1
|
Dobrovolskaia MA, Bathe M. Opportunities and challenges for the clinical translation of structured DNA assemblies as gene therapeutic delivery and vaccine vectors. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 13:e1657. [PMID: 32672007 PMCID: PMC7736207 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapeutics including siRNAs, anti-sense oligos, messenger RNAs, and CRISPR ribonucleoprotein complexes offer unmet potential to treat over 7,000 known genetic diseases, as well as cancer, through targeted in vivo modulation of aberrant gene expression and immune cell activation. Compared with viral vectors, nonviral delivery vectors offer controlled immunogenicity and low manufacturing cost, yet suffer from limitations in toxicity, targeting, and transduction efficiency. Structured DNA assemblies fabricated using the principle of scaffolded DNA origami offer a new nonviral delivery vector with intrinsic, yet controllable immunostimulatory properties and virus-like spatial presentation of ligands and immunogens for cell-specific targeting, activation, and control over intracellular trafficking, in addition to low manufacturing cost. However, the relative utilities and limitations of these vectors must clearly be demonstrated in preclinical studies for their clinical potential to be realized. Here, we review the major capabilities, opportunities, and challenges we foresee in translating these next-generation delivery and vaccine vectors to the clinic. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology ProgramFrederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by National Cancer InstituteFrederickMaryland
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yasmeen F, Seo H, Javaid N, Kim MS, Choi S. Therapeutic Interventions into Innate Immune Diseases by Means of Aptamers. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12100955. [PMID: 33050544 PMCID: PMC7600108 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12100955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role in the body's defense system against various pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as recognizes non-self- and self-molecules. The innate immune system is composed of special receptors known as pattern recognition receptors, which play a crucial role in the identification of pathogen-associated molecular patterns from diverse microorganisms. Any disequilibrium in the activation of a particular pattern recognition receptor leads to various inflammatory, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency diseases. Aptamers are short single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid or ribonucleic acid molecules, also termed "chemical antibodies," which have tremendous specificity and affinity for their target molecules. Their features, such as stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and facile screening against a target, make them preferable as therapeutics. Immune-system-targeting aptamers have a great potential as a targeted therapeutic strategy against immune diseases. This review summarizes components of the innate immune system, aptamer production, pharmacokinetic characteristics of aptamers, and aptamers related to innate-immune-system diseases.
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Aptamers are synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotide ligands with great potential for therapeutic applications. A vast number of disease-related targets have been used to identify agonistic, antagonistic, or inhibitory aptamers, or aptamer-based targeting ligands. However, only a few aptamers have reached late-stage clinical trials so far and the commercial infrastructure is still far behind that of other therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies. The desirable properties of aptamers such as selectivity, chemical flexibility, or cost-efficiency are faced by challenges, including a short half-life in vivo, immunogenicity, and entrapment in cellular organelles. Aptamer research is still in an early stage, and a deeper understanding of their structure, target interactions, and pharmacokinetics is necessary to catch up to the clinical market. In this review, we will discuss the benefits and limitations in the development of therapeutic aptamers, as well as the advances and future directions of aptamer research. The progress towards effective therapies seems to be slow, but it has not stopped and the best is yet to come.
Collapse
|
4
|
Odeh F, Nsairat H, Alshaer W, Ismail MA, Esawi E, Qaqish B, Bawab AA, Ismail SI. Aptamers Chemistry: Chemical Modifications and Conjugation Strategies. Molecules 2019; 25:E3. [PMID: 31861277 PMCID: PMC6982925 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Soon after they were first described in 1990, aptamers were largely recognized as a new class of biological ligands that can rival antibodies in various analytical, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. Aptamers are short single-stranded RNA or DNA oligonucleotides capable of folding into complex 3D structures, enabling them to bind to a large variety of targets ranging from small ions to an entire organism. Their high binding specificity and affinity make them comparable to antibodies, but they are superior regarding a longer shelf life, simple production and chemical modification, in addition to low toxicity and immunogenicity. In the past three decades, aptamers have been used in a plethora of therapeutics and drug delivery systems that involve innovative delivery mechanisms and carrying various types of drug cargos. However, the successful translation of aptamer research from bench to bedside has been challenged by several limitations that slow down the realization of promising aptamer applications as therapeutics at the clinical level. The main limitations include the susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, fast renal clearance, low thermal stability, and the limited functional group diversity. The solution to overcome such limitations lies in the chemistry of aptamers. The current review will focus on the recent arts of aptamer chemistry that have been evolved to refine the pharmacological properties of aptamers. Moreover, this review will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of such chemical modifications and how they impact the pharmacological properties of aptamers. Finally, this review will summarize the conjugation strategies of aptamers to nanocarriers for developing targeted drug delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa Odeh
- Faculty of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (F.O.); (H.N.); (A.A.B.)
