimized LNP/mRNA/PGA achieved up to 3-fold and 5-fold increase in transfection efficacy in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Intracellular releasing analysis revealed that the enhancement of transfection efficacy was mainly attributed to the elevated intracellular release of mRNA. In addition, the incorporation of PGA did not alter the biodistribution or the biosafety profile of the complexes. These findings indicate that PGA incorporation is a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Xiaoxue Dong
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Zongwei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China
| | - Chuanxu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 25010, China.
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14
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Long J, Wang Y, Jiang X, Ge J, Chen M, Zheng B, Wang R, Wang M, Xu M, Ke Q, Wang J. Nanomaterials Boost CAR-T Therapy for Solid Tumors. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304615. [PMID: 38483400 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
T cell engineering, particularly via chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modifications for enhancing tumor specificity, has shown efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies. The extension of CAR-T cell therapy to solid tumors, however, is impeded by several challenges: The absence of tumor-specific antigens, antigen heterogeneity, a complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and physical barriers to cell infiltration. Additionally, limitations in CAR-T cell manufacturing capacity and the high costs associated with these therapies restrict their widespread application. The integration of nanomaterials into CAR-T cell production and application offers a promising avenue to mitigate these challenges. Utilizing nanomaterials in the production of CAR-T cells can decrease product variability and lower production expenses, positively impacting the targeting and persistence of CAR-T cells in treatment and minimizing adverse effects. This review comprehensively evaluates the use of various nanomaterials in the production of CAR-T cells, genetic modification, and in vivo delivery. It discusses their underlying mechanisms and potential for clinical application, with a focus on improving specificity and safety in CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Long
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, 1001 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Mingfen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Boshu Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Meifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Meifang Xu
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Qi Ke
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
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15
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Witten J, Hu Y, Langer R, Anderson DG. Recent advances in nanoparticulate RNA delivery systems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307798120. [PMID: 38437569 PMCID: PMC10945842 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307798120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based RNA delivery has shown great progress in recent years with the approval of two mRNA vaccines for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and a liver-targeted siRNA therapy. Here, we discuss the preclinical and clinical advancement of new generations of RNA delivery therapies along multiple axes. Improvements in cargo design such as RNA circularization and data-driven untranslated region optimization can drive better mRNA expression. New materials discovery research has driven improved delivery to extrahepatic targets such as the lung and splenic immune cells, which could lead to pulmonary gene therapy and better cancer vaccines, respectively. Other organs and even specific cell types can be targeted for delivery via conjugation of small molecule ligands, antibodies, or peptides to RNA delivery nanoparticles. Moreover, the immune response to any RNA delivery nanoparticle plays a crucial role in determining efficacy. Targeting increased immunogenicity without induction of reactogenic side effects is crucial for vaccines, while minimization of immune response is important for gene therapies. New developments have addressed each of these priorities. Last, we discuss the range of RNA delivery clinical trials targeting diverse organs, cell types, and diseases and suggest some key advances that may play a role in the next wave of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Witten
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Yizong Hu
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Daniel G. Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
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16
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Berger S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Dynamic carriers for therapeutic RNA delivery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307799120. [PMID: 38437544 PMCID: PMC10945752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307799120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Carriers for RNA delivery must be dynamic, first stabilizing and protecting therapeutic RNA during delivery to the target tissue and across cellular membrane barriers and then releasing the cargo in bioactive form. The chemical space of carriers ranges from small cationic lipids applied in lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, over medium-sized sequence-defined xenopeptides, to macromolecular polycations applied in polyplexes and polymer micelles. This perspective highlights the discovery of distinct virus-inspired dynamic processes that capitalize on mutual nanoparticle-host interactions to achieve potent RNA delivery. From the host side, subtle alterations of pH, ion concentration, redox potential, presence of specific proteins, receptors, or enzymes are cues, which must be recognized by the RNA nanocarrier via dynamic chemical designs including cleavable bonds, alterable physicochemical properties, and supramolecular assembly-disassembly processes to respond to changing biological microenvironment during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
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17
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Estapé Senti M, García Del Valle L, Schiffelers RM. mRNA delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy: Lipid nanoparticles and beyond. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 206:115190. [PMID: 38307296 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-based vaccines are emerging as a promising alternative to standard cancer treatments and the conventional vaccines. Moreover, the FDA-approval of three nucleic acid based therapeutics (Onpattro, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) has further increased the interest and trust on this type of therapeutics. In order to achieve a significant therapeutic efficacy, the mRNA needs from a drug delivery system. In the last years, several delivery platforms have been explored, being the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) the most well characterized and studied. A better understanding on how mRNA-based therapeutics operate (both the mRNA itself and the drug delivery system) will help to further improve their efficacy and safety. In this review, we will provide an overview of what mRNA cancer vaccines are and their mode of action and we will highlight the advantages and challenges of the different delivery platforms that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Estapé Senti
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lucía García Del Valle
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond M Schiffelers
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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18
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Wilk AJ, Shalek AK, Holmes S, Blish CA. Comparative analysis of cell-cell communication at single-cell resolution. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:470-483. [PMID: 37169965 PMCID: PMC10638471 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Inference of cell-cell communication from single-cell RNA sequencing data is a powerful technique to uncover intercellular communication pathways, yet existing methods perform this analysis at the level of the cell type or cluster, discarding single-cell-level information. Here we present Scriabin, a flexible and scalable framework for comparative analysis of cell-cell communication at single-cell resolution that is performed without cell aggregation or downsampling. We use multiple published atlas-scale datasets, genetic perturbation screens and direct experimental validation to show that Scriabin accurately recovers expected cell-cell communication edges and identifies communication networks that can be obscured by agglomerative methods. Additionally, we use spatial transcriptomic data to show that Scriabin can uncover spatial features of interaction from dissociated data alone. Finally, we demonstrate applications to longitudinal datasets to follow communication pathways operating between timepoints. Our approach represents a broadly applicable strategy to reveal the full structure of niche-phenotype relationships in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Wilk
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Alex K Shalek
- Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Susan Holmes
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
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19
