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Li Y, Ashuo A, Hao M, Li Y, Ye J, Liu J, Hua T, Fang Z, Li J, Yuan Z, Chen J. An extracellular humanized IFNAR immunocompetent mouse model for analyses of human interferon alpha and subtypes. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2287681. [PMID: 37994664 PMCID: PMC10810641 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2287681] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) have key roles in immune defense and treatments for various diseases, including chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. All IFN-Is signal through a shared IFN-I heterodimeric receptor complex comprising IFN-α receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and IFNAR2 subunits, but differences in antiviral and immunomodulatory responses among IFN-I subtypes remain largely unknown. Because the IFN-IFNAR interactions are species-specific, mice exhibit weak responses to human IFN-I. To more fully characterize the actions of human IFN-α and its subtypes in vivo, a gene targeting strategy was employed to generate gene knock-in mice with extracellular-humanized IFNAR1/2 (IFNAR-hEC) in the C57BL/6N strain. IFNAR-hEC mice actively responded to human IFN-I, and endogenous mouse IFN-I signalling remained active in heterozygous mice (IfnarhEC/+). Analyses of IFNAR-hEC mice and isolated cells showed that human IFN-α2 and α14 subtypes exerted differential effect on the activation of JAK-STAT signalling and immune responses. Compared with IFN-α2, IFN-α14 induced greater activation of STAT1/2 and IFN-stimulated genes, synergistically elicited IFN-α and -γ signalling, and induced higher numbers of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Moreover, IFNAR-hEC mice with HBV replication displayed long-term viral suppression upon treatment with the clinically-used PEGylated hIFN-α2. These results indicate that IFNAR-hEC mice may be useful for elucidating antiviral and immunomodulatory functions of human IFN-Is and for conducting preclinical studies. A better understanding of the distinct activities of IFN-α subtypes can provide insights concerning the development of improved IFN-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Asha Ashuo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Menghan Hao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaming Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiangxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Hua
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jieliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Hu X, Enbar T, Tang L. Delivery approaches of immunomodulatory nucleic acids for cancer therapy. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 89:103182. [PMID: 39178725 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103182] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have made remarkable public health contributions during the pandemic and initiated a new era for nucleic acid-based therapeutics. With the unique strength of nucleic acids, including not only mRNA but also DNA, microRNA, small interfering RNA (siRNA), and other nucleic acids, either in tuning off genes or introducing function, nucleic acid therapeutics have been regarded as potential candidates for the treatment of many different diseases, especially for the immunomodulation in cancer. However, the scope of the applications was limited by the challenges in delivery due to intrinsic properties of nucleic acids including low stability, immunogenicity, and toxicity. Bioengineering approaches toward efficient and targeted delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids have gained momentum in clinical applications in the past few decades. Recent advances in the biotechnological approaches for the delivery of mRNA, siRNA, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas for immunomodulatory are promising alternatives in designing future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Hu
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tom Enbar
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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3
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Tapescu I, Madsen PJ, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG, Bagley SJ, Fan Y, Brem S. The transformative potential of mRNA vaccines for glioblastoma and human cancer: technological advances and translation to clinical trials. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1454370. [PMID: 39399167 PMCID: PMC11466887 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1454370] [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: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally devised for cancer control, mRNA vaccines have risen to the forefront of medicine as effective instruments for control of infectious disease, notably their pivotal role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This review focuses on fundamental aspects of the development of mRNA vaccines, e.g., tumor antigens, vector design, and precise delivery methodologies, - highlighting key technological advances. The recent, promising success of personalized mRNA vaccines against pancreatic cancer and melanoma illustrates the potential value for other intractable, immunologically resistant, solid tumors, such as glioblastoma, as well as the potential for synergies with a combinatorial, immunotherapeutic approach. The impact and progress in human cancer, including pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer are reviewed, as are lessons learned from first-in-human CAR-T cell, DNA and dendritic cell vaccines targeting glioblastoma. Going forward, a roadmap is provided for the transformative potential of mRNA vaccines to advance cancer immunotherapy, with a particular focus on the opportunities and challenges of glioblastoma. The current landscape of glioblastoma immunotherapy and gene therapy is reviewed with an eye to combinatorial approaches harnessing RNA science. Preliminary preclinical and clinical data supports the concept that mRNA vaccines could be a viable, novel approach to prolong survival in patients with glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Tapescu
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Peter J. Madsen
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Pedro R. Lowenstein
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maria G. Castro
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stephen J. Bagley
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yi Fan
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Steven Brem
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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4
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Ghemrawi R, Abuamer L, Kremesh S, Hussien G, Ahmed R, Mousa W, Khoder G, Khair M. Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Recent Advances in Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2158. [PMID: 39335671 PMCID: PMC11429153 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092158] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach in oncology, utilizing the body's immune system to specifically target and destroy malignant cells. This review explores the scope and impact of various immunotherapeutic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, checkpoint inhibitors, cytokine therapy, and therapeutic vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies, such as Rituximab and Trastuzumab, have revolutionized treatment paradigms for lymphoma and breast cancer by offering targeted interventions that reduce off-target effects. CAR-T cell therapy presents a potentially curative option for refractory hematologic malignancies, although challenges remain in effectively treating solid tumors. Checkpoint inhibitors have redefined the management of cancers like melanoma and lung cancer; however, managing immune-related adverse events and ensuring durable responses are critical areas of focus. Cytokine therapy continues to play a vital role in modulating the immune response, with advancements in cytokine engineering improving specificity and reducing systemic toxicity. Therapeutic vaccines, particularly mRNA-based vaccines, represent a frontier in personalized cancer treatment, aiming to generate robust, long-lasting immune responses against tumor-specific antigens. Despite these advancements, the field faces significant challenges, including immune resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Future research should address these obstacles through emerging technologies, such as next-generation antibodies, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-based gene editing, and AI-driven drug discovery. By integrating these novel approaches, cancer immunotherapy holds the promise of offering more durable, less toxic, and highly personalized treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Ghemrawi