- Hamdi Mango Center for Scientific Research, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Hamdi Nsairat
- Faculty of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (F.O.); (H.N.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Walhan Alshaer
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A. Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (M.A.I.); (E.E.); (B.Q.); (S.I.I.)
| | - Ezaldeen Esawi
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (M.A.I.); (E.E.); (B.Q.); (S.I.I.)
| | - Baraa Qaqish
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (M.A.I.); (E.E.); (B.Q.); (S.I.I.)
| | - Abeer Al Bawab
- Faculty of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (F.O.); (H.N.); (A.A.B.)
- Hamdi Mango Center for Scientific Research, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Said I. Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan; (M.A.I.); (E.E.); (B.Q.); (S.I.I.)
- Qatar Genome Project, Qatar Foundation, Doha 5825, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Frazier KS, Obert LA. Drug-induced Glomerulonephritis: The Spectre of Biotherapeutic and Antisense Oligonucleotide Immune Activation in the Kidney. Toxicol Pathol 2018; 46:904-917. [PMID: 30089413 DOI: 10.1177/0192623318789399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis has increased in preclinical toxicity studies, with more frequent use of biotherapeutic agents (especially antigenic humanized molecules) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. Immune complex disease affects a small number of study monkeys, often correlates with antidrug antibody (ADA) titers, and occurs at a dose that favors immune complex formation or impedes clearance. While preclinical glomerulonephritis often fails to correlate with evidence of glomerular or vascular injury in human clinical trials and is not considered predictive, additional animal investigative immunohistochemical work may be performed to substantiate evidence for immune complex pathogenesis. While ADA is most commonly encountered as a predisposing factor with biotherapeutic agents, complement activation may occur without circulating complexes, and other mechanisms of non-ADA immune-mediated glomerulonephritis have been observed including nonendogenous immune aggregates and immunoregulatory pharmacology. Although glomerulonephritis associated with oligonucleotide therapies has been noted occasionally in preclinical studies and more rarely with human patients, pathophysiologic mechanisms involved appear to be different between species and preclinical cases are not considered predictive for humans. ADA is not involved in oligonucleotide-associated cases, and complement fixation plays a more important role in monkeys. Recent screening of ASOs for proinflammatory activity appears to have decreased glomerulonephritis incidence preclinically.
Collapse
|
6
|
Klimov LO, Seryapina AA, Zarytova VF, Levina AS, Markel AL. Antisense oligonucleotides for the arterial hypertension mechanisms study and therapy. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2018. [DOI: 10.18699/vj18.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases in adults all over the world. This pathology can not only reduce patients’ life quality, but can also be accompanied by a number of complications. Despite the fact that there is a large group of antihypertensive drugs on the market, mainly representing different combinations of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, adrenoreceptor blockers in combination with diuretics, there is no generally accepted “gold standard” for drugs that would not have side effects. The review discusses the main aspects of antisense oligonucleotides use in the context of arterial hypertension. It is well known that the medical implementation of antisense oligonucleotides aims to block the expression of particular genes involved in the pathology development, and a key advantage of this technique is a high selectivity of the effect. However, with the undoubted advantages of the method, there are difficulties in its application, related both to the properties of the oligonucleotides themselves (insufficient stability and poor penetration into cells), and to the variety of mechanisms of the origin of a particular pathology, arterial hypertension, in our case. The review provides a brief description of the main molecular targets for antisense treatment of hypertensive disease. The newest targets for therapy with oligonucleotides – microRNAs – are discussed. The main modifications of antisense nucleotides, designed to increase the duration of their effects and simplify the delivery of this type of drugs to the targets are discussed, in particular, combining antisense oligonucleotides with adenovirus-based expression vectors. Particular attention is given to antisense oligonucleotides in the complex with nanoparticles. The review discusses the results of the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) containing antisense nanocomposites for the angiotensin converting enzyme in rats with stress induced arterial hypertension (ISIAH). It was shown that the use of antisense oligonucleotides continues to be a promising technique for studying the mechanisms of various forms of hypertensive disease and has a high potential for therapeutic use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - A. A. Seryapina
