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Yu B, Chen Y, Yan Y, Lu X, Zhu B. DNA-terminus-dependent transcription by T7 RNA polymerase and its C-helix mutants. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:8443-8453. [PMID: 38979568 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae593] [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] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The remarkable success of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines has underscored their potential as a novel biotechnology platform for vaccine development and therapeutic protein delivery. However, the single-subunit RNA polymerase from bacteriophage T7 widely used for in vitro transcription is well known to generate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by-products that strongly stimulate the mammalian innate immune response. The dsRNA was reported to be originated from self-templated RNA extension or promoter-independent transcription. Here, we identified that the primary source of the full-length dsRNA during in vitro transcription is the DNA-terminus-initiated transcription by T7 RNA polymerase. Guanosines or cytosines at the end of DNA templates enhance the DNA-terminus-initiated transcription. Moreover, we found that aromatic residues located at position 47 in the C-helix lead to a significant reduction in the production of full-length dsRNA. As a result, the mRNA synthesized using the T7 RNA polymerase G47W mutant exhibits higher expression efficiency and lower immunogenicity compared to the mRNA produced using the wild-type T7 RNA polymerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Xueling Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
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2
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Greig JA, Jennis M, Dandekar A, Chorazeczewski JK, Param N, So M, Nayal M, Bell P, Coughlan K, Choi M, Giangrande PH, Martini PGV, Wilson JM. Lipid Nanoparticle mRNA Therapy Improves Survival and Reduces Serum Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Mouse Models of Maple Syrup Urine Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2024. [PMID: 39001827 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2024.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Jennis
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aditya Dandekar
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joanna K Chorazeczewski
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nesteene Param
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meardey So
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mohamad Nayal
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Coughlan KA, Eybye M, Henderson N, DeAntonis CM, Frassetto A, Hanahoe E, Ketova T, Jacquinet E, Presnyak V, Jain R, Marshall J, Martini PGV. Improved therapeutic efficacy in two mouse models of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) using a second-generation mRNA therapy. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 143:108560. [PMID: 39121792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Isolated methylmalonic acidemia/aciduria (MMA) due to MMUT enzyme deficiency is an ultra-rare pediatric disease with high morbidity and mortality, with no approved disease-altering therapies. Previous publications showed that systemic treatment with a codon-optimized mRNA encoding wild-type human MMUT (MMUT) is a promising strategy for treatment of MMA. We developed a second-generation drug product, mRNA-3705, comprised of an mRNA encoding the MMUT enzyme formulated in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) with incorporation of enhancements over the previous clinical candidate mRNA-3704. Both drug products produced functional MMUT in rat livers when dosed IV, and showed long-term safety and efficacy in two mouse models of MMA. mRNA-3705 produced 2.1-3.4-fold higher levels of hepatic MMUT protein expression than the first-generation drug product mRNA-3704 when given at an identical dose level, which resulted in greater and more sustained reductions in plasma methylmalonic acid. The data presented herein provide comprehensive preclinical pharmacology to support the clinical development of mRNA-3705.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Erin Hanahoe
- Rare Diseases, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ruchi Jain
- Rare Diseases, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - John Marshall
- Rare Diseases, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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4
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MalagodaPathiranage K, Banerjee R, Martin CT. A new approach to RNA synthesis: immobilization of stably and functionally co-tethered promoter DNA and T7 RNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae599. [PMID: 39011885 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Current approaches to RNA synthesis/manufacturing require substantial (and incomplete) purification post-synthesis. We have previously demonstrated the synthesis of RNA from a complex in which T7 RNA polymerase is tethered to promoter DNA. In the current work, we extend this approach to demonstrate an extremely stable system of functional co-tethered complex to a solid support. Using the system attached to magnetic beads, we carry out more than 20 rounds of synthesis using the initial polymerase-DNA construct. We further demonstrate the wide utility of this system in the synthesis of short RNA, a CRISPR guide RNA, and a protein-coding mRNA. In all cases, the generation of self-templated double stranded RNA (dsRNA) impurities are greatly reduced, by both the tethering itself and by the salt-tolerance that local co-tethering provides. Transfection of the mRNA into HEK293T cells shows a correlation between added salt in the transcription reaction (which inhibits RNA rebinding that generates RNA-templated extensions) and significantly increased expression and reduced innate immune stimulation by the mRNA reaction product. These results point in the direction of streamlined processes for synthesis/manufacturing of high-quality RNA of any length, and at greatly reduced costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruptanu Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Craig T Martin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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5
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Boman J, Marušič T, Seravalli TV, Skok J, Pettersson F, Nemec KŠ, Widmark H, Sekirnik R. Quality by design approach to improve quality and decrease cost of in vitro transcription of mRNA using design of experiments. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 39014536 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
In vitro transcription (IVT) reaction is an RNA polymerase-catalyzed production of messenger RNA (mRNA) from DNA template, and the unit operation with highest cost of goods in the mRNA drug substance production process. To decrease the cost of mRNA production, reagents should be optimally utilized. Due to the catalytic, multicomponent nature of the IVT reaction, optimization is a multi-factorial problem, ideally suited to design-of-experiment approach for optimization and identification of design space. We derived a data-driven model of the IVT reaction and explored factors that drive process yield (in g/L), including impact of nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) concentration and Mg:NTP ratio on reaction yield and how to optimize the main cost drivers RNA polymerase and DNA template, while minimizing dsRNA formation, a critical quality attribute in mRNA products. We report a methodological approach to derive an optimum reaction design, with which cost efficiency of the reaction was improved by 44%. We demonstrate the validity of the model on mRNA construct of different lengths. Finally, we maximized the yield of the IVT reaction to 24.9 ± 1.5 g/L in batch, thus doubling the highest ever reported IVT yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Boman
- Sartorius Stedim Data Analytics AB, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tjaša Marušič
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Janja Skok
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | - Rok Sekirnik
- Sartorius BIA Separations d.o.o., Sartorius Company, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
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6
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Dong Y, Wang J, Chen L, Chen H, Dang S, Li F. Aptamer-based assembly systems for SARS-CoV-2 detection and therapeutics. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6830-6859. [PMID: 38829187 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00774j] [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: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotide chains with molecular recognition properties. Compared with antibodies, aptamers show advantages given that they are readily produced via chemical synthesis and elicit minimal immunogenicity in biomedicine applications. Notably, aptamer-encoded nucleic acid assemblies further improve the binding affinity of aptamers with the targets due to their multivalent synergistic interactions. Specially, aptamers can be engineered with special topological arrangements in nucleic acid assemblies, which demonstrate spatial and valence matching towards antigens on viruses, thus showing potential in the detection and therapeutic applications of viruses. This review presents the recent progress on the aptamers explored for SARS-CoV-2 detection and infection treatment, wherein applications of aptamer-based assembly systems are introduced in detail. Screening methods and chemical modification strategies for aptamers are comprehensively summarized, and the types of aptamers employed against different target domains of SARS-CoV-2 are illustrated. The evolution of aptamer-based assembly systems for the detection and neutralization of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the construction principle and characteristics of aptamer-based DNA assemblies are demonstrated. The typically representative works are presented to demonstrate how to assemble aptamers rationally and elaborately for specific applications in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and neutralization. Finally, we provide deep insights into the current challenges and future perspectives towards aptamer-based nucleic acid assemblies for virus detection and neutralization in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Jingping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Haonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Shuangbo Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
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7
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Moradian H, Schwestka M, Roch T, Gossen M. Deconvolution of synthetic mRNA expression: Nucleoside chemistry alters translatability. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10622. [PMID: 39036083 PMCID: PMC11256140 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advances in the production of in vitro transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) facilitate its clinical use as well as its application in basic research. In this regard, numerous chemical modifications, which are not naturally observed in endogenous mRNA, have been implemented primarily to address the issue of immunogenicity and improve its biological performance. However, recent findings suggested pronounced differences between expression levels of IVT-mRNAs with different nucleoside modifications in transfected cells. Given the multistep process of IVT-mRNA delivery and subsequent intracellular expression, it is unclear which step is influenced by IVT-mRNA chemistry. Here, we deconvolute this process and show that the nucleoside modification does not interfere with complexation of carriers, their physicochemical properties, and extracellular stability, as exemplified by selected modifications. The immediate effect of mRNA chemistry on the efficiency of ribosomal protein synthesis as a contributor to differences in expression was quantified by in vitro cell-free translation. Our results demonstrate that for the nucleoside modifications tested, translatability was the decisive step in determining overall protein production. Also of special importance for future work on rational selection of tailored synthetic mRNA chemistries, our findings set a workflow to identify potentially limiting, modification-dependent steps in the complex delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Moradian