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Sahoo D, Atochina-Vasserman EN, Maurya DS, Arshad M, Chenna SS, Ona N, Vasserman JA, Ni H, Weissman D, Percec V. The Constitutional Isomerism of One-Component Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimers Orchestrates the Total and Targeted Activities of mRNA Delivery. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:3627-3634. [PMID: 38306714 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Constitutional isomerism has been previously demonstrated by one of our laboratories to represent a powerful design strategy for the elaboration of complex functional self-organizations. Here we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of 14 positional, skeletal, and functional constitutional isomeric one-component, multifunctional, sequence-defined, amphiphilic ionizable Janus dendrimers (IAJDs). Their coassembly by simple injection with luciferase mRNA (Luc-mRNA) to form dendrimersome nanoparticles (DNPs) was studied. Subsequently, the resulting DNPs were employed to investigate, with screening experiments, the delivery of Luc-mRNA in vivo. Constitutional isomerism was shown to produce changes of up to two orders of magnitude of the total-body luciferase activity and targeted luciferase activity to the spleen and liver, of up to three orders of magnitude difference in targeted luciferase activity to the lungs and up to six orders of magnitude to lymph nodes. These results indicate that constitutional isomerism may represent not only a simple but also an important synthetic strategy that most probably may impact the activity of all components of synthetic vectors used in RNA-based nanomedicine, including in mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipankar Sahoo
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Elena N Atochina-Vasserman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Devendra S Maurya
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
| | - Mahwish Arshad
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Srijay S Chenna
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Nathan Ona
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jessica A Vasserman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Houping Ni
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Virgil Percec
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6323, United States
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20
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Sinsinbar G, Bindra AK, Liu S, Chia TW, Yoong Eng EC, Loo SY, Lam JH, Schultheis K, Nallani M. Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Nanostructures as a Tunable Delivery Platform: Perspective and Framework for the Future Drug Product Development. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:541-563. [PMID: 38240244 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Nanoformulation of active payloads or pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) has always been an area of interest to achieve targeted, sustained, and efficacious delivery. Various delivery platforms have been explored, but loading and delivery of APIs have been challenging because of the chemical and structural properties of these molecules. Polymersomes made from amphiphilic block copolymers (ABCPs) have shown enormous promise as a tunable API delivery platform and confer multifold advantages over lipid-based systems. For example, a COVID booster vaccine comprising polymersomes encapsulating spike protein (ACM-001) has recently completed a Phase I clinical trial and provides a case for developing safe drug products based on ABCP delivery platforms. However, several limitations need to be resolved before they can reach their full potential. In this Perspective, we would like to highlight such aspects requiring further development for translating an ABCP-based delivery platform from a proof of concept to a viable commercial product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Sinsinbar
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Anivind Kaur Bindra
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Shaoqiong Liu
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Teck Wan Chia
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Eunice Chia Yoong Eng
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Ser Yue Loo
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Jian Hang Lam
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Katherine Schultheis
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | - Madhavan Nallani
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71 Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, Singapore 638075, Singapore
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21
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Morodo R, Dumas DM, Zhang J, Lui KH, Hurst PJ, Bosio R, Campos LM, Park NH, Waymouth RM, Hedrick JL. Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters and Carbonates with (Thio)urea/Cyclopropenimine Organocatalytic Systems. ACS Macro Lett 2024:181-188. [PMID: 38252690 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization is a powerful tool for the synthesis of a variety of functional, readily degradable polyesters and polycarbonates. We report the use of (thio)ureas in combination with cyclopropenimine bases as a unique catalyst for the polymerization of cyclic esters and carbonates with a large span of reactivities. Methodologies of exceptionally effective and selective cocatalyst combinations were devised to produce polyesters and polycarbonates with narrow dispersities (Đ = 1.01-1.10). Correlations of the pKa of the various ureas and cyclopropenimine bases revealed the critical importance of matching the pKa of the two cocatalysts to achieve the most efficient polymerization conditions. It was found that promoting strong H-bonding interactions with a noncompetitive organic solvent, such as CH2Cl2, enabled greatly increased polymerization rates. The stereoselective polymerization of rac-lactide afforded stereoblock poly(lactides) that crystallize as stereocomplexes, as confirmed by wide-angle X-ray scattering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Morodo
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
| | - David M Dumas
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
| | - Kai H Lui
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
| | - Paul J Hurst
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
| | - Riccardo Bosio
- IBM Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California 95120, United States
| | - Luis M Campos
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Nathaniel H Park
- IBM Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California 95120, United States
| | - Robert M Waymouth
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-5080, United States
| | - James L Hedrick
- IBM Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California 95120, United States
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22
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Liu H, Lu HH, Alp Y, Wu R, Thayumanavan S. Structural Determinants of Stimuli-Responsiveness in Amphiphilic Macromolecular Nano-assemblies. Prog Polym Sci 2024; 148:101765. [PMID: 38476148 PMCID: PMC10927256 DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101765] [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: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive nano-assemblies from amphiphilic macromolecules could undergo controlled structural transformations and generate diverse macroscopic phenomenon under stimuli. Due to the controllable responsiveness, they have been applied for broad material and biomedical applications, such as biologics delivery, sensing, imaging, and catalysis. Understanding the mechanisms of the assembly-disassembly processes and structural determinants behind the responsive properties is fundamentally important for designing the next generation of nano-assemblies with programmable responsiveness. In this review, we focus on structural determinants of assemblies from amphiphilic macromolecules and their macromolecular level alterations under stimuli, such as the disruption of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), depolymerization, decrosslinking, and changes of molecular packing in assemblies, which eventually lead to a series of macroscopic phenomenon for practical purposes. Applications of stimuli-responsive nano-assemblies in delivery, sensing and imaging were also summarized based on their structural features. We expect this review could provide readers an overview of the structural considerations in the design and applications of nanoassemblies and incentivize more explorations in stimuli-responsive soft matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Hung-Hsun Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Yasin Alp
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ruiling Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - S. Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Center for Bioactive Delivery, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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23
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Leng Q, He J, Anand A, Mixson AJ. Delivery of mRNA with Histidine-Lysine Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2822:367-386. [PMID: 38907929 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3918-4_23] [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: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Transfection with mRNA has been considered superior to that with plasmids since the mRNA can be translated to a protein in the cytosol without entering the nucleus. One disadvantage of using mRNA is its susceptibility to enzymatic biodegradability, and consequently, significant research has occurred to determine nonviral carriers that will sufficiently stabilize this nucleic acid for cellular transport. Histidine-lysine peptides (HK) are one such class of mRNA carriers, which we think serves as a model for other peptides and polymeric carrier systems. When the HK peptide and mRNA are mixed and interact through ionic and nonionic bonds, mRNA polyplexes are formed, which can transfect cells. In contrast to linear HK peptides, branched HK peptides protected and efficiently transfected mRNA into cells. After describing the preparation and biophysical characterization of these polyplexes, we will provide protocols for in vitro and in vivo transfection for these mRNA polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Leng