- Novosibirsk State University; Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS
| | - V. F. Zarytova
- Novosibirsk State University; Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS
| | - A. S. Levina
- Novosibirsk State University; Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS
| | - A. L. Markel
- Novosibirsk State University; Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Morita Y, Leslie M, Kameyama H, Volk DE, Tanaka T. Aptamer Therapeutics in Cancer: Current and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10030080. [PMID: 29562664 PMCID: PMC5876655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamer-related technologies represent a revolutionary advancement in the capacity to rapidly develop new classes of targeting ligands. Structurally distinct RNA and DNA oligonucleotides, aptamers mimic small, protein-binding molecules and exhibit high binding affinity and selectivity. Although their molecular weight is relatively small—approximately one-tenth that of monoclonal antibodies—their complex tertiary folded structures create sufficient recognition surface area for tight interaction with target molecules. Additionally, unlike antibodies, aptamers can be readily chemically synthesized and modified. In addition, aptamers’ long storage period and low immunogenicity are favorable properties for clinical utility. Due to their flexibility of chemical modification, aptamers are conjugated to other chemical entities including chemotherapeutic agents, siRNA, nanoparticles, and solid phase surfaces for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, as relatively small sized oligonucleotides, aptamers present several challenges for successful clinical translation. Their short plasma half-lives due to nuclease degradation and rapid renal excretion necessitate further structural modification of aptamers for clinical application. Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first aptamer drug, Macugen® (pegaptanib), which treats wet-age-related macular degeneration, several aptamer therapeutics for oncology have followed and shown promise in pre-clinical models as well as clinical trials. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of aptamers and introduces therapeutic aptamers under investigation and in clinical trials for cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Morita
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Macall Leslie
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Hiroyasu Kameyama
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - David E Volk
- McGovern Medical School, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Hermann Pressler, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Takemi Tanaka
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th, BRC-W, Rm 1415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 SL Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu X, Shaikh AB, Yu Y, Li Y, Ni S, Lu A, Zhang G. Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications of Oligonucleotide Aptamers in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091851. [PMID: 28841163 PMCID: PMC5618500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer related deaths in women. Currently, with the development of early detection, increased social awareness and kinds of treatment options, survival rate has improved in nearly every type of breast cancer patients. However, about one third patients still have increased chances of recurrence within five years and the five-year relative survival rate in patients with metastasis is less than 30%. Breast cancer contains multiple subtypes. Each subtype could cause distinct clinical outcomes and systemic interventions. Thereby, new targeted therapies are of particular importance to solve this major clinical problem. Aptamers, often termed “chemical antibodies”, are functionally similar to antibodies and have demonstrated their superiority of recognizing target with high selectivity, affinity and stability. With these intrinsic properties, aptamers have been widely studied in cancer biology and some are in clinical trials. In this review, we will firstly discuss about the global impacts and mechanisms of breast cancer, then briefly highlight applications of aptamers that have been developed for breast cancer and finally summarize various challenges in clinical translation of aptamers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Atik Badshah Shaikh
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Yongshu Li
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Shuaijian Ni