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz‐Zentrum HereonTeltowGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT)BerlinGermany
| | - Marko Schwestka
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz‐Zentrum HereonTeltowGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT)BerlinGermany
| | - Toralf Roch
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT)BerlinGermany
- CheckImmune GmbH, Campus Virchow KlinikumBerlinGermany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz‐Zentrum HereonTeltowGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT)BerlinGermany
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8
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Piao X, Tang Y, Li X, Zhang W, Yang W, Xu X, Wang W, Jiang J, Xu J, Hu K, Xu M, Liu M, Sun M, Jin L. Supercoiled DNA percentage: A key in-process control of linear DNA template for mRNA drug substance manufacturing. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102223. [PMID: 38948330 PMCID: PMC11214521 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The development of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and therapeutics necessitates the production of high-quality in vitro-transcribed mRNA drug substance with specific critical quality attributes (CQAs), which are closely tied to the uniformity of linear DNA template. The supercoiled plasmid DNA is the precursor to the linear DNA template, and the supercoiled DNA percentage is commonly regarded as a key in-process control (IPC) during the manufacturing of linear DNA template. In this study, we investigate the influence of supercoiled DNA percentage on key mRNA CQAs, including purity, capping efficiency, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and distribution of poly(A) tail. Our findings reveal a significant impact of supercoiled DNA percentage on mRNA purity and in vitro transcription yield. Notably, we observe that the impact on mRNA purity can be mitigated through oligo-dT chromatography, alleviating the tight range of DNA supercoiled percentage to some extent. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into IPC strategies for DNA template chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and process development for mRNA drug substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Piao
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- Wuhan CATUG Biotechnology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yujie Tang
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Xiuzhi Li
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Weicheng Zhang
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Wuhan CATUG Biotechnology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xining Xu
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jiajia Jiang
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jun Xu
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Kunkun Hu
- Wuhan CATUG Biotechnology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Meiling Xu
- Wuhan CATUG Biotechnology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mengjie Liu
- Wuhan CATUG Biotechnology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mengfei Sun
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Lin Jin
- CATUG Biotechnology, Suzhou 215000, China
- Wuhan CATUG Biotechnology, Wuhan 430074, China
- CATUG Inc, Cambridge, MA 02141, United States
- CATUG Life Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
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9
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Wolf MA, O'Hara JM, Bitzer GJ, Narayanan E, Boehm DT, Bevere JR, DeJong MA, Hall JM, Wong TY, Falcone S, Deal CE, Richards A, Green S, Nguyen B, King E, Ogega C, Russo L, Sen-Kilic E, Plante O, Himansu S, Barbier M, Carfi A, Damron FH. Multivalent mRNA-DTP vaccines are immunogenic and provide protection from Bordetella pertussis challenge in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:103. [PMID: 38858423 PMCID: PMC11164898 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00890-4] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acellular multivalent vaccines for pertussis (DTaP and Tdap) prevent symptomatic disease and infant mortality, but immunity to Bordetella pertussis infection wanes significantly over time resulting in cyclic epidemics of pertussis. The messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine platform provides an opportunity to address complex bacterial infections with an adaptable approach providing Th1-biased responses. In this study, immunogenicity and challenge models were used to evaluate the mRNA platform with multivalent vaccine formulations targeting both B. pertussis antigens and diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. Immunization with mRNA formulations were immunogenetic, induced antigen specific antibodies, as well as Th1 T cell responses. Upon challenge with either historical or contemporary B. pertussis strains, 6 and 10 valent mRNA DTP vaccine provided protection equal to that of 1/20th human doses of either DTaP or whole cell pertussis vaccines. mRNA DTP immunized mice were also protected from pertussis toxin challenge as measured by prevention of lymphocytosis and leukocytosis. Collectively these pre-clinical mouse studies illustrate the potential of the mRNA platform for multivalent bacterial pathogen vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Allison Wolf
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Graham J Bitzer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Dylan T Boehm
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Justin R Bevere
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Megan A DeJong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jesse M Hall
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ting Y Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emel Sen-Kilic
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | | | - Mariette Barbier
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - F Heath Damron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
- Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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10
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Curry E, Sedelnikova S, Rafferty J, Hulley M, Pohle M, Muir G, Brown A. Expanding the RNA polymerase biocatalyst solution space for mRNA manufacture. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2400012. [PMID: 39031865 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202400012] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
All mRNA products are currently manufactured in in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions that utilize single-subunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) biocatalysts. Although it is known that discrete polymerases exhibit highly variable bioproduction phenotypes, including different relative processivity rates and impurity generation profiles, only a handful of enzymes are generally available for mRNA biosynthesis. This limited RNAP toolbox restricts strategies to design and troubleshoot new mRNA manufacturing processes, which is particularly undesirable given the continuing diversification of mRNA product lines toward larger and more complex molecules. Herein, we describe development of a high-throughput RNAP screening platform, comprising complementary in silico and in vitro testing modules, that enables functional characterization of large enzyme libraries. Utilizing this system, we identified eight novel sequence-diverse RNAPs, with associated active cognate promoters, and subsequently validated their performance as recombinant enzymes in IVT-based mRNA production processes. By increasing the number of available characterized functional RNAPs by more than 130% and providing a platform to rapidly identify further potentially useful enzymes, this work significantly expands the RNAP biocatalyst solution space for mRNA manufacture, thereby enhancing the capability for application-specific and molecule-specific optimization of both product yield and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Curry
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - John Rafferty
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Melinda Pohle
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - George Muir
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Adam Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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11
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Shuptrine CW, Chen Y, Miriyala J, Lenz K, Moffett D, Nguyen TA, Michaux J, Campbell K, Smith C, Morra M, Rivera-Molina Y, Murr N, Cooper S, McGuire A, Makani V, Oien N, Zugates JT, de Silva S, Schreiber TH, de Picciotto S, Fromm G. Lipid-Encapsulated mRNAs Encoding Complex Fusion Proteins Potentiate Antitumor Immune Responses. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1550-1559. [PMID: 38381555 PMCID: PMC11094416 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2875] [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] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA has been used for in vivo production of several secreted protein classes, such as IgG, and has enabled the development of personalized vaccines in oncology. Establishing the feasibility of delivering complex multispecific modalities that require higher-order structures important for their function could help expand the use of mRNA/LNP biologic formulations. Here, we evaluated whether in vivo administration of mRNA/LNP formulations of SIRPα-Fc-CD40L and TIGIT-Fc-LIGHT could achieve oligomerization and extend exposure, on-target activity, and antitumor responses comparable with that of the corresponding recombinant fusion proteins. Intravenous infusion of the formulated LNP-encapsulated mRNAs led to rapid and sustained production of functional hexameric proteins in vivo, which increased the overall exposure relative to the recombinant protein controls by ∼28 to 140 fold over 96 hours. High concentrations of the mRNA-encoded proteins were also observed in secondary lymphoid organs and within implanted tumors, with protein concentrations in tumors up to 134-fold greater than with the recombinant protein controls 24 hours after treatment. In addition, SIRPα-Fc-CD40L and TIGIT-Fc-LIGHT mRNAs induced a greater increase in antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the tumors. These mRNA/LNP formulations were well tolerated and led to a rapid increase in serum and intratumoral IL2, delayed tumor growth, extended survival, and outperformed the activities of benchmark mAb controls. Furthermore, the mRNA/LNPs demonstrated improved efficacy in combination with anti-PD-L1 relative to the recombinant fusion proteins. These data support the delivery of complex oligomeric biologics as mRNA/LNP formulations, where high therapeutic expression and exposure could translate into improved patient outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA can efficiently encode complex fusion proteins encompassing immune checkpoint blockers and costimulators that functionally oligomerize in vivo with extended pharmacokinetics and durable exposure to induce potent antitumor immunity.