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiaxi He
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aishwarya Anand
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A James Mixson
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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24
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Qu Y, Xu J, Zhang T, Chen Q, Sun T, Jiang C. Advanced nano-based strategies for mRNA tumor vaccine. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:170-189. [PMID: 38239240 PMCID: PMC10792970 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccine is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy by introducing tumor antigens into the body to activate specific anti-tumor immune responses. Along with the technological breakthroughs in genetic engineering and delivery systems, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology has achieved unprecedented development and application over the last few years, especially the emergency use authorizations of two mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has saved countless lives and makes the world witness the powerful efficacy of mRNA technology in vaccines. However, unlike infectious disease vaccines, which mainly induce humoral immunity, tumor vaccines also need to activate potent cellular immunity to control tumor growth, which creates a higher demand for mRNA delivery to the lymphatic organs and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Here we review the existing bottlenecks of mRNA tumor vaccines and advanced nano-based strategies to overcome those challenges, as well as future considerations of mRNA tumor vaccines and their delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qinjun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
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25
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Feng Z, Zhang X, Zhou J, Li Q, Chu L, Di G, Xu Z, Chen Q, Wang M, Jiang X, Xia H, Chen X. An in vitro-transcribed circular RNA targets the mitochondrial inner membrane cardiolipin to ablate EIF4G2 +/PTBP1 + pan-adenocarcinoma. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:30-46. [PMID: 37845485 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA has arisen as a rapid method for the production of nucleic acid drugs. Here, we have constructed an oncolytic IVT mRNA that utilizes human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV2) internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) to selectively trigger translation in cancer cells with high expression of EIF4G2 and PTBP1. The oncolytic effect was provided by a long hGSDMDc .825 T>A/c.884 A>G-F1LCT mutant mRNA sequence with mitochondrial inner membrane cardiolipin targeting toxicity that triggers mitophagy. Utilizing the permuted intron-exon (PIE) splicing circularization strategy and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulation reduced immunogenicity of the mRNA and enabled delivery to eukaryotic cells in vivo. Engineered HRV2 IRESs-GSDMDp.D275E/E295G-F1LCT circRNA-LNPs (GSDMDENG circRNA) successfully inhibited EIF4G2+/PTBP1+ pan-adenocarcinoma xenografts growth. Importantly, in a spontaneous tumor model with abnormal EIF4G2 and PTBP1 caused by KRAS G12D mutation, GSDMDENG circRNA significantly prevented the occurrence of pancreatic, lung and colon adenocarcinoma, improved the survival rate and induced persistent KRAS G12D tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunyong Feng
- The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders & Interdisciplinary Research Center of Neuromedicine and Chemical Biology of Wannan Medical College, Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, China
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Advanced Institute for Life and Health & Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute for Medicine and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xuanbo Zhang
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Proteos, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine & School of Medical Imageology, Anhui Province Key laboratory of Active Biological Macro-molecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine & School of Medical Imageology, Anhui Province Key laboratory of Active Biological Macro-molecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Liuxi Chu
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Advanced Institute for Life and Health & Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute for Medicine and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangfu Di
- The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders & Interdisciplinary Research Center of Neuromedicine and Chemical Biology of Wannan Medical College, Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine & School of Medical Imageology, Anhui Province Key laboratory of Active Biological Macro-molecules Research, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Qun Chen
- The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders & Interdisciplinary Research Center of Neuromedicine and Chemical Biology of Wannan Medical College, Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaochun Jiang
- The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders & Interdisciplinary Research Center of Neuromedicine and Chemical Biology of Wannan Medical College, Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, China.
| | - Hongping Xia
- Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Advanced Institute for Life and Health & Interdisciplinary Innovation Institute for Medicine and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission & Jiangsu Antibody Drug Engineering Research Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Proteos, Singapore, Singapore.
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26
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Chen W, Zhu Y, He J, Sun X. Path towards mRNA delivery for cancer immunotherapy from bench to bedside. Theranostics 2024; 14:96-115. [PMID: 38164145 PMCID: PMC10750210 DOI: 10.7150/thno.89247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. mRNA vaccines, in particular, offer an alternative approach to conventional vaccines, boasting high potency, rapid development capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and safe administration. However, the clinical application of mRNA vaccines is hindered by the challenges of mRNA instability and inefficient in vivo delivery. In recent times, remarkable technological advancements have emerged to address these challenges, utilizing two main approaches: ex vivo transfection of dendritic cells (DCs) with mRNA and direct injection of mRNA-based therapeutics, either with or without a carrier. This review offers a comprehensive overview of major non-viral vectors employed for mRNA vaccine delivery. It showcases notable preclinical and clinical studies in the field of cancer immunotherapy and discusses important considerations for advancing these promising vaccine platforms for broader therapeutic applications. Additionally, we provide insights into future possibilities and the remaining challenges in mRNA delivery technology, emphasizing the significance of ongoing research in mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yining Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jinhan He
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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27
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Pan S, Fan R, Han B, Tong A, Guo G. The potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer nanomedicine and immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:20-31. [PMID: 38142147 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their outstanding performance against COVID-19, mRNA vaccines have brought great hope for combating various incurable diseases, including cancer. Differences in the encoded proteins result in different molecular and cellular mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and molecular medicine, personalized antigen-encoding mRNA vaccines that enhance antigen presentation can trigger effective immune responses and prevent off-target toxicities. Herein, we review new insights into the influence of encoded antigens, cytokines, and other functional proteins on the mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. We also highlight the importance of delivery systems and chemical modifications for mRNA translation efficiency, stability, and targeting, and we discuss the potential problems and application prospects of mRNA vaccines as versatile tools for combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Pan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rangrang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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28