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Henry SP, Narayanan P, Shen L, Bhanot S, Younis HS, Burel SA. Assessment of the Effects of 2'-Methoxyethyl Antisense Oligonucleotides on Platelet Count in Cynomolgus Nonhuman Primates. Nucleic Acid Ther 2017; 27:197-208. [PMID: 28541820 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreases in platelet (PLT) counts observed in nonhuman primates (NHPs) given 2'-O-methoxyethyl modified antisense inhibitors (2'-MOE ASOs) have been reported, but the incidence and severity of the change vary considerably between sequences, studies, and animals. This article will broadly illustrate the spectrum of effects on PLT count in NHPs. From queries of an NHP safety database representing over 102 independent 2'-MOE ASOs, from 61 studies and >2200 NHPs, two patterns of PLT changes emerged. The first is a consistent and reproducible decrease in group mean values, observed with about 30% of the compounds, in which PLT count typically remains ≥150K cells/μL. The second is a sporadic decrease in PLTs to <50K cells/μL (2%-4% incidence at doses >5 mg/kg) that is often not reproducible. In both cases, the reduction in PLT count is dose dependent and reversible. The human relevance of PLT change observed in NHPs was investigated using ISIS 404173. In a chronic NHP study (20 mg/kg/wk for 26 weeks), a gradual decrease in group mean PLT count was observed at ≥10 mg/kg/wk, which plateaued by 13 weeks generally within the normal range and was maintained through 26 weeks of treatment. However, PLT counts <50K cells/μL occurred in 1 of 16 NHP at 10 mg/kg/wk and 3 of 16 NHP at 20 mg/kg/wk. In a 26-week double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial, 62 patients were treated with 200 mg/wk ISIS 404173 (∼3.3 mg/kg/wk) there was an increased incidence of PLT count >30% decreased compared to baseline but no incidence of PLT <75K cells/μL. Based on these data, the consistent, self-limiting PLT reduction seen in NHP may translate to humans, but these changes appear to be of limited clinical significance. However, NHPs appear to overpredict the incidence of sporadic PLT <50K cells/μL compared to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Henry
- Development, IONIS Pharmaceuticals , Carlsbad, California
| | | | - Lijiang Shen
- Development, IONIS Pharmaceuticals , Carlsbad, California
| | - Sanjay Bhanot
- Development, IONIS Pharmaceuticals , Carlsbad, California
| | - Husam S Younis
- Development, IONIS Pharmaceuticals , Carlsbad, California
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers, often termed 'chemical antibodies', are functionally comparable to traditional antibodies, but offer several advantages, including their relatively small physical size, flexible structure, quick chemical production, versatile chemical modification, high stability and lack of immunogenicity. In addition, many aptamers are internalized upon binding to cellular receptors, making them useful targeted delivery agents for small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs and conventional drugs. However, several crucial factors have delayed the clinical translation of therapeutic aptamers, such as their inherent physicochemical characteristics and lack of safety data. This Review discusses these challenges, highlighting recent clinical developments and technological advances that have revived the impetus for this promising class of therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiehua Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - John Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Benedetto G, Vestal CG, Richardson C. Aptamer-Functionalized Nanoparticles as "Smart Bombs": The Unrealized Potential for Personalized Medicine and Targeted Cancer Treatment. Target Oncol 2016; 10:467-85. [PMID: 25989948 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-015-0371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Conventional delivery of chemotherapeutic agents leads to multiple systemic side effects and toxicity, limiting the doses that can be used. The development of targeted therapies to selectively deliver anti-cancer agents to tumor cells without damaging neighboring unaffected cells would lead to higher effective local doses and improved response rates. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to target molecules with both high affinity and high specificity. The high specificity exhibited by aptamers promotes localization and uptake by specific cell populations, such as tumor cells, and their conjugation to anti-cancer drugs has been explored for targeted therapy. Advancements in the development of polymeric nanoparticles allow anti-cancer drugs to be encapsulated in protective nonreactive shells for controlled drug delivery with reduced toxicity. The conjugation of aptamers to nanoparticle-based therapeutics may further enhance direct targeting and personalized medicine. Here we present how the combinatorial use of aptamer and nanoparticle technologies has the potential to develop "smart bombs" for targeted cancer treatment, highlighting recent pre-clinical studies demonstrating efficacy for the direct targeting to particular tumor cell populations. However, despite these pre-clinical promising results, there has been little progress in moving this technology to the bedside.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Benedetto
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, 1902 University City Blvd., Woodward Hall Room 386B, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA.
| | - C Greer Vestal
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, 1902 University City Blvd., Woodward Hall Room 386B, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA.