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12
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Baek R, Coughlan K, Jiang L, Liang M, Ci L, Singh H, Zhang H, Kaushal N, Rajlic IL, Van L, Dimen R, Cavedon A, Yin L, Rice L, Frassetto A, Guey L, Finn P, Martini PGV. Characterizing the mechanism of action for mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of propionic acidemia, methylmalonic acidemia, and phenylketonuria. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3804. [PMID: 38714648 PMCID: PMC11076592 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47460-9] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics delivered via lipid nanoparticles hold the potential to treat metabolic diseases caused by protein deficiency, including propionic acidemia (PA), methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), and phenylketonuria (PKU). Herein we report results from multiple independent preclinical studies of mRNA-3927 (an investigational treatment for PA), mRNA-3705 (an investigational treatment for MMA), and mRNA-3210 (an investigational treatment for PKU) in murine models of each disease. All 3 mRNA therapeutics exhibited pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) responses in their respective murine model by driving mRNA, protein, and/or protein activity responses, as well as by decreasing levels of the relevant biomarker(s) when compared to control-treated animals. These preclinical data were then used to develop translational PK/PD models, which were scaled allometrically to humans to predict starting doses for first-in-human clinical studies for each disease. The predicted first-in-human doses for mRNA-3927, mRNA-3705, and mRNA-3210 were determined to be 0.3, 0.1, and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena Baek
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Lei Jiang
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Min Liang
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lei Ci
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Harkewal Singh
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hannah Zhang
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Neeraj Kaushal
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Linh Van
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Rain Dimen
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Ling Yin
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lisa Rice
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Lin Guey
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Patrick Finn
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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13
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Kim HS, Halabi EA, Enbergs N, Kohler RH, Fei F, Garris CS, Weissleder R. A non-lipid nucleic acid delivery vector with dendritic cell tropism and stimulation. Theranostics 2024; 14:2934-2945. [PMID: 38773971 PMCID: PMC11103498 DOI: 10.7150/thno.95267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Nucleic acid constructs are commonly used for vaccination, immune stimulation, and gene therapy, but their use in cancer still remains limited. One of the reasons is that systemic delivery to tumor-associated antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells and macrophages) is often inefficient, while off-target nucleic acid-sensing immune pathways can stimulate systemic immune responses. Conversely, certain carbohydrate nanoparticles with small molecule payloads have been shown to target these cells efficiently in the tumor microenvironment. Yet, nucleic acid incorporation into such carbohydrate-based nanoparticles has proven challenging. Methods: We developed a novel approach using cross-linked bis succinyl-cyclodextrin (b-s-CD) nanoparticles to efficiently deliver nucleic acids and small-molecule immune enhancer to phagocytic cells in tumor environments and lymph nodes. Our study involved incorporating these components into the nanoparticles and assessing their efficacy in activating antigen-presenting cells. Results: The multi-modality immune stimulators effectively activated antigen-presenting cells and promoted anti-tumor immunity in vivo. This was evidenced by enhanced delivery to phagocytic cells and subsequent immune response activation in tumor environments and lymph nodes. Conclusion: Here, we describe a new approach to incorporating both nucleic acids and small-molecule immune enhancers into cross-linked bis succinyl-cyclodextrin (b-s-CD) nanoparticles for efficient delivery to phagocytic cells in tumor environments and lymph nodes in vivo. These multi-modality immune stimulators can activate antigen-presenting cells and foster anti-tumor immunity. We argue that this strategy can potentially be used to enhance anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ralph Weissleder
- ✉ Corresponding author: R. Weissleder, MD, PhD. Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA, 02114. 617-726-8226;
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14
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Wang Q, Bu C, Dai Q, Chen J, Zhang R, Zheng X, Ren H, Xin X, Li X. Recent Progress in Nucleic Acid Pulmonary Delivery toward Overcoming Physiological Barriers and Improving Transfection Efficiency. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309748. [PMID: 38460157 PMCID: PMC11095210 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309748] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary delivery of therapeutic agents has been considered the desirable administration route for local lung disease treatment. As the latest generation of therapeutic agents, nucleic acid has been gradually developed as gene therapy for local diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and lung fibrosis. The features of nucleic acid, specific physiological structure, and pathophysiological barriers of the respiratory tract have strongly affected the delivery efficiency and pulmonary bioavailability of nucleic acid, directly related to the treatment outcomes. The development of pharmaceutics and material science provides the potential for highly effective pulmonary medicine delivery. In this review, the key factors and barriers are first introduced that affect the pulmonary delivery and bioavailability of nucleic acids. The advanced inhaled materials for nucleic acid delivery are further summarized. The recent progress of platform designs for improving the pulmonary delivery efficiency of nucleic acids and their therapeutic outcomes have been systematically analyzed, with the application and the perspectives of advanced vectors for pulmonary gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparation and ExcipientsNanjing210009China
| | - Chaozhi Bu
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxi214002China
| | - Qihao Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparation and ExcipientsNanjing210009China
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Ruitao Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparation and ExcipientsNanjing210009China
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Xiaomin Zheng
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalAffiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxi214002China
| | - Hao Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, Department of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009China
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
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15
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Yuan X, Wu Z, Guo J, Luo D, Li T, Cao Q, Ren X, Fang H, Xu D, Cao Y. Natural Wood-Derived Macroporous Cellulose for Highly Efficient and Ultrafast Elimination of Double-Stranded RNA from In Vitro-Transcribed mRNA. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303321. [PMID: 37540501 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a major impurity that can induce innate immune responses and cause adverse drug reactions. Removing dsRNA is an essential and non-trivial process in manufacturing mRNA. Current methods for dsRNA elimination use either high-performance liquid chromatography or microcrystalline cellulose, rendering the process complex, expensive, toxic, and/or time-consuming. This study introduces a highly efficient and ultrafast method for dsRNA elimination using natural wood-derived macroporous cellulose (WMC). With a naturally formed large total pore area and low tortuosity, WMC removes up to 98% dsRNA within 5 min. This significantly shortens the time for mRNA purification and improves purification efficiency. WMC can also be filled into chromatographic columns of different sizes and integrates with fast-protein liquid chromatography for large-scale mRNA purification to meet the requirements of mRNA manufacture. This study further shows that WMC purification improves the enhanced green fluorescent protein mRNA expression efficiency by over 28% and significantly reduces cytokine secretion and innate immune responses in the cells. Successfully applying WMC provides an ultrafast and efficient platform for mRNA purification, enabling large-scale production with significant cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiushuang Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhanfeng Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular, Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dengwang Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Tianyao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Qinghao Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiangyu Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Han Fang
- Bisheng Biotech Company, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dawei Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuhong Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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16
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Popova PG, Lagace MA, Tang G, Blakney AK. Effect of in vitro transcription conditions on yield of high quality messenger and self-amplifying RNA. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114247. [PMID: 38462138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114247] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 produced using in vitro transcription (IVT) were clinically approved in 2020 and 2022, respectively. While the industrial production of mRNA using IVT has been extensively optimized, the optimal conditions for saRNA have been explored to a lesser extent. Most T7 polymerase IVT protocols have been specifically optimized for mRNA which is ∼5-10-fold smaller than saRNA and may have profound effects on both the quality and yield of longer transcripts. Here, we optimized IVT conditions for simultaneously increasing the yield of full-length transcripts and reducing dsRNA formation through Design of Experiments. Using a definitive screening approach, we found that the key parameters are temperature and magnesium in the outcome of RNA quality (% full length transcript) and yield in small scale synthesis. The most important parameter for reducing dsRNA formation for both mRNA and saRNA was Mg2+ concentration (10 mM). We observed that a lower temperature was vital for production of high quality saRNA transcripts. mRNA quality was optimal at higher Mg2+ concentration (>40 mM). High quality transcripts correspond to significantly reduced product yield for saRNA, but not for mRNA. The differences between mRNA and saRNA requirements for high quality product and the relationship between high quality large saRNA molecules and low temperature synthesis have not been reported previously. These findings are key for informing future IVT parameters design and optimization for smaller and larger RNA transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya G Popova
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa A Lagace
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - George Tang
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna K Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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17
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Son S, Park M, Kim J, Lee K. ACE mRNA (Additional Chimeric Element incorporated IVT mRNA) for Enhancing Protein Expression by Modulating Immunogenicity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307541. [PMID: 38447169 PMCID: PMC11095206 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307541] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The development of in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA)-based therapeutics/vaccines depends on the management of IVT mRNA immunogenicity. IVT mRNA, which is used for intracellular protein translation, often triggers unwanted immune responses, interfering with protein expression and leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy. Currently, the predominant approach for mitigating immune responses involves the incorporation of costly chemically modified nucleotides like pseudouridine (Ψ) or N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) into IVT mRNA, raising concerns about expense and the potential misincorporation of amino acids into chemically modified codon sequences. Here, an Additional Chimeric Element incorporated mRNA (ACE mRNA), a novel approach incorporating two segments within a single IVT mRNA structure, is introduced. The first segment retains conventional IVT mRNA components prepared with unmodified nucleotides, while the second, comprised of RNA/DNA chimeric elements, aims to modulate immunogenicity. Notably, ACE mRNA demonstrates a noteworthy reduction in immunogenicity of unmodified IVT mRNA, concurrently demonstrating enhanced protein expression efficiency. The reduced immune responses are based on the ability of RNA/DNA chimeric elements to restrict retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated immune activation. The developed ACE mRNA shows great potential in modulating the immunogenicity of IVT mRNA without the need for chemically modified nucleotides, thereby advancing the safety and efficacy of mRNA-based therapeutics/vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sora Son
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
| | - Minsa Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuGyeongsangnam‐do52828Republic of Korea
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18
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Bicknell AA, Reid DW, Licata MC, Jones AK, Cheng YM, Li M, Hsiao CJ, Pepin CS, Metkar M, Levdansky Y, Fritz BR, Andrianova EA, Jain R, Valkov E, Köhrer C, Moore MJ. Attenuating ribosome load improves protein output from mRNA by limiting translation-dependent mRNA decay. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114098. [PMID: 38625793 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114098] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing an effective mRNA therapeutic often requires maximizing protein output per delivered mRNA molecule. We previously found that coding sequence (CDS) design can substantially affect protein output, with mRNA variants containing more optimal codons and higher secondary structure yielding the highest protein outputs due to their slow rates of mRNA decay. Here, we demonstrate that CDS-dependent differences in translation initiation and elongation rates lead to differences in translation- and deadenylation-dependent mRNA decay rates, thus explaining the effect of CDS on mRNA half-life. Surprisingly, the most stable and highest-expressing mRNAs in our test set have modest initiation/elongation rates and ribosome loads, leading to minimal translation-dependent mRNA decay. These findings are of potential interest for optimization of protein output from therapeutic mRNAs, which may be achieved by attenuating rather than maximizing ribosome load.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David W Reid
- Moderna, Inc, 325 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Yi Min Cheng
- Moderna, Inc, 325 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mengying Li
- Moderna, Inc, 325 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Mihir Metkar
- Moderna, Inc, 325 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yevgen Levdansky
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brian R Fritz
- Moderna, Inc, 325 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Ruchi Jain
- Moderna, Inc, 325 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Eugene Valkov
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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19
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Wang Y, Li L, Sutton AT, Tu Q, Zhao K, Wen E, Osborn J, Singh A, Gunsch MJ, Rustandi RR, Foley D, He Y. Development of a capillary zone electrophoresis method to monitor magnesium ion consumption during in vitro transcription for mRNA production. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05242-8. [PMID: 38594392 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines represent a landmark in vaccinology, especially with their success in COVID-19 vaccines, which have shown great promise for future vaccine development and disease prevention. As a platform technology, synthetic mRNA can be produced with high fidelity using in vitro transcription (IVT). Magnesium plays a vital role in the IVT process, facilitating the phosphodiester bond formation between adjacent nucleotides and ensuring accurate transcription to produce high-quality mRNA. The development of the IVT process has prompted key inquiries about in-process characterization of magnesium ion (Mg++) consumption, relating to the RNA polymerase (RNAP) activation, fed-batch mode production yield, and mRNA quality. Hence, it becomes crucial to monitor the free Mg++ concentration throughout the IVT process. However, no free Mg++ analysis method has been reported for complex IVT reactions. Here we report a robust capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method with indirect UV detection. The assay allows accurate quantitation of free Mg++ for the complex IVT reaction where it is essential to preserve IVT samples in their native-like state during analysis to avoid dissociation of bound Mg complexes. By applying this CZE method, the relationships between free Mg++ concentration, the mRNA yield, and dsRNA impurity level were investigated. Such mechanistic understanding facilitates informed decisions regarding the quantity and timing of feeding starting materials to increase the yield. Furthermore, this approach can serve as a platform method for analyzing the free Mg++ in complex sample matrices where preserving the native-like state of Mg++ binding is key for accurate quantitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA.