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Zhou H, Chen DS, Hu CJ, Hong X, Shi J, Xiao Y. Stimuli-Responsive Nanotechnology for RNA Delivery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303597. [PMID: 37915127 PMCID: PMC10754096 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) drugs have shown promising therapeutic effects for various diseases in clinical and preclinical studies, owing to their capability to regulate the expression of genes of interest or control protein synthesis. Different strategies, such as chemical modification, ligand conjugation, and nanotechnology, have contributed to the successful clinical translation of RNA medicine, including small interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene silencing and messenger RNA (mRNA) for vaccine development. Among these, nanotechnology can protect RNAs from enzymatic degradation, increase cellular uptake and cytosolic transportation, prolong systemic circulation, and improve tissue/cell targeting. Here, a focused overview of stimuli-responsive nanotechnologies for RNA delivery, which have shown unique benefits in promoting RNA bioactivity and cell/organ selectivity, is provided. Many tissue/cell-specific microenvironmental features, such as pH, enzyme, hypoxia, and redox, are utilized in designing internal stimuli-responsive RNA nanoparticles (NPs). In addition, external stimuli, such as light, magnetic field, and ultrasound, have also been used for controlling RNA release and transportation. This review summarizes a wide range of stimuli-responsive NP systems for RNA delivery, which may facilitate the development of next-generation RNA medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Trial CenterZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan University430071WuhanChina
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM)Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications210023NanjingChina
| | - Dean Shuailin Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Caleb J. Hu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Xuechuan Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Trial CenterZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWuhan University430071WuhanChina
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Yuling Xiao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of AnesthesiologyPerioperative and Pain MedicineBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
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29
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Saiding Q, Zhang Z, Chen S, Xiao F, Chen Y, Li Y, Zhen X, Khan MM, Chen W, Koo S, Kong N, Tao W. Nano-bio interactions in mRNA nanomedicine: Challenges and opportunities for targeted mRNA delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115116. [PMID: 37871748 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Upon entering the biological milieu, nanomedicines swiftly interact with the surrounding tissue fluid, subsequently being enveloped by a dynamic interplay of biomacromolecules, such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and cellular metabolites, but with predominant serum proteins within the biological corona. A notable consequence of the protein corona phenomenon is the unintentional loss of targeting ligands initially designed to direct nanomedicines toward particular cells or organs within the in vivo environment. mRNA nanomedicine displays high demand for specific cell and tissue-targeted delivery to effectively transport mRNA molecules into target cells, where they can exert their therapeutic effects with utmost efficacy. In this review, focusing on the delivery systems and tissue-specific applications, we aim to update the nanomedicine population with the prevailing and still enigmatic paradigm of nano-bio interactions, a formidable hurdle in the pursuit of targeted mRNA delivery. We also elucidate the current impediments faced in mRNA therapeutics and, by contemplating prospective avenues-either to modulate the corona or to adopt an 'ally from adversary' approach-aim to chart a course for advancing mRNA nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States; The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation's Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shuying Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Fan Xiao
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Yumeng Chen
- The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation's Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Muhammad Muzamil Khan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Na Kong
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China; Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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30
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Huang P, Deng H, Wang C, Zhou Y, Chen X. Cellular Trafficking of Nanotechnology-Mediated mRNA Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2307822. [PMID: 37929780 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy has emerged as a powerful, safe, and rapidly scalable therapeutic approach that involves technologies for both mRNA itself and the delivery vehicle. Although there are some unique challenges for different applications of mRNA therapy, a common challenge for all mRNA therapeutics is the transport of mRNA into the target cell cytoplasm for sufficient protein expression. This review is focused on the behaviors at the cellular level of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems, which have not been comprehensively reviewed yet. First, the four main therapeutic applications of mRNA are introduced, including immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy, genome editing, and cellular reprogramming. Second, common types of mRNA cargos and mRNA delivery systems are summarized. Third, strategies to enhance mRNA delivery efficiency during the cellular trafficking process are highlighted, including accumulation to the cell, internalization into the cell, endosomal escape, release of mRNA from the nanocarrier, and translation of mRNA into protein. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the development of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems are presented. This review can provide new insights into the future fabrication of mRNA nanocarriers with desirable cellular trafficking performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hongzhang Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
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31
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Li Z, Amaya L, Pi R, Wang SK, Ranjan A, Waymouth RM, Blish CA, Chang HY, Wender PA. Charge-altering releasable transporters enhance mRNA delivery in vitro and exhibit in vivo tropism. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6983. [PMID: 37914693 PMCID: PMC10620205 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42672-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of more effective and selective mRNA delivery systems is required for the advancement of many emerging biomedical technologies including the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, immunotherapies for cancer and strategies for genome editing. While polymers and oligomers have served as promising mRNA delivery systems, their efficacy in hard-to-transfect cells such as primary T lymphocytes is often limited as is their cell and organ tropism. To address these problems, considerable attention has been placed on structural screening of various lipid and cation components of mRNA delivery systems. Here, we disclose a class of charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) that differ from previous CARTs based on their beta-amido carbonate backbone (bAC) and side chain spacing. These bAC-CARTs exhibit enhanced mRNA transfection in primary T lymphocytes in vitro and enhanced protein expression in vivo with highly selective spleen tropism, supporting their broader therapeutic use as effective polyanionic delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - 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
| | - Ruoxi Pi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sean K Wang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alok Ranjan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Robert M Waymouth
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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32
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Liu X, Huang P, Yang R, Deng H. mRNA Cancer Vaccines: Construction and Boosting Strategies. ACS NANO 2023; 17:19550-19580. [PMID: 37819640 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c05635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In late 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a lipid-based mRNA vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19, which has pushed this field to be more closely studied and motivated researchers to delve deeper into mRNA therapeutics. To date, the research on mRNA cancer vaccines has been developed rapidly, and substantial hopeful therapeutic results have been achieved against various solid tumors in clinical trials. In this review, we first introduce three main components of mRNA cancer vaccines, including mRNA antigens, adjuvants, and delivery vectors. Engineering these components can optimize the therapeutic effects of mRNA cancer vaccines. For instance, appropriate modification of mRNA structure can alleviate the poor stability and innate immunogenicity of mRNA, and the use of mRNA delivery vectors can address the issues of low delivery efficiency in vivo. Second, we emphatically discuss some strategies to further improve the efficacy of mRNA cancer vaccines, namely modulating the immunosuppressive tumor environment, optimizing administration routes, achieving targeting delivery to intended tissues or organs, and employing combination therapy. These strategies can strengthen the tumor inhibitory ability of mRNA cancer vaccines and increase the possibility of tumor elimination. Finally, we point out some challenges in the clinical practice of mRNA cancer vaccines and offer our perspectives on future developments in this rapidly evolving field. It is anticipated that mRNA cancer vaccines will be rapidly developed for clinical cancer therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Liu