| | - Christine Richardson
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, 1902 University City Blvd., Woodward Hall Room 386B, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
van Meer L, Moerland M, Gallagher J, van Doorn MBA, Prens EP, Cohen AF, Rissmann R, Burggraaf J. Injection site reactions after subcutaneous oligonucleotide therapy. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 82:340-51. [PMID: 27061947 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides (ONs) are short fragments of nucleic acids, currently being investigated as therapeutic agents. When administered subcutaneously (sc), ONs cause a specific local reaction originating around the injection site, such as erythema, itching, discomfort and pain, including more severe manifestations such as ulceration or necrosis. These injection site reactions (ISRs) are common, but rather poorly described in the literature. With this review, we aim to provide an overview on the extent of the problem of ISRs, based on reported incidence. A structured literature search was performed to identify reported incidence and clinical features of ISRs which yielded 70 manuscripts that contained information regarding ISRs. The data from literature was combined with data on file available at our institution. All sc administered ONs described in the literature lead to the occurrence of ISRs. The percentage of trial subjects that developed ISRs ranged from 22 to 100% depending on ON. The majority of ONs caused ISRs in more than 70% of the trial subjects. The severity of the observed reactions varied between different ONs. Occurrence rate as well as severity of ISRs increases with higher doses. For chemistry and target of the compounds, no clear association regarding ISR incidence or severity was identified. All ONs developed to date are associated with ISRs. Overcoming the problem of ISRs might add greatly to the potential success of sc-administered ONs. Knowledge of these skin reactions and their specific immunostimulatory properties should be increased in order to obtain ONs that are more suitable for long-term use and clinically applicable in a broader patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Errol P Prens
- Department of Dermatology Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam
| | - Adam F Cohen
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Childs-Disney JL, Parkesh R, Nakamori M, Thornton CA, Disney MD. Rational design of bioactive, modularly assembled aminoglycosides targeting the RNA that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1. ACS Chem Biol 2012; 7:1984-93. [PMID: 23130637 DOI: 10.1021/cb3001606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused when an expanded r(CUG) repeat (r(CUG)(exp)) binds the RNA splicing regulator muscleblind-like 1 protein (MBNL1) as well as other proteins. Previously, we reported that modularly assembled small molecules displaying a 6'-N-5-hexynoate kanamycin A RNA-binding module (K) on a peptoid backbone potently inhibit the binding of MBNL1 to r(CUG)(exp). However, these parent compounds are not appreciably active in cell-based models of DM1. The lack of potency was traced to suboptimal cellular permeability and localization. To improve these properties, second-generation compounds that are conjugated to a d-Arg(9) molecular transporter were synthesized. These modified compounds enter cells in higher concentrations than the parent compounds and are efficacious in cell-based DM1 model systems at low micromolar concentrations. In particular, they improve three defects that are the hallmarks of DM1: a translational defect due to nuclear retention of transcripts containing r(CUG)(exp); pre-mRNA splicing defects due to inactivation of MBNL1; and the formation of nuclear foci. The best compound in cell-based studies was tested in a mouse model of DM1. Modest improvement of pre-mRNA splicing defects was observed. These studies suggest that a modular assembly approach can afford bioactive compounds that target RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Childs-Disney
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps
Way, Jupiter, Florida
33458, United States
| | - Raman Parkesh
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps
Way, Jupiter, Florida
33458, United States
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department
of Neurology, University of Rochester,
Rochester, New York 14642,
United States
| | - Charles A. Thornton
- Department
of Neurology, University of Rochester,
Rochester, New York 14642,
United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps
Way, Jupiter, Florida
33458, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sonobe Y, Li H, Jin S, Kishida S, Kadomatsu K, Takeuchi H, Mizuno T, Suzumura A. Midkine inhibits inducible regulatory T cell differentiation by suppressing the development of tolerogenic dendritic cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:2602-11. [PMID: 22323540 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, reportedly contributes to inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. We previously showed that MK aggravates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by decreasing regulatory CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells (Tregs), a population that regulates the development of autoimmune responses, although the precise mechanism remains uncertain. In this article, we show that MK produced in inflammatory conditions suppresses the development of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCregs), which drive the development of inducible Treg. MK suppressed DCreg-mediated expansion of the CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg population. DCregs expressed significantly higher levels of CD45RB and produced significantly less IL-12 compared with conventional dendritic cells. However, MK downregulated CD45RB expression and induced IL-12 production by reducing phosphorylated STAT3 levels via src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-2 in DCreg. Inhibiting MK activity with anti-MK RNA aptamers, which bind to the targeted protein to suppress the function of the protein, increased the numbers of CD11c(low)CD45RB(+) dendritic cells and Tregs in the draining lymph nodes and suppressed the severity of EAE, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Our results also demonstrated that MK was produced by inflammatory cells, in particular, CD4(+) T cells under inflammatory conditions. Taken together, these results suggest that MK aggravates EAE by suppressing DCreg development, thereby impairing the Treg population. Thus, MK is a promising therapeutic target for various autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Sonobe