| | - Li Li
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA.
| | - Adam T Sutton
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Qiang Tu
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Kaixi Zhao
- Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Emily Wen
- Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - James Osborn
- Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Andrew Singh
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Matthew J Gunsch
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | | | - David Foley
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Yu He
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
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20
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Nievergelt P, Berliat F, McAuley KE, Dorgan CR, van Well RM, Thorn A, Spingler B. RNA oligomers at atomic resolution containing 1-methylpseudouridine, an essential building block of mRNA vaccines. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300600. [PMID: 38235959 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300600] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
All widely used mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 contain in their sequence 1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) instead of uridine. In this publication, we report two high resolution crystal structures (at up to 1.01 and 1.32 Å, respectively) of one such double-stranded 12-mer RNA sequence crystallized in two crystal forms. The structures are compared with similar structures which do not contain this modification. Additionally, the X-ray structure of 1-methyl-pseudouridine itself was determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Nievergelt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Berliat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Colin R Dorgan
- Biosynth Limited, Compton, Berkshire, RG20 6NE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Thorn
- Institut für Nanostruktur und Festkörperphysik, Universität Hamburg, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Spingler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Bitounis D, Jacquinet E, Rogers MA, Amiji MM. Strategies to reduce the risks of mRNA drug and vaccine toxicity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:281-300. [PMID: 38263456 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles is a transformative technology that has enabled the rapid development and administration of billions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses worldwide. However, avoiding unacceptable toxicity with mRNA drugs and vaccines presents challenges. Lipid nanoparticle structural components, production methods, route of administration and proteins produced from complexed mRNAs all present toxicity concerns. Here, we discuss these concerns, specifically how cell tropism and tissue distribution of mRNA and lipid nanoparticles can lead to toxicity, and their possible reactogenicity. We focus on adverse events from mRNA applications for protein replacement and gene editing therapies as well as vaccines, tracing common biochemical and cellular pathways. The potential and limitations of existing models and tools used to screen for on-target efficacy and de-risk off-target toxicity, including in vivo and next-generation in vitro models, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bitounis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Liu C, Liu J, Xue W, Wang Z, Li X. Tumor-activated IL-2 mRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 368:663-675. [PMID: 38492862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.016] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) exhibits the unique capacity to modulate immune functions, potentially exerting antitumor effects by stimulating immune responses, making it highly promising for immunotherapy. However, the clinical use of recombinant IL-2 protein faces significant limitations due to its short half-life and systemic toxicity. To overcome these challenges and fully exploit IL-2's potential in tumor immunotherapy, this study reports the development of a tumor-activated IL-2 mRNA, delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Initially, ionizable lipid U-101 derived nanoparticles (U-101-LNP) were prepared using microfluidic technology. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo delivery tests demonstrated that U-101-LNP achieved more effective transfection than the approved ALC-0315-LNP. Following this, IL-2F mRNAs, encoding fusion proteins comprising IL-2, a linker, and CD25 (IL-2Rα), were designed and synthesized through in vitro transcription. A cleavable linker, consisting of the peptide sequence SGRSEN↓IRTA, was selected for cleavage by matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14). IL-2F mRNA was then encapsulated in U-101-LNP to create U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA complexes. After optimization, assessments of expression efficiency, masking, and release characteristics revealed that IL-2F with linker C4 demonstrated superior performance. Finally, the antitumor activity of IL-2F mRNA was evaluated. The results indicated that U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA achieved the strongest antitumor effect, with an inhibition rate of 70.3%. Immunohistochemistry observations revealed significant expressions of IL-2, IFN-γ, and CD8, suggesting an up-regulation of immunomodulation in tumor tissues. This effect could be ascribed to the expression of IL-2F, followed by the cleavage of the linker under the action of MMP-14 in tumor tissue, which sustainably releases IL-2. H&E staining of tissues treated with U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA showed no abnormalities. Further evaluations indicated that the U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA group maintained proper levels of inflammatory factors without obvious alterations in liver and renal functions. Taken together, the U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA formulation demonstrated effective antitumor activity and safety, which suggests potential applicability in clinical immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Yanhao Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Jinyu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Wenliang Xue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Zihao Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Xinsong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China.
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23
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Hassett KJ, Rajlic IL, Bahl K, White R, Cowens K, Jacquinet E, Burke KE. mRNA vaccine trafficking and resulting protein expression after intramuscular administration. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102083. [PMID: 38161733 PMCID: PMC10755037 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The mRNA vaccine route from injection site to critical immunologic tissues, as well as the localization of protein antigen following intramuscular (i.m.) administration, is crucial to generating an effective immune response. Here, we quantified mRNA at the injection site, lymph nodes, and in select tissues. mRNA was primarily present 24 h after administration and then rapidly degraded from local and systemic tissues. Histological analyses of mRNA and expressed protein at the site of administration and in the lymph nodes following i.m. administration of our vaccine in rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs) were completed, and mRNA and protein expression were detected in tissue resident and infiltrating immune cells at the injection site. In addition, high levels of protein expression were observed within subcapsular and medullary sinus macrophages in draining lymph nodes. More important, results were similar between rodents and NHPs, indicating cross-species similarities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kapil Bahl
- Orbital Therapeutics, 21 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rebecca White
- ReNAgade Therapeutics, 640 Memorial Drive, Suite 2300, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kristen Cowens
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Eric Jacquinet
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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24
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Allen JD, Ross TM. mRNA vaccines encoding computationally optimized hemagglutinin elicit protective antibodies against future antigenically drifted H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses isolated between 2018-2020. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1334670. [PMID: 38533508 PMCID: PMC10963417 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1334670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The implementation of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has successfully validated the safety and efficacy of the platform, while at the same time revealing the potential for their applications against other infectious diseases. Traditional seasonal influenza vaccines often induce strain specific antibody responses that offer limited protection against antigenically drifted viruses, leading to reduced vaccine efficacy. Modern advances in viral surveillance and sequencing have led to the development of in-silico methodologies for generating computationally optimized broadly reactive antigens (COBRAs) to improve seasonal influenza vaccines. Methods In this study, immunologically naïve mice were intramuscularly vaccinated with mRNA encoding H1 and H3 COBRA hemagglutinins (HA) or wild-type (WT) influenza HAs encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Results Mice vaccinated with H1 and H3 COBRA HA-encoding mRNA vaccines generated robust neutralizing serum antibody responses against more antigenically distinct contemporary and future drifted H1N1 and H3N2 influenza strains than those vaccinated with WT H1 and H3 HA-encoding mRNA vaccines. The H1 and H3 COBRA HA-encoding mRNA vaccines also prevented influenza illness, including severe disease in the mouse model against H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. Conclusions This study highlights the potential benefits of combining universal influenza antigen design technology with modern vaccine delivery platforms and exhibits how these vaccines can be advantageous over traditional WT vaccine antigens at eliciting superior protective antibody responses against a broader number of influenza virus isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Allen
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port Saint Lucie, FL, United States
| | - Ted M Ross
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port Saint Lucie, FL, United States
- Department of Infection Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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25
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Kubara K, Yamazaki K, Miyazaki T, Kondo K, Kurotaki D, Tamura T, Suzuki Y. Lymph node macrophages drive innate immune responses to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of mRNA vaccines. Mol Ther 2024; 32:704-721. [PMID: 38243602 PMCID: PMC10928146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.020] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines are promising for cancer treatment. Efficient delivery of mRNAs encoding tumor antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is critical to elicit anti-tumor immunity. Herein, we identified a novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, L17-F05, for mRNA vaccines by screening 34 ionizable lipids and 28 LNP formulations using human primary APCs. Subcutaneous delivery of L17-F05 mRNA vaccine encoding Gp100 and Trp2 inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of mice bearing B16F10 melanoma. L17-F05 efficiently delivered mRNAs to conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and macrophages in draining lymph nodes (dLNs). cDCs functioned as the main APCs by presenting antigens along with enhanced expression of co-stimulatory molecules. Macrophages triggered innate immune responses centered on type-I interferon (IFN-I) in dLNs. Lymph node (LN) macrophage depletion attenuated APC maturation and anti-tumor activity of L17-F05 mRNA vaccines. Loss-of-function studies revealed that L17-F05 works as a self-adjuvant by activating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway in macrophages. Collectively, the self-adjuvanticity of L17-F05 triggered innate immune responses in LN macrophages via the STING-IFN-I pathway, contributing to APC maturation and potent anti-tumor activity of L17-F05 mRNA vaccines. Our findings provide strategies for further optimization of mRNA vaccines based on the innate immune response driven by LN macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Kubara
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan; Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Kazuto Yamazaki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Takayuki Miyazaki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Keita Kondo
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kurotaki
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan; Laboratory of Chromatin Organization in Immune Cell Development, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Tamura
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yuta Suzuki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
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26