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710126 China
- Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University & Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment & Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
| | - Pei Huang
- Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University & Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment & Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Rusen Yang
- School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710126 China
| | - Hongzhang Deng
- Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University & Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment & Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710126, China
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33
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Niu D, Wu Y, Lian J. Circular RNA vaccine in disease prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:341. [PMID: 37691066 PMCID: PMC10493228 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a class of single-stranded RNAs with covalently linked head-to-tail topology. In the decades since its initial discovery, their biogenesis, regulation, and function have rapidly disclosed, permitting a better understanding and adoption of them as new tools for medical applications. With the development of biotechnology and molecular medicine, artificial circRNAs have been engineered as a novel class of vaccines for disease treatment and prevention. Unlike the linear mRNA vaccine which applications were limited by its instability, inefficiency, and innate immunogenicity, circRNA vaccine which incorporate internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and open reading frame (ORF) provides an improved approach to RNA-based vaccination with safety, stability, simplicity of manufacture, and scalability. However, circRNA vaccines are at an early stage, and their optimization, delivery and applications require further development and evaluation. In this review, we comprehensively describe circRNA vaccine, including their history and superiority. We also summarize and discuss the current methodological research for circRNA vaccine preparation, including their design, synthesis, and purification. Finally, we highlight the delivery options of circRNA vaccine and its potential applications in diseases treatment and prevention. Considering their unique high stability, low immunogenicity, protein/peptide-coding capacity and special closed-loop construction, circRNA vaccine, and circRNA-based therapeutic platforms may have superior application prospects in a broad range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Niu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
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Neshat SY, Chan CHR, Harris J, Zmily OM, Est-Witte S, Karlsson J, Shannon SR, Jain M, Doloff JC, Green JJ, Tzeng SY. Polymeric nanoparticle gel for intracellular mRNA delivery and immunological reprogramming of tumors. Biomaterials 2023; 300:122185. [PMID: 37290232 PMCID: PMC10330908 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Immuno-oncology therapies have been of great interest with the goal of inducing sustained tumor regression, but clinical results have demonstrated the need for improved and widely applicable methods. An antigen-free method of cancer immunotherapy can stimulate the immune system to recruit lymphocytes and produce immunostimulatory factors without prior knowledge of neoantigens, while local delivery reduces the risk of systemic toxicity. To improve the interactions between tumor cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes, a gene delivery nanoparticle platform was engineered to reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME) in situ to be more immunostimulatory by inducing tumor-associated antigen-presenting cells (tAPCs) to activate cytotoxic lymphocytes against the tumor. Biodegradable, lipophilic poly (beta-amino ester) (PBAE) nanoparticles were synthesized and used to co-deliver mRNA constructs encoding a signal 2 co-stimulatory molecule (4-1BBL) and a signal 3 immuno-stimulatory cytokine (IL-12), along with a nucleic acid-based immunomodulatory adjuvant. Nanoparticles are combined with a thermoresponsive block copolymer for gelation at the injection site for local NP retention at the tumor. The reprogramming nanoparticle gel synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) to induce tumor regression and clearance in addition to resistance to tumor rechallenge at a distant site. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal increases in immunostimulatory cytokine production and recruitment of immune cells as a result of the nanoparticles. Intratumoral injection of nanoparticles encapsulating mRNA encoding immunostimulatory agents and adjuvants via an injectable thermoresponsive gel has great translational potential as an immuno-oncology therapy that can be accessible to a wide range of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Y Neshat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chun Hei Ryan Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jawaun Harris
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Osamah M Zmily
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Savannah Est-Witte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Johan Karlsson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Sydney R Shannon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Manav Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Joshua C Doloff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney-Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA; Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney-Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA; Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA; Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Sun B, Wu W, Narasipura EA, Ma Y, Yu C, Fenton OS, Song H. Engineering nanoparticle toolkits for mRNA delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115042. [PMID: 37536506 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The concept of using mRNA to produce its own medicine in situ in the body makes it an ideal drug candidate, holding great potential to revolutionize the way we approach medicine. The unique characteristics of mRNA, as well as its customizable biomedical functions, call for the rational design of delivery systems to protect and transport mRNA molecules. In this review, a nanoparticle toolkit is presented for the development of mRNA-based therapeutics from a drug delivery perspective. Nano-delivery systems derived from either natural systems or chemical synthesis, in the nature of organic or inorganic materials, are summarised. Delivery strategies in controlling the tissue targeting and mRNA release, as well as the role of nanoparticles in building and boosting the activity of mRNA drugs, have also been introduced. In the end, our insights into the clinical and translational development of mRNA nano-drugs are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Sun
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Weixi Wu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Eshan A Narasipura
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yutian Ma
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chengzhong Yu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Hao Song
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Wang C, Pan C, Yong H, Wang F, Bo T, Zhao Y, Ma B, He W, Li M. Emerging non-viral vectors for gene delivery. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:272. [PMID: 37592351 PMCID: PMC10433663 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy holds great promise for treating a multitude of inherited and acquired diseases by delivering functional genes, comprising DNA or RNA, into targeted cells or tissues to elicit manipulation of gene expression. However, the clinical implementation of gene therapy remains substantially impeded by the lack of safe and efficient gene delivery vehicles. This review comprehensively outlines the novel fastest-growing and efficient non-viral gene delivery vectors, which include liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), highly branched poly(β-amino ester) (HPAE), single-chain cyclic polymer (SCKP), poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, and polyethyleneimine (PEI). Particularly, we discuss the research progress, potential development directions, and remaining challenges. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the currently approved non-viral gene therapeutics, as well as ongoing clinical trials. With advances in biomedicine, molecular biology, materials science, non-viral gene vectors play an ever-expanding and noteworthy role in clinical gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Chaolan Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Haiyang Yong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Tao Bo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, 232000, China