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that fold into defined architectures and bind to targets such as proteins. In binding proteins they often inhibit protein–protein interactions and thereby may elicit therapeutic effects such as antagonism. Aptamers are discovered using SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), a directed in vitro evolution technique in which large libraries of degenerate oligonucleotides are iteratively and alternately partitioned for target binding. They are then amplified enzymatically until functional sequences are identified by the sequencing of cloned individuals. For most therapeutic purposes, aptamers are truncated to reduce synthesis costs, modified at the sugars and capped at their termini to increase nuclease resistance, and conjugated to polyethylene glycol or another entity to reduce renal filtration rates. The first aptamer approved for a therapeutic application was pegaptanib sodium (Macugen; Pfizer/Eyetech), which was approved in 2004 by the US Food and Drug Administration for macular degeneration. Eight other aptamers are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for various haematology, oncology, ocular and inflammatory indications. Aptamers are ultimately chemically synthesized in a readily scalable process in which specific conjugation points are introduced with defined stereochemistry. Unlike some protein therapeutics, aptamers do not elicit antibodies, and because aptamers generally contain sugars modified at their 2′-positions, Toll-like receptor-mediated innate immune responses are also abrogated. As aptamers are oligonucleotides they can be readily assembled into supramolecular multi-component structures using hybridization. Owing to the fact that binding to appropriate cell-surface targets can lead to internalization, aptamers can also be used to deliver therapeutic cargoes such as small interfering RNA. Supramolecular assemblies of aptamers and delivery agents have already been demonstrated in vivo and may pave the way for further therapeutic strategies with this modality in the future.
Aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences that are capable of recognizing target proteins with an affinity and specificity rivalling that of antibodies. In this article, Keefe and colleagues discuss the development, properties and therapeutic potential of aptamers, highlighting those currently in the clinic. Nucleic acid aptamers can be selected from pools of random-sequence oligonucleotides to bind a wide range of biomedically relevant proteins with affinities and specificities that are comparable to antibodies. Aptamers exhibit significant advantages relative to protein therapeutics in terms of size, synthetic accessibility and modification by medicinal chemistry. Despite these properties, aptamers have been slow to reach the marketplace, with only one aptamer-based drug receiving approval so far. A series of aptamers currently in development may change how nucleic acid therapeutics are perceived. It is likely that in the future, aptamers will increasingly find use in concert with other therapeutic molecules and modalities.
Collapse
|
16
|
Johansen P, Storni T, Rettig L, Qiu Z, Der-Sarkissian A, Smith KA, Manolova V, Lang KS, Senti G, Müllhaupt B, Gerlach T, Speck RF, Bot A, Kündig TM. Antigen kinetics determines immune reactivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:5189-94. [PMID: 18362362 PMCID: PMC2278203 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0706296105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A current paradigm in immunology is that the strength of T cell responses is governed by antigen dose, localization, and costimulatory signals. This study investigates the influence of antigen kinetics on CD8 T cell responses in mice. A fixed cumulative antigen dose was administered by different schedules to produce distinct dose-kinetics. Antigenic stimulation increasing exponentially over days was a stronger stimulus for CD8 T cells and antiviral immunity than a single dose or multiple dosing with daily equal doses. The same was observed for dendritic cell vaccination, with regard to T cell and anti-tumor responses, and for T cells stimulated in vitro. In conclusion, stimulation kinetics per se was shown to be a separate parameter of immunogenicity. These findings warrant a revision of current immunization models and have implications for vaccine development and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pål Johansen
- *Unit Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tazio Storni
- *Unit Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lorna Rettig
- *Unit Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zhiyong Qiu
- MannKind Corporation, 28903 North Avenue Paine, Valencia, CA 91355
| | | | - Kent A. Smith
- MannKind Corporation, 28903 North Avenue Paine, Valencia, CA 91355
| | - Vania Manolova
- Cytos Biotechnology, Wagistrasse 25, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Karl S. Lang
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela Senti
- *Unit Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Trials Center, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Tilman Gerlach
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Roberto F. Speck
- **Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Bot
- MannKind Corporation, 28903 North Avenue Paine, Valencia, CA 91355
| | - Thomas M. Kündig
- *Unit Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang JH, Hendry BM, Sharpe CC. Silencing genes in the kidney: antisense or RNA interference? Nephrol Dial Transplant 2008; 23:2115-8. [PMID: 18326563 PMCID: PMC2441770 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfn095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
18
|
Abstract
Defining translational research is still a complex task. In oncology, translational research implies using our basic knowledge learnt from in vitro and in vivo experiments to directly improve diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches in cancer patients. Moreover, the better understanding of human cancer and its use to design more reliable tumor models and more accurate experimental systems also has to be considered a good example of translational research. The identification and characterization of new molecular markers and the discovery of novel targeted therapies are two main goals in colorectal cancer translational research. However, the straightforward translation of basic research findings, specifically into colorectal cancer treatment and vice versa is still underway. In the present paper, a summarized view of some of the new available approaches on colorectal cancer translational research is provided. Pros and cons are discussed for every approach exposed.