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Slezak A, Chang K, Hossainy S, Mansurov A, Rowan SJ, Hubbell JA, Guler MO. Therapeutic synthetic and natural materials for immunoengineering. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1789-1822. [PMID: 38170619 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00805c] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Immunoengineering is a rapidly evolving field that has been driving innovations in manipulating immune system for new treatment tools and methods. The need for materials for immunoengineering applications has gained significant attention in recent years due to the growing demand for effective therapies that can target and regulate the immune system. Biologics and biomaterials are emerging as promising tools for controlling immune responses, and a wide variety of materials, including proteins, polymers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, are being developed for this purpose. In this review article, we explore the different types of materials used in immunoengineering applications, their properties and design principles, and highlight the latest therapeutic materials advancements. Recent works in adjuvants, vaccines, immune tolerance, immunotherapy, and tissue models for immunoengineering studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slezak
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Kevin Chang
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Samir Hossainy
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Aslan Mansurov
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Stuart J Rowan
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Mustafa O Guler
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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27
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VanKeulen-Miller R, Fenton OS. Messenger RNA Therapy for Female Reproductive Health. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:393-409. [PMID: 38189262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00803] [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: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has traditionally been an underrepresented area of research in the drug delivery sciences. This disparity is also seen in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics, a class of medicines that promises to treat and prevent disease by upregulating protein expression in the body. Here, we review advances in mRNA therapies through the lens of improving female reproductive health. Specifically, we begin our review by discussing the fundamental structure and biochemical modifications associated with mRNA-based drugs. Then, we discuss various packaging technologies, including lipid nanoparticles, that can be utilized to protect and transport mRNA drugs to target cells in the body. Last, we conclude our review by discussing the usage of mRNA therapy for addressing pregnancy-related health and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases in women. Of note, we also highlight relevant clinical trials using mRNA for female reproductive health while also providing their corresponding National Clinical Trial identifiers. In undertaking this review, our aim is to provide a fundamental background understanding of mRNA therapy and its usage to specifically address female health issues with an overarching goal of providing information toward addressing gender disparity in certain aspects of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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28
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Huang L, Zhao F, He M, Fang Y, Ma X, Lu S, Li E, Xiao H, Zhu H, Wang X, Tang S, Yu B, Wang J, Zhao D, Wang C, Li H, Gao Y, Peng X, Shen H. An inoculation site-retained mRNA vaccine induces robust immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants. J Control Release 2024; 366:479-493. [PMID: 38184234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.002] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutic agents hold great promise in prevention and treatment of human diseases, yet high percentage of systemic adverse effect in clinic remains a big safety concern. One major potential cause is a high level of leakage of the locally inoculated mRNA vaccine nanoparticles into circulation. We have screened and optimized a core-shell structured lipopolyplex (LPP) formulation for mRNA with a tissue-retention property. Upon intramuscular inoculation, the mRNA-encapsulated LPP nanoparticles were preferentially taken up by the phagocytic antigen-presentation cells, and potently promoted dendritic cell maturation. We applied the new formulation to prepare a prophylactic vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, and observed potent humoral and cellular immune responses from the vaccine in both murine models and non-human primates. More importantly, the vaccine demonstrated a benign safety profile in non-human primates, with limited side effects after repeated treatment with high dosages of LPP/mRNA. Taken together, the inoculation site-retained vaccine formulation serves as a promising vehicle for mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China; Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fanfan Zhao
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Muye He
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Shuaiyao Lu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Entao Li
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Hanfei Zhu
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Xueli Wang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Material Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hangwen Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China.
| | - Yuwei Gao
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130122, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China.
| | - Haifa Shen
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai 201206, China.
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29
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Coller J, Ignatova Z. tRNA therapeutics for genetic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:108-125. [PMID: 38049504 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) have a crucial role in protein synthesis, and in recent years, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of genetic diseases - primarily those associated with a mutation altering mRNA translation - has gained significant attention. Engineering tRNAs to readthrough nonsense mutation-associated premature termination of mRNA translation can restore protein synthesis and function. In addition, supplementation of natural tRNAs can counteract effects of missense mutations in proteins crucial for tRNA biogenesis and function in translation. This Review will present advances in the development of tRNA therapeutics with high activity and safety in vivo and discuss different formulation approaches for single or chronic treatment modalities. The field of tRNA therapeutics is still in its early stages, and a series of challenges related to tRNA efficacy and stability in vivo, delivery systems with tissue-specific tropism, and safe and efficient manufacturing need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Coller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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30
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Chan A, Tsourkas A. Intracellular Protein Delivery: Approaches, Challenges, and Clinical Applications. BME FRONTIERS 2024; 5:0035. [PMID: 38282957 PMCID: PMC10809898 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein biologics are powerful therapeutic agents with diverse inhibitory and enzymatic functions. However, their clinical use has been limited to extracellular applications due to their inability to cross plasma membranes. Overcoming this physiological barrier would unlock the potential of protein drugs for the treatment of many intractable diseases. In this review, we highlight progress made toward achieving cytosolic delivery of recombinant proteins. We start by first considering intracellular protein delivery as a drug modality compared to existing Food and Drug Administration-approved drug modalities. Then, we summarize strategies that have been reported to achieve protein internalization. These techniques can be broadly classified into 3 categories: physical methods, direct protein engineering, and nanocarrier-mediated delivery. Finally, we highlight existing challenges for cytosolic protein delivery and offer an outlook for future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Tsourkas
- Department of Bioengineering,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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31
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Desai P, Karl CE, Ying B, Liang CY, Garcia-Salum T, Santana AC, Caten FT, Urban JF, Elbashir SM, Edwards DK, Ribeiro SP, Thackray LB, Sekaly RP, Diamond MS. Intestinal helminth infection impairs vaccine-induced T cell responses and protection against SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.14.575588. [PMID: 38293221 PMCID: PMC10827110 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.14.575588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Although vaccines have reduced COVID-19 disease burden, their efficacy in helminth infection endemic areas is not well characterized. We evaluated the impact of infection by Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb), a murine intestinal hookworm, on the efficacy of an mRNA vaccine targeting the Wuhan-1 spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Although immunization generated similar B cell responses in Hpb-infected and uninfected mice, polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were markedly reduced in Hpb-infected mice. Hpb-infected and mRNA vaccinated mice were protected against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain WA1/2020, but control of lung infection was diminished against an Omicron variant compared to animals immunized without Hpb infection. Helminth mediated suppression of spike-specific CD8+ T cell responses occurred independently of STAT6 signaling, whereas blockade of IL-10 rescued vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell responses. In mice, intestinal helminth infection impairs vaccine induced T cell responses via an IL-10 pathway and compromises protection against antigenically shifted SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritesh Desai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Courtney E. Karl
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Baoling Ying
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chieh-Yu Liang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tamara Garcia-Salum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ana Carolina Santana
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Felipe Ten Caten
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joseph F. Urban
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Services, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics, and Immunology Laboratory, and Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | | | | | - Susan P. Ribeiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Larissa B. Thackray
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rafick P. Sekaly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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32
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Gurung S, Timmermand OV, Perocheau D, Gil-Martinez AL, Minnion M, Touramanidou L, Fang S, Messina M, Khalil Y, Spiewak J, Barber AR, Edwards RS, Pinto PL, Finn PF, Cavedon A, Siddiqui S, Rice L, Martini PGV, Ridout D, Heywood W, Hargreaves I, Heales S, Mills PB, Waddington SN, Gissen P, Eaton S, Ryten M, Feelisch M, Frassetto A, Witney TH, Baruteau J. mRNA therapy corrects defective glutathione metabolism and restores ureagenesis in preclinical argininosuccinic aciduria. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadh1334. [PMID: 38198573 PMCID: PMC7615535 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh1334] [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] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The urea cycle enzyme argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) enables the clearance of neurotoxic ammonia and the biosynthesis of arginine. Patients with ASL deficiency present with argininosuccinic aciduria, an inherited metabolic disease with hyperammonemia and a systemic phenotype coinciding with neurocognitive impairment and chronic liver disease. Here, we describe the dysregulation of glutathione biosynthesis and upstream cysteine utilization in ASL-deficient patients and mice using targeted metabolomics and in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using (S)-4-(3-18F-fluoropropyl)-l-glutamate ([18F]FSPG). Up-regulation of cysteine metabolism contrasted with glutathione depletion and down-regulated antioxidant pathways. To assess hepatic glutathione dysregulation and liver disease, we present [18F]FSPG PET as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to monitor therapeutic response in argininosuccinic aciduria. Human hASL mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles improved glutathione metabolism and chronic liver disease. In addition, hASL mRNA therapy corrected and rescued the neonatal and adult Asl-deficient mouse phenotypes, respectively, enhancing ureagenesis. These findings provide mechanistic insights in liver glutathione metabolism and support clinical translation of mRNA therapy for argininosuccinic aciduria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Gurung
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Dany Perocheau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ana Luisa Gil-Martinez
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Magdalena Minnion
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Loukia Touramanidou
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sherry Fang
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Martina Messina