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, 232000, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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Uchida S, Lau CYJ, Oba M, Miyata K. Polyplex designs for improving the stability and safety of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114972. [PMID: 37364611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have contributed to the recent clinical success of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and mRNA. RNA delivery using polymers has several distinct properties, such as enabling RNA delivery into extra-hepatic organs, modulation of immune responses to RNA, and regulation of intracellular RNA release. However, delivery systems should overcome safety and stability issues to achieve widespread therapeutic applications. Safety concerns include direct damage to cellular components, innate and adaptive immune responses, complement activation, and interaction with surrounding molecules and cells in the blood circulation. The stability of the delivery systems should balance extracellular RNA protection and controlled intracellular RNA release, which requires optimization for each RNA species. Further, polymer designs for improving safety and stability often conflict with each other. This review covers advances in polymer-based approaches to address these issues over several years, focusing on biological understanding and design concepts for delivery systems rather than material chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan; Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Chun Yin Jerry Lau
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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Lu J, Atochina-Vasserman EN, Maurya DS, Shalihin MI, Zhang D, Chenna SS, Adamson J, Liu M, Shah HUR, Shah H, Xiao Q, Queeley B, Ona NA, Reagan EK, Ni H, Sahoo D, Peterca M, Weissman D, Percec V. Screening Libraries to Discover Molecular Design Principles for the Targeted Delivery of mRNA with One-Component Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimers Derived from Plant Phenolic Acids. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1572. [PMID: 37376020 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral and synthetic vectors to deliver nucleic acids were key to the rapid development of extraordinarily efficient COVID-19 vaccines. The four-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), containing phospholipids, PEG-conjugated lipids, cholesterol, and ionizable lipids, co-assembled with mRNA via a microfluidic technology, are the leading nonviral delivery vector used by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna to access COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. LNPs exhibit a statistical distribution of their four components when delivering mRNA. Here, we report a methodology that involves screening libraries to discover the molecular design principles required to realize organ-targeted mRNA delivery and mediate activity with a one-component ionizable multifunctional amphiphilic Janus dendrimer (IAJD) derived from plant phenolic acids. IAJDs co-assemble with mRNA into monodisperse dendrimersome nanoparticles (DNPs) with predictable dimensions, via the simple injection of their ethanol solution in a buffer. The precise location of the functional groups in one-component IAJDs demonstrated that the targeted organs, including the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and lung, are selected based on the hydrophilic region, while activity is associated with the hydrophobic domain of IAJDs. These principles, and a mechanistic hypothesis to explain activity, simplify the synthesis of IAJDs, the assembly of DNPs, handling, and storage of vaccines, and reduce price, despite employing renewable plant starting materials. Using simple molecular design principles will lead to increased accessibility to a large diversity of mRNA-based vaccines and nanotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Lu
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Elena N Atochina-Vasserman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Devendra S Maurya
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Muhammad Irhash Shalihin
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Srijay S Chenna
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Jasper Adamson
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Matthew Liu
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Habib Ur Rehman Shah
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Honey Shah
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Qi Xiao
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Bryn Queeley
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Nathan A Ona
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Erin K Reagan
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Houping Ni
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Dipankar Sahoo
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Mihai Peterca
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
| | - Virgil Percec
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
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Amaya L, Grigoryan L, Li Z, Lee A, Wender PA, Pulendran B, Chang HY. Circular RNA vaccine induces potent T cell responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302191120. [PMID: 37155869 PMCID: PMC10193964 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302191120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNAs commonly found across eukaryotes and viruses, characterized by their resistance to exonuclease-mediated degradation. Their superior stability compared to linear RNAs, combined with previous work showing that engineered circRNAs serve as efficient protein translation templates, make circRNA a promising candidate for RNA medicine. Here, we systematically examine the adjuvant activity, route of administration, and antigen-specific immunity of circRNA vaccination in mice. Potent circRNA adjuvant activity is associated with RNA uptake and activation of myeloid cells in the draining lymph nodes and transient cytokine release. Immunization of mice with engineered circRNA encoding a protein antigen delivered by a charge-altering releasable transporter induced innate activation of dendritic cells, robust antigen-specific CD8 T cell responses in lymph nodes and tissues, and strong antitumor efficacy as a therapeutic cancer vaccine. These results highlight the potential utility of circRNA vaccines for stimulating potent innate and T cell responses in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Amaya
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Lilit Grigoryan
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Zhijian Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Audrey Lee
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Paul A. Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Bali Pulendran
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Howard Y. Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
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Wilson DR, Tzeng SY, Rui Y, Neshat SY, Conge MJ, Luly KM, Wang E, Firestone JL, McAuliffe J, Maruggi G, Jalah R, Johnson R, Doloff JC, Green JJ. Biodegradable Polyester Nanoparticle Vaccines Deliver Self-Amplifying mRNA in Mice at Low Doses. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2023; 6:2200219. [PMID: 37743930 PMCID: PMC10516528 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) has high potential for infectious disease vaccination due its self-adjuvating and dose-sparing properties. Yet a challenge is the susceptibility of SAM to degradation and the need for SAM to reach the cytosol fully intact to enable self-amplification. Lipid nanoparticles have been successfully deployed at incredible speed for mRNA vaccination, but aspects such as cold storage, manufacturing, efficiency of delivery, and the therapeutic window would benefit from further improvement. To investigate alternatives to lipid nanoparticles, we developed a class of >200 biodegradable end-capped lipophilic poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAEs) that enable efficient delivery of SAM in vitro and in vivo as assessed by measuring expression of SAM encoding reporter proteins. We evaluated the ability of these polymers to deliver SAM intramuscularly in mice, and identified a polymer-based formulation that yielded up to 37-fold higher intramuscular (IM) expression of SAM compared to injected naked SAM. Using the same nanoparticle formulation to deliver a SAM encoding rabies virus glycoprotein, the vaccine elicited superior immunogenicity compared to naked SAM delivery, leading to seroconversion in mice at low RNA injection doses. These biodegradable nanomaterials may be useful in the development of next-generation RNA vaccines for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Yuan Rui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Sarah Y Neshat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Marranne J Conge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Kathryn M Luly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ellen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joshua C Doloff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Neurosurgery, Oncology, and Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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Blake TR, Haabeth OAW, Sallets A, McClellan RL, Del Castillo TJ, Vilches-Moure JG, Ho WC, Wender PA, Levy R, Waymouth RM. Lysine-Derived Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters: Targeted Delivery of mRNA and siRNA to the Lungs. Bioconjug Chem 2023:10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00019. [PMID: 36996808 PMCID: PMC10601965 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Targeted delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics to the lungs could transform treatment options for pulmonary disease. We have previously developed oligomeric charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) for in vivo mRNA transfection and demonstrated their efficacy for use in mRNA-based cancer vaccination and local immunomodulatory therapies against murine tumors. While our previously reported glycine-based CART-mRNA complexes (G-CARTs/mRNA) show selective protein expression in the spleen (mouse, >99%), here, we report a new lysine-derived CART-mRNA complex (K-CART/mRNA) that, without additives or targeting ligands, shows selective protein expression in the lungs (mouse, >90%) following systemic IV administration. We further show that by delivering siRNA using the K-CART, we can significantly decrease expression of a lung-localized reporter protein. Blood chemistry and organ pathology studies demonstrate that K-CARTs are safe and well-tolerated. We report on the new step economical, organocatalytic synthesis (two steps) of functionalized polyesters and oligo-carbonate-co-α-aminoester K-CARTs from simple amino acid and lipid-based monomers. The ability to direct protein expression selectively in the spleen or lungs by simple, modular changes to the CART structure opens fundamentally new opportunities in research and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Blake