Collapse
|
19
|
Martínez Gómez JM, Fischer S, Csaba N, Kündig TM, Merkle HP, Gander B, Johansen P. A protective allergy vaccine based on CpG- and protamine-containing PLGA microparticles. Pharm Res 2007; 24:1927-35. [PMID: 17541735 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-007-9318-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2007] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) requires dozens of subcutaneous injections over 3 to 5 years in order to control IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, which is a T-helper 2 (Th2)-associated pathology. This study investigates the use of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles combined with immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG), as well as protamine in SIT. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prepared microparticle formulations with the major allergen of bee venom, phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and analyzed the effect of co-encapsulated or admixed CpG in both naïve and bee venom allergic mice. RESULTS Mice immunized with microparticles containing only PLA2 induced weak antibody responses. In contrast, the combination with CpG resulted in strong PLA2-specific antibody responses. The presence of CpG was required for the induction of the Th1-associated isotype IgG2a, and the titers of IgG2a in sensitized mice correlated with a better protection against an allergen challenge. The effect of CpG was further strengthened when protamine was co-encapsulated for complexation of CpG. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that allergen-specific immunotherapy with a PLGA-based allergen-delivery system in combination with CpG enhanced the induction of protective IgG2a immune responses. This may improve SIT compliance and shorten its duration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Martínez Gómez
- Unit for Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Alcon V, Baca-Estrada M, Vega-Lopez M, Willson P, Babiuk LA, Kumar P, Hecker R, Foldvari M. Mucosal delivery of bacterial antigens and CpG oligonucleotides formulated in biphasic lipid vesicles in pigs. AAPS JOURNAL 2005; 7:E566-71. [PMID: 16353934 PMCID: PMC2751259 DOI: 10.1208/aapsj070357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ineffectiveness of simple delivery of soluble antigens to mucosal membranes for immunization has stimulated extensive studies of strategies for appropriate delivery systems and adjuvants. Biphasic lipid vesicles are formulations suitable for the delivery of proteins, peptides, and oligo/polynucleotides. The purpose of these studies was to investigate the ability of biphasic lipid vesicles (as vaccine-targeting adjuvants) containing a bacterial antigen and unmethylated oligonucleotides containing CGdinucleotides - CpG motifs (CpG ODNs) to induce systemic and mucosal immune responses in pigs. Results showed that while the protein, either alone or with CpG ODNs, did not induce mucosal immune responses, administration of antigen and CpG ODNs in biphasic lipid vesicles resulted in induction of both systemic and local antibody responses after immunization using a combined mucosal/systemic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Alcon
- />Department of Pharmaceutics/Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, S7N 5C9 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
- />Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | | | - Marco Vega-Lopez
- />Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Philip Willson
- />Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Lorne A. Babiuk
- />Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Praveen Kumar
- />PharmaDerm Laboratories Ltd, Innovation Place Research Park, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | | | - Marianna Foldvari
- />Department of Pharmaceutics/Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, S7N 5C9 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
| |
Collapse
|