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Youssef Khalil
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Justyna Spiewak
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Abigail R Barber
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Richard S Edwards
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Patricia Lipari Pinto
- Santa Maria's Hospital, Lisbon North University Hospital Center, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Rice
- Moderna Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Deborah Ridout
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Wendy Heywood
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ian Hargreaves
- Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moore University, Liverpool L3 5UG, UK
| | - Simon Heales
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Philippa B Mills
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Simon N Waddington
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witswatersrand, Braamfontein, 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul Gissen
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Simon Eaton
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mina Ryten
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Martin Feelisch
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | | | - Timothy H Witney
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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33
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Cottrell KA, Andrews RJ, Bass BL. The competitive landscape of the dsRNA world. Mol Cell 2024; 84:107-119. [PMID: 38118451 PMCID: PMC10843539 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.11.033] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The ability to sense and respond to infection is essential for life. Viral infection produces double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that are sensed by proteins that recognize the structure of dsRNA. This structure-based recognition of viral dsRNA allows dsRNA sensors to recognize infection by many viruses, but it comes at a cost-the dsRNA sensors cannot always distinguish between "self" and "nonself" dsRNAs. "Self" RNAs often contain dsRNA regions, and not surprisingly, mechanisms have evolved to prevent aberrant activation of dsRNA sensors by "self" RNA. Here, we review current knowledge about the life of endogenous dsRNAs in mammals-the biosynthesis and processing of dsRNAs, the proteins they encounter, and their ultimate degradation. We highlight mechanisms that evolved to prevent aberrant dsRNA sensor activation and the importance of competition in the regulation of dsRNA sensors and other dsRNA-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Cottrell
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Ryan J Andrews
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brenda L Bass
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Mochida Y, Uchida S. mRNA vaccine designs for optimal adjuvanticity and delivery. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-27. [PMID: 38528828 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2333123] [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] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Adjuvanticity and delivery are crucial facets of mRNA vaccine design. In modern mRNA vaccines, adjuvant functions are integrated into mRNA vaccine nanoparticles, allowing the co-delivery of antigen mRNA and adjuvants in a unified, all-in-one formulation. In this formulation, many mRNA vaccines utilize the immunostimulating properties of mRNA and vaccine carrier components, including lipids and polymers, as adjuvants. However, careful design is necessary, as excessive adjuvanticity and activation of improper innate immune signalling can conversely hinder vaccination efficacy and trigger adverse effects. mRNA vaccines also require delivery systems to achieve antigen expression in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) within lymphoid organs. Some vaccines directly target APCs in the lymphoid organs, while others rely on APCs migration to the draining lymph nodes after taking up mRNA vaccines. This review explores the current mechanistic understanding of these processes and the ongoing efforts to improve vaccine safety and efficacy based on this understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Mochida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki, Japan
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Metkar M, Pepin CS, Moore MJ. Tailor made: the art of therapeutic mRNA design. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:67-83. [PMID: 38030688 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
mRNA medicine is a new and rapidly developing field in which the delivery of genetic information in the form of mRNA is used to direct therapeutic protein production in humans. This approach, which allows for the quick and efficient identification and optimization of drug candidates for both large populations and individual patients, has the potential to revolutionize the way we prevent and treat disease. A key feature of mRNA medicines is their high degree of designability, although the design choices involved are complex. Maximizing the production of therapeutic proteins from mRNA medicines requires a thorough understanding of how nucleotide sequence, nucleotide modification and RNA structure interplay to affect translational efficiency and mRNA stability. In this Review, we describe the principles that underlie the physical stability and biological activity of mRNA and emphasize their relevance to the myriad considerations that factor into therapeutic mRNA design.
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Inagaki M. Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Utilizing Messenger RNA for Regenerative Medicine. J Dev Biol 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 38535481 PMCID: PMC10971469 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic generated interest in the medicinal applications of messenger RNA (mRNA). It is expected that mRNA will be applied, not only to vaccines, but also to regenerative medicine. The purity of mRNA is important for its medicinal applications. However, the current mRNA synthesis techniques exhibit problems, including the contamination of undesired 5'-uncapped mRNA and double-stranded RNA. Recently, our group developed a completely capped mRNA synthesis technology that contributes to the progress of mRNA research. The introduction of chemically modified nucleosides, such as N1-methylpseudouridine and 5-methylcytidine, has been reported by Karikó and Weissman, opening a path for the practical application of mRNA for vaccines and regenerative medicine. Yamanaka reported the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introducing four types of genes using a retrovirus vector. iPSCs are widely used for research on regenerative medicine and the preparation of disease models to screen new drug candidates. Among the Yamanaka factors, Klf4 and c-Myc are oncogenes, and there is a risk of tumor development if these are integrated into genomic DNA. Therefore, regenerative medicine using mRNA, which poses no risk of genome insertion, has attracted attention. In this review, the author summarizes techniques for synthesizing mRNA and its application in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Inagaki
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
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37
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Gurung S, Karamched S, Perocheau D, Seunarine KK, Baldwin T, Alrashidi H, Touramanidou L, Duff C, Elkhateeb N, Stepien KM, Sharma R, Morris A, Hartley T, Crowther L, Grunewald S, Cleary M, Mundy H, Chakrapani A, Batzios S, Davison J, Footitt E, Tuschl K, Lachmann R, Murphy E, Santra S, Uudelepp ML, Yeo M, Finn PF, Cavedon A, Siddiqui S, Rice L, Martini PGV, Frassetto A, Heales S, Mills PB, Gissen P, Clayden JD, Clark CA, Eaton S, Kalber TL, Baruteau J. The incidence of movement disorder increases with age and contrasts with subtle and limited neuroimaging abnormalities in argininosuccinic aciduria. J Inherit Metab Dis 2023. [PMID: 38044746 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is integral to the urea cycle detoxifying neurotoxic ammonia and the nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis cycle. Inherited ASL deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA), a rare disease with hyperammonemia and NO deficiency. Patients present with developmental delay, epilepsy and movement disorder, associated with NO-mediated downregulation of central catecholamine biosynthesis. A neurodegenerative phenotype has been proposed in ASA. To better characterise this neurodegenerative phenotype in ASA, we conducted a retrospective study in six paediatric and adult metabolic centres in the UK in 2022. We identified 60 patients and specifically looked for neurodegeneration-related symptoms: movement disorder such as ataxia, tremor and dystonia, hypotonia/fatigue and abnormal behaviour. We analysed neuroimaging with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an individual with ASA with movement disorders. We assessed conventional and DTI MRI alongside single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) with dopamine analogue radionuclide 123 I-ioflupane, in Asl-deficient mice treated by hASL mRNA with normalised ureagenesis. Movement disorders in ASA appear in the second and third decades of life, becoming more prevalent with ageing and independent from the age of onset of hyperammonemia. Neuroimaging can show abnormal DTI features affecting both grey and white matter, preferentially basal ganglia. ASA mouse model with normalised ureagenesis did not recapitulate these DTI findings and showed normal 123 I-ioflupane SPECT and cerebral dopamine metabolomics. Altogether these findings support the pathophysiology of a late-onset movement disorder with cell-autonomous functional central catecholamine dysregulation but without or limited neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons, making these symptoms amenable to targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Gurung
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Saketh Karamched
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dany Perocheau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kiran K Seunarine
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tom Baldwin
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Haya Alrashidi
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Loukia Touramanidou
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Duff
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nour Elkhateeb
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karolina M Stepien
- Mark Holland Metabolic Unit, Adult Inherited Metabolic Diseases Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Reena Sharma
- Mark Holland Metabolic Unit, Adult Inherited Metabolic Diseases Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Andrew Morris
- Willink Unit, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Hartley
- Willink Unit, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura Crowther
- Willink Unit, Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Maureen Cleary
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen Mundy
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Spyros Batzios
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - James Davison
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma Footitt
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Karin Tuschl
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Robin Lachmann
- Charles Dent Metabolic Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Elaine Murphy
- Charles Dent Metabolic Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Saikat Santra
- Clinical IMD, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Mildrid Yeo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Rice
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Simon Heales
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philippa B Mills
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D Clayden
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher A Clark
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Eaton
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tammy L Kalber
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Stern PL. Is immunotherapy a potential game changer in managing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and intraepithelial neoplasia? Tumour Virus Res 2023; 16:200263. [PMID: 37236509 PMCID: PMC10774942 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2023.200263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The International Papillomavirus Conference was held in Washington DC in April 2023 and encompassed wide ranging basic, clinical and public health research relating to animal and human papillomaviruses. This editorial is a personal reflection, it does not attempt to be comprehensive and reports on some key aspects centred on the prospects for immune interventions in prevention and treatment of HPV infections and early precancers with a focus on cervical neoplasia. There is optimism for the future impact of immunotherapy in treating early HPV associated disease. This will depend on developing an appropriate design of vaccines and delivery vehicles which then need to be properly tested in clinical trials that are able to measure a useful clinical endpoint. Thereafter vaccines (prophylactic or therapeutic) still need global access and sufficient uptake to deliver impact and a key and necessary driver is education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Stern
- Division of Molecular & Clinical Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK.