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ole A W Haabeth
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Adrienne Sallets
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Rebecca L McClellan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Trevor J Del Castillo
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jose G Vilches-Moure
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Wilson C Ho
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ronald Levy
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Robert M Waymouth
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Joubert F, Munson MJ, Sabirsh A, England RM, Hemmerling M, Alexander C, Ashford MB. Precise and systematic end group chemistry modifications on PAMAM and poly(l-lysine) dendrimers to improve cytosolic delivery of mRNA. J Control Release 2023; 356:580-594. [PMID: 36918085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Here, we aimed to chemically modify PAMAM dendrimers using lysine as a site-selective anchor for successfully delivering mRNA while maintaining a low toxicity profile. PAMAM dendrimers were multi-functionalised by amidation reactions in a regioselective, quantitative and stepwise manner with carefully selected property-modifying surface groups. Alternatively, novel lysine-based dendrimers were prepared in the same manner with the aim to unlock their potential in gene delivery. The modified dendrimers were then formulated with Cy5-EGFP mRNA by bulk mixing via liquid handling robotics across different nitrogen to phosphate ratios. The resulting dendriplexes were characterised by size, charge, mRNA encapsulation, and mRNA binding affinity. Finally, their in-vitro delivery activity was systematically investigated across key cellular trafficking stages to relate chemical design to cellular effect. We demonstrate our findings in different cell lines and benchmarked relative to a commercially available transfection agent, jetPEI®. We demonstrate that specific surface modifications are required to generate small, reliable and well-encapsulated positively charged dendriplex complexes. Furthermore, we show that introduction of fusogenic groups is essential for driving endosomal escape and achieving cellular delivery and translation of mRNA in these cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Joubert
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Michael J Munson
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alan Sabirsh
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard M England
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK.
| | - Martin Hemmerling
- Medicinal Chemistry, Early Respiratory & Immunology, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Marianne B Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
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43
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Shin S, Lee P, Han J, Kim SN, Lim J, Park DH, Paik T, Min J, Park CG, Park W. Nanoparticle-Based Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy for Cancer Immunotherapy. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2023; 20:371-387. [PMID: 36867402 PMCID: PMC9983528 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00515-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells (CAR-Ts) has emerged as an innovative immunotherapy for hematological cancer treatment. However, the limited effect on solid tumors, complex processes, and excessive manufacturing costs remain as limitations of CAR-T therapy. Nanotechnology provides an alternative to the conventional CAR-T therapy. Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, nanoparticles can not only serve as a delivery platform for drugs but also target specific cells. Nanoparticle-based CAR therapy can be applied not only to T cells but also to CAR-natural killer and CAR-macrophage, compensating for some of their limitations. This review focuses on the introduction of nanoparticle-based advanced CAR immune cell therapy and future perspectives on immune cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungyong Shin
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Pyunghwajun Lee
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Global Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Han
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea ,grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XInstitute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Na Kim
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080 Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Lim
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Global Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea ,grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Park
- grid.254229.a0000 0000 9611 0917Department of Engineering Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 Republic of Korea
| | - Taejong Paik
- grid.254224.70000 0001 0789 9563School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974 Republic of Korea
| | - Junhong Min
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Global Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wooram Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Seobu-ro 2066, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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44
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Morado EG, Paterson ML, Ivanoff DG, Wang HC, Johnson A, Daniels D, Rizvi A, Sottos NR, Zimmerman SC. End-of-life upcycling of polyurethanes using a room temperature, mechanism-based degradation. Nat Chem 2023; 15:569-577. [PMID: 36864144 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge in developing recyclable polymeric materials is the inherent conflict between the properties required during and after their life span. In particular, materials must be strong and durable when in use, but undergo complete and rapid degradation, ideally under mild conditions, as they approach the end of their life span. We report a mechanism for degrading polymers called cyclization-triggered chain cleavage (CATCH cleavage) that achieves this duality. CATCH cleavage features a simple glycerol-based acyclic acetal unit as a kinetic and thermodynamic trap for gated chain shattering. Thus, an organic acid induces transient chain breaks with oxocarbenium ion formation and subsequent intramolecular cyclization to fully depolymerize the polymer backbone at room temperature. With minimal chemical modification, the resulting degradation products from a polyurethane elastomer can be repurposed into strong adhesives and photochromic coatings, demonstrating the potential for upcycling. The CATCH cleavage strategy for low-energy input breakdown and subsequent upcycling may be generalizable to a broader range of synthetic polymers and their end-of-life waste streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim G Morado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mara L Paterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Douglas G Ivanoff
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hsuan-Chin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Alayna Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Darius Daniels
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Aoon Rizvi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Nancy R Sottos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Steven C Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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45
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Zhong Y, Du S, Dong Y. mRNA delivery in cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:1348-1357. [PMID: 37139419 PMCID: PMC10150179 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has drawn much attention in the medical field. Through various treatment approaches including protein replacement therapies, gene editing, and cell engineering, mRNA is becoming a potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. However, delivery of mRNA into targeted organs and cells can be challenging due to the unstable nature of its naked form and the low cellular uptake. Therefore, in addition to mRNA modification, efforts have been devoted to developing nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. In this review, we introduce four categories of nanoparticle platform systems: lipid, polymer, lipid-polymer hybrid, and protein/peptide-mediated nanoparticles, together with their roles in facilitating mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies. We also highlight promising treatment regimens and their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Zhong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Shi Du
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Center for Cancer Engineering, Center for Cancer Metabolism, Pelotonia Institute for Immune-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Corresponding author.