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Okuyama R. mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Platforms Utilized in COVID-19 Vaccines: Technologies, Ecosystem, and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1737. [PMID: 38140142 PMCID: PMC10748114 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
New technological platforms, such as mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines, have been utilized to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. These new modalities enable rapid and flexible vaccine design and cost-effective and swift manufacturing, effectively combating pandemics caused by mutating viruses. Innovation ecosystems, including universities, startups, investors, and governments are crucial for developing these cutting-edge technologies. This review summarizes the research and development trajectory of these vaccine technologies, their investments, and the support surrounding them, in addition to the technological details of each technology. In addition, this study examines the importance of an innovation ecosystem in developing novel technologies, comparing it with the case of Japan, which has lagged behind in COVID-19 vaccine development. It also explores the direction of vaccine development in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Okuyama
- College of International Management, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu 874-8577, Japan
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40
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Deal CE, Richards AF, Yeung T, Maron MJ, Wang Z, Lai YT, Fritz BR, Himansu S, Narayanan E, Liu D, Koleva R, Licht S, Hsiao CJ, Rajlic IL, Koch H, Kleyman M, Pulse ME, Weiss WJ, Doering JE, Lindberg SK, Mantis NJ, Carfi A, Plante OJ. An mRNA-based platform for the delivery of pathogen-specific IgA into mucosal secretions. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101253. [PMID: 37918405 PMCID: PMC10694625 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101253] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Colonization of the gut and airways by pathogenic bacteria can lead to local tissue destruction and life-threatening systemic infections, especially in immunologically compromised individuals. Here, we describe an mRNA-based platform enabling delivery of pathogen-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) monoclonal antibodies into mucosal secretions. The platform consists of synthetic mRNA encoding IgA heavy, light, and joining (J) chains, packaged in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that express glycosylated, dimeric IgA with functional activity in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, mRNA-derived IgA had a significantly greater serum half-life and a more native glycosylation profile in mice than did a recombinantly produced IgA. Expression of an mRNA encoded Salmonella-specific IgA in mice resulted in intestinal localization and limited Peyer's patch invasion. The same mRNA-LNP technology was used to express a Pseudomonas-specific IgA that protected from a lung challenge. Leveraging the mRNA antibody technology as a means to intercept bacterial pathogens at mucosal surfaces opens up avenues for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ding Liu
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark E Pulse
- HSC College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, TX 76132, USA
| | - William J Weiss
- HSC College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, TX 76132, USA
| | - Jennifer E Doering
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12211, USA
| | - Samantha K Lindberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12211, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
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41
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Kon E, Ad-El N, Hazan-Halevy I, Stotsky-Oterin L, Peer D. Targeting cancer with mRNA-lipid nanoparticles: key considerations and future prospects. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:739-754. [PMID: 37587254 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00811-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to treat patients with cancer has been an ongoing research area that started before these versatile nanoparticles were successfully used as COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, efforts are underway to harness this platform for oncology therapeutics, mainly focusing on cancer vaccines targeting multiple neoantigens or direct intratumoural injections of mRNA-LNPs encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this Review, we describe the opportunities of using mRNA-LNPs in oncology applications and discuss the challenges for successfully translating the findings of preclinical studies of these nanoparticles into the clinic. We critically appraise the potential of various mRNA-LNP targeting and delivery strategies, considering physiological, technological and manufacturing challenges. We explore these approaches in the context of the potential clinical applications best suited to each approach and highlight the obstacles that currently need to be addressed to achieve these applications. Finally, we provide insights from preclinical and clinical studies that are leading to this powerful platform being considered the next frontier in oncology treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edo Kon
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nitay Ad-El
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Hazan-Halevy
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Stotsky-Oterin
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Kackos CM, DeBeauchamp J, Davitt CJH, Lonzaric J, Sealy RE, Hurwitz JL, Samsa MM, Webby RJ. Seasonal quadrivalent mRNA vaccine prevents and mitigates influenza infection. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:157. [PMID: 37828126 PMCID: PMC10570305 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00752-5] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Annually, seasonal influenza is responsible for millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths. The current method for managing influenza is vaccination using a standardized amount of the influenza virus' primary surface antigen, hemagglutinin (HA), as the intended target of the immune response. This vaccination strategy results in vaccines with variable efficacy year to year due to antigenic drift of HA, which can be further exacerbated by manufacturing processes optimizing growth of vaccine virus in eggs. Due to these limitations, alternative vaccine platforms are actively being explored to improve influenza vaccine efficacy, including cell-based, recombinant protein, and mRNA vaccines. mRNA's rapid, in vitro production makes it an appealing platform for influenza vaccination, and the success of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in the clinic has encouraged the development of mRNA vaccines for other pathogens. Here, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a quadrivalent mRNA vaccine encoding HA from four seasonal influenza viruses, A/California/07/2009 (H1N1), A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2), B/Brisbane/60/2008 (B-Victoria lineage), and B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B-Yamagata lineage), was evaluated. In mice, a 120 μg total dose of this quadrivalent mRNA vaccine induced robust antibody titers against each subtype that were commensurate with titers when each antigen was administered alone. Following A/California/04/2009 challenge, mice were fully protected from morbidity and mortality, even at doses as low as 1 μg of each antigen. Additionally, a single administration of 10 μg of quadrivalent mRNA was sufficient to prevent weight loss caused by A/California/04/2009. These results support the promise of this mRNA vaccine for prevention and mitigation of influenza vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Kackos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer DeBeauchamp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Robert E Sealy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Julia L Hurwitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Richard J Webby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Anastassiadis T, Köhrer C. Ushering in the era of tRNA medicines. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105246. [PMID: 37703991 PMCID: PMC10583094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long viewed as an intermediary in protein translation, there is a growing awareness that tRNAs are capable of myriad other biological functions linked to human health and disease. These emerging roles could be tapped to leverage tRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, or even as novel medicines. Furthermore, the growing array of tRNA-derived fragments, which modulate an increasingly broad spectrum of cellular pathways, is expanding this opportunity. Together, these molecules offer drug developers the chance to modulate the impact of mutations and to alter cell homeostasis. Moreover, because a single therapeutic tRNA can facilitate readthrough of a genetic mutation shared across multiple genes, such medicines afford the opportunity to define patient populations not based on their clinical presentation or mutated gene but rather on the mutation itself. This approach could potentially transform the treatment of patients with rare and ultrarare diseases. In this review, we explore the diverse biology of tRNA and its fragments, examining the past and present challenges to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecules and their therapeutic potential.
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Muslimov A, Tereshchenko V, Shevyrev D, Rogova A, Lepik K, Reshetnikov V, Ivanov R. The Dual Role of the Innate Immune System in the Effectiveness of mRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14820. [PMID: 37834268 PMCID: PMC10573212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914820] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic. The concept of nucleic acid therapy with mRNA originated in 1990 when Wolff et al. reported successful expression of proteins in target organs by direct injection of either plasmid DNA or mRNA. It took decades to bring the transfection efficiency of mRNA closer to that of DNA. The next few decades were dedicated to turning in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA from a promising delivery tool for gene therapy into a full-blown therapeutic modality, which changed the biotech market rapidly. Hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway using mRNA for prophylaxis and therapy of infectious diseases and cancers, in regenerative medicine, and genome editing. The potential of IVT mRNA to induce an innate immune response favors its use for vaccination and immunotherapy. Nonetheless, in non-immunotherapy applications, the intrinsic immunostimulatory activity of mRNA directly hinders the desired therapeutic effect since it can seriously impair the target protein expression. Targeting the same innate immune factors can increase the effectiveness of mRNA therapeutics for some indications and decrease it for others, and vice versa. The review aims to present the innate immunity-related 'barriers' or 'springboards' that may affect the development of immunotherapies and non-immunotherapy applications of mRNA medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Muslimov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Daniil Shevyrev
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Anna Rogova
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Saint-Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University, Professora Popova 14, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
- School of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, Lomonosova 9, 191002 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
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45
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Zhang A, Ji Q, Sheng X, Wu H. mRNA vaccine in gastrointestinal tumors: Immunomodulatory effects and immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115361. [PMID: 37660645 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115361] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumors remain a significant healthcare burden worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. mRNA vaccines have emerged as a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, harnessing the immune system's potential to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. mRNA vaccines offer several advantages, including their ability to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses, ease of production, and adaptability to different tumor types. In the context of gastrointestinal tumors, mRNA vaccines hold great potential as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will delve into the immunomodulatory mechanisms and immunotherapy strategies of mRNA vaccines in gastrointestinal tumors. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and ongoing research efforts in optimizing mRNA vaccine development, delivery, and stability. By understanding the potential of mRNA vaccines in addressing the unmet medical need of gastrointestinal tumors, we aim to pave the way for improved treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qingming Ji
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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46
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Feng X, Su Z, Cheng Y, Ma G, Zhang S. Messenger RNA chromatographic purification: advances and challenges. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1707:464321. [PMID: 37639849 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464321] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) technologies have shown great potential in prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic medicines due to their adaptability, rapidity, efficacy, and safety. The purity of mRNA determines the efficacy and safety of mRNA drugs. Though chromatographic technologies are currently employed in mRNA purification, they are facing challenges, mainly arising from the large size, relatively simple chemical composition, instability, and high resemblance of by-products to the target mRNA. In this review, we will first make a comprehensive analysis of physiochemical properties differences between mRNA and proteins, then the major challenges facing in mRNA purification and general considerations are highlighted. A detailed summary of the state-of-arts in mRNA chromatographic purification will be provided, which are mainly classified into physicochemical property-based (size, charge, and hydrophobicity) and chemical structure-based (phosphate backbone, bases, cap structure, and poly A tail) technologies. Efforts in eliminating dsRNA byproducts via post in vitro transcript (IVT) purification and by manipulating the IVT process to reduce the generation of dsRNA are highlighted. Finally, a brief summary of the current status of chromatographic purification of the emerging circular mRNA (circRNA) is provided. We hope this review will provide some useful guidance for the Quality by Design (QbD) of mRNA downstream process development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Monash Suzhou Research Institute, Monash University, SIP, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Monash Suzhou Research Institute, Monash University, SIP, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Guanghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Songping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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47
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Bakrania A, Mo Y, Zheng G, Bhat M. RNA nanomedicine in liver diseases. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00569. [PMID: 37725757 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of RNA nanomedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the expansive therapeutic potential of this field in diverse disease contexts. In recent years, RNA nanomedicine targeting the liver has been paradigm-shifting in the management of metabolic diseases such as hyperoxaluria and amyloidosis. RNA nanomedicine has significant potential in the management of liver diseases, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, doses titrated to liver metabolism, and personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest. In this review, we discuss in-depth the different types of RNA and nanocarriers used for liver targeting along with their specific applications in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancers. We further highlight the strategies for cell-specific delivery and future perspectives in this field of research with the emergence of small activating RNA, circular RNA, and RNA base editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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48
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Stewart-Jones GBE, Elbashir SM, Wu K, Lee D, Renzi I, Ying B, Koch M, Sein CE, Choi A, Whitener B, Garcia-Dominguez D, Henry C, Woods A, Ma L, Montes Berrueta D, Avena LE, Quinones J, Falcone S, Hsiao CJ, Scheaffer SM, Thackray LB, White P, Diamond MS, Edwards DK, Carfi A. Domain-based mRNA vaccines encoding spike protein N-terminal and receptor binding domains confer protection against SARS-CoV-2. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadf4100. [PMID: 37703353 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adf4100] [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] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
With the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019, strategies can now focus on improving vaccine potency, breadth, and stability. We designed and evaluated domain-based mRNA vaccines encoding the wild-type spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) or N-terminal domain (NTD) alone or in combination. An NTD-RBD-linked candidate vaccine, mRNA-1283, showed improved antigen expression, antibody responses, and stability at refrigerated temperatures (2° to 8°C) compared with the clinically available mRNA-1273, which encodes the full-length spike protein. In BALB/c mice administered mRNA-1283 as a primary series, booster, or variant-specific booster, similar or greater immune responses from viral challenge were observed against wild-type, beta, delta, or omicron (BA.1) viruses compared with mRNA-1273-immunized mice, especially at lower vaccine dosages. K18-hACE2 mice immunized with mRNA-1283 or mRNA-1273 as a primary series demonstrated similar degrees of protection from challenge with SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants at all vaccine dosages. These results support clinical assessment of mRNA-1283, which has now entered clinical trials (NCT05137236).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Wu
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Diana Lee
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Baoling Ying
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | | | | | - Bradley Whitener
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Suzanne M Scheaffer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Larissa B Thackray
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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49
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Ronk AJ, Lloyd NM, Zhang M, Atyeo C, Perrett HR, Mire CE, Hastie KM, Sanders RW, Brouwer PJM, Saphire EO, Ward AB, Ksiazek TG, Alvarez Moreno JC, Thaker HM, Alter G, Himansu S, Carfi A, Bukreyev A. A Lassa virus mRNA vaccine confers protection but does not require neutralizing antibody in a guinea pig model of infection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5603. [PMID: 37699929 PMCID: PMC10497546 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus is a member of the Arenaviridae family, which causes human infections ranging from asymptomatic to severe hemorrhagic disease with a high case fatality rate. We have designed and generated lipid nanoparticle encapsulated, modified mRNA vaccines that encode for the wild-type Lassa virus strain Josiah glycoprotein complex or the prefusion stabilized conformation of the Lassa virus glycoprotein complex. Hartley guinea pigs were vaccinated with two 10 µg doses, 28 days apart, of either construct. Vaccination induced strong binding antibody responses, specific to the prefusion conformation of glycoprotein complex, which were significantly higher in the prefusion stabilized glycoprotein complex construct group and displayed strong Fc-mediated effects. However, Lassa virus-neutralizing antibody activity was detected in some but not all animals. Following the challenge with a lethal dose of the Lassa virus, all vaccinated animals were protected from death and severe disease. Although the definitive mechanism of protection is still unknown, and assessment of the cell-mediated immune response was not investigated in this study, these data demonstrate the promise of mRNA as a vaccine platform against the Lassa virus and that protection against Lassa virus can be achieved in the absence of virus-neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Ronk
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
| | - Nicole M Lloyd
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
| | - Caroline Atyeo
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, 02139, US
| | - Hailee R Perrett
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology California Campus, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US
| | - Chad E Mire
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
| | - Kathryn M Hastie
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US
| | - Rogier W Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Philip J M Brouwer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Erica Olmann Saphire
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology California Campus, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, US
| | - Thomas G Ksiazek
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
| | | | - Harshwardhan M Thaker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US
| | - Galit Alter
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, 02139, US
| | | | | | - Alexander Bukreyev
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US.
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, US.
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50
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Ramirez F, Zambrano A, Hennis R, Holland N, Lakshmanaswamy R, Chacon J. Sending a Message: Use of mRNA Vaccines to Target the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1465. [PMID: 37766141 PMCID: PMC10534833 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While cancer immunotherapies have become central to treatment, challenges associated with the ability of tumors to evade the immune system remain significant obstacles. At the heart of this issue is the tumor immune microenvironment, the complex interplay of the tumor microenvironment and the immune response. Recent advances in mRNA cancer vaccines represent major progress towards overcoming some of the challenges posed by deleterious components of the tumor immune microenvironment. Indeed, major breakthroughs in mRNA vaccine technology, such as the use of replacement nucleotides and lipid nanoparticle delivery, led to the vital success of mRNA vaccine technology in fighting COVID-19. This has in turn generated massive additional interest and investment in the platform. In this review, we detail recent research in the nature of the tumor immune microenvironment and in mRNA cancer vaccines and discuss applications by which mRNA cancer vaccines, often in combination with various adjuvants, represent major areas of potential in overcoming tumor immune microenvironment-imposed obstacles. To this end, we also review current mRNA cancer vaccine clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Ramirez
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (F.R.); (A.Z.); (R.H.); (N.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Angelica Zambrano
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (F.R.); (A.Z.); (R.H.); (N.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Robert Hennis
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (F.R.); (A.Z.); (R.H.); (N.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Nathan Holland
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (F.R.); (A.Z.); (R.H.); (N.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Rajkumar Lakshmanaswamy
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (F.R.); (A.Z.); (R.H.); (N.H.); (R.L.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jessica Chacon
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (F.R.); (A.Z.); (R.H.); (N.H.); (R.L.)
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