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46
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Yang J, Luly KM, Green JJ. Nonviral nanoparticle gene delivery into the CNS for neurological disorders and brain cancer applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1853. [PMID: 36193561 PMCID: PMC10023321 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral nanoparticles have emerged as an attractive alternative to viral vectors for gene therapy applications, utilizing a range of lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic materials. These materials can either encapsulate or be functionalized to bind nucleic acids and protect them from degradation. To effectively elicit changes to gene expression, the nanoparticle carrier needs to undergo a series of steps intracellularly, from interacting with the cellular membrane to facilitate cellular uptake to endosomal escape and nucleic acid release. Adjusting physiochemical properties of the nanoparticles, such as size, charge, and targeting ligands, can improve cellular uptake and ultimately gene delivery. Applications in the central nervous system (CNS; i.e., neurological diseases, brain cancers) face further extracellular barriers for a gene-carrying nanoparticle to surpass, with the most significant being the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Approaches to overcome these extracellular challenges to deliver nanoparticles into the CNS include systemic, intracerebroventricular, intrathecal, and intranasal administration. This review describes and compares different biomaterials for nonviral nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy to the CNS and explores challenges and recent preclinical and clinical developments in overcoming barriers to nanoparticle-mediated delivery to the brain. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Yang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn M Luly
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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47
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Chen R, Wang SK, Belk JA, Amaya L, Li Z, Cardenas A, Abe BT, Chen CK, Wender PA, Chang HY. Engineering circular RNA for enhanced protein production. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:262-272. [PMID: 35851375 PMCID: PMC9931579 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01393-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable and prevalent RNAs in eukaryotic cells that arise from back-splicing. Synthetic circRNAs and some endogenous circRNAs can encode proteins, raising the promise of circRNA as a platform for gene expression. In this study, we developed a systematic approach for rapid assembly and testing of features that affect protein production from synthetic circRNAs. To maximize circRNA translation, we optimized five elements: vector topology, 5' and 3' untranslated regions, internal ribosome entry sites and synthetic aptamers recruiting translation initiation machinery. Together, these design principles improve circRNA protein yields by several hundred-fold, provide increased translation over messenger RNA in vitro, provide more durable translation in vivo and are generalizable across multiple transgenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Chen
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sean K Wang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julia A Belk
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura Amaya
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhijian Li
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angel Cardenas
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brian T Abe
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chun-Kan Chen
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul A Wender
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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48
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Yousefpour P, Ni K, Irvine DJ. Targeted modulation of immune cells and tissues using engineered biomaterials. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:107-124. [PMID: 37772035 PMCID: PMC10538251 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-022-00016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Therapies modulating the immune system offer the prospect of treating a wide range of conditions including infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmunity. Biomaterials can promote specific targeting of immune cell subsets in peripheral or lymphoid tissues and modulate the dosage, timing and location of stimulation, thereby improving safety and efficacy of vaccines and immunotherapies. Here we review recent advances in biomaterials-based strategies, focusing on targeting of lymphoid tissues, circulating leukocytes, tissue-resident immune cells and immune cells at disease sites. These approaches can improve the potency and efficacy of immunotherapies by promoting immunity or tolerance against different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Yousefpour
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Ni
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Darrell J. Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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49
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Dilliard SA, Siegwart DJ. Passive, active and endogenous organ-targeted lipid and polymer nanoparticles for delivery of genetic drugs. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2023; 8:282-300. [PMID: 36691401 PMCID: PMC9850348 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetic drugs based on nucleic acid biomolecules are a rapidly emerging class of medicines that directly reprogramme the central dogma of biology to prevent and treat disease. However, multiple biological barriers normally impede the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, necessitating the use of a delivery system. Lipid and polymer nanoparticles represent leading approaches for the clinical translation of genetic drugs. These systems circumnavigate biological barriers and facilitate the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids in the correct cells of the target organ using passive, active and endogenous targeting mechanisms. In this Review, we highlight the constituent materials of these advanced nanoparticles, their nucleic acid cargoes and how they journey through the body. We discuss targeting principles for liver delivery, as it is the organ most successfully targeted by intravenously administered nanoparticles to date, followed by the expansion of these concepts to extrahepatic (non-liver) delivery. Ultimately, this Review connects emerging materials and biological insights playing key roles in targeting specific organs and cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A. Dilliard
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Daniel J. Siegwart
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
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50
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Qin YT, Li YP, He XW, Wang X, Li WY, Zhang YK. Biomaterials promote in vivo generation and immunotherapy of CAR-T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165576. [PMID: 37153571 PMCID: PMC10157406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy based on functional immune cell transfer is showing a booming situation. However, complex manufacturing processes, high costs, and disappointing results in the treatment of solid tumors have limited its use. Encouragingly, it has facilitated the development of new strategies that fuse immunology, cell biology, and biomaterials to overcome these obstacles. In recent years, CAR-T engineering assisted by properly designed biomaterials has improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects, providing a sustainable strategy for improving cancer immunotherapy. At the same time, the low cost and diversity of biomaterials also offer the possibility of industrial production and commercialization. Here, we summarize the role of biomaterials as gene delivery vehicles in the generation of CAR-T cells and highlight the advantages of in-situ construction in vivo. Then, we focused on how biomaterials can be combined with CAR-T cells to better enable synergistic immunotherapy in the treatment of solid tumors. Finally, we describe biomaterials' potential challenges and prospects in CAR-T therapy. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of biomaterial-based CAR-T tumor immunotherapy to help investigators reference and customize biomaterials for CAR-T therapy to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Qin
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Ping Li
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi-Wen He
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Wang, ; Wen-You Li,
| | - Wen-You Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Wang, ; Wen-You Li,
| | - Yu-Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- National Chromatographic Research and Analysis Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
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