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lama Abuamer
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sedra Kremesh
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghadeer Hussien
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahaf Ahmed
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Walaa Mousa
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghalia Khoder
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceuticals Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mostafa Khair
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
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Ohta N, Matsuzaki T, Nakai M, Tabata Y, Nimura K. Combining mRNA with PBS and calcium ions improves the efficiency of the transfection of mRNA into tumors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102273. [PMID: 39184192 PMCID: PMC11342175 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
mRNA is a promising modality for expressing a protein in vivo. Drug delivery systems are required for the efficient transfection of mRNA into cells. In this study, we evaluated several drug delivery systems for transfecting mRNA into tumors. A lipid nanoparticle delivered mRNA to the draining lymph nodes and liver, even by intratumoral injection. A liposome-based system did not consistently provide mRNA for different types of tumor cells. We found that PBS introduced mRNA into several tumors, and calcium ions enhanced the efficiency, particularly in male mice. The circular dichroism spectrometer suggested a structural change in mRNA in PBS. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that calcium ions promoted the formation of mRNA nanoparticles in PBS. Transfection of mRNAs coding OX40-ligand, interleukin (IL)-36γ, and IL-23 by PBS + calcium ions attenuated tumor growth. Our results indicate that combining PBS with calcium ions promotes the transfection of mRNA into tumors. These data provide information for the development of methods for transfection of mRNA for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Ohta
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Department of Genome Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuzaki
- Department of DDS Pharmaceutical Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Nakai
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Department of Genome Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Tabata
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nimura
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Department of Genome Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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6
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Li Z, Hu L, Wang Y, Liu Q, Liu J, Long H, Li Q, Luo L, Peng Y. Local administration of mRNA encoding cytokine cocktail confers potent anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1455019. [PMID: 39290693 PMCID: PMC11406011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1455019] [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: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy using inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-α, has been clinically validated in treating various cancers. However, systemic immunocytokine-based therapies are limited by the short half-life of recombinant proteins and severe dose-limiting toxicities. In this study, we exploited local immunotherapy by intratumoral administration of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA cocktail encoding cytokines IL-12, IL-7, and IFN-α. The cytokine mRNA cocktail induced tumor regression in multiple syngeneic mouse models and anti-tumor immune memory in one syngeneic mouse model. Additionally, immune checkpoint blockade further enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy of the cytokine mRNAs. Furthermore, human cytokine mRNAs exhibited robust anti-tumor efficacy in humanized mouse tumor models. Mechanistically, cytokine mRNAs induced tumor microenvironment inflammation, characterized by robust T cell infiltration and significant inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Li
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Ling Hu
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Haiyan Long
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Liping Luo
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Yucai Peng
- Department of Research and Development, Liverna Therapeutics Inc., Zhuhai, China
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Chen C, Chen Y, Li Y, Zhang H, Huang X, Li Y, Li Z, Han J, Wu X, Liu H, Sun T. EGR3 Inhibits Tumor Progression by Inducing Schwann Cell-Like Differentiation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400066. [PMID: 38973154 PMCID: PMC11425834 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400066] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The mechanism and function of the expression of Schwann characteristics by nevus cells in the mature zone of the dermis are unknown. Early growth response 3 (EGR3) induces Schwann cell-like differentiation of melanoma cells by simulating the process of nevus maturation, which leads to a strong phenotypic transformation of the cells, including the formation of long protrusions and a decrease in cell motility, proliferation, and melanin production. Meanwhile, EGR3 regulates the levels of myelin protein zero (MPZ) and collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) through SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10)-dependent and independent mechanisms, by binding to non-strictly conserved motifs, respectively. Schwann cell-like differentiation demonstrates significant benefits in both in vivo and clinical studies. Finally, a CD86-P2A-EGR3 recombinant mRNA vaccine is developed which leads to tumor control through forced cell differentiation and enhanced immune infiltration. Together, these data support further development of the recombinant mRNA as a treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai‐hong Chen
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
| | - Yang Chen
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
| | - Yi‐nan Li
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjin300450China
| | - Xiu Huang
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjin300450China
| | - Ying‐ying Li
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
| | - Zhi‐yang Li
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjin300450China
| | - Jing‐xia Han
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjin300450China
| | - Xin‐ying Wu
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
| | - Hui‐juan Liu
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjin300450China
| | - Tao Sun
- Tianjin Nankai University State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of PharmacyTianjin300350China
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Shin H, Kang S, Won C, Min D. A Single-Dose mRNA Vaccine Employing Porous Silica Nanoparticles Induces Robust Immune Responses Against the Zika Virus. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2404590. [PMID: 39010673 PMCID: PMC11425238 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404590] [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: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Recently, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)-based mRNA delivery has been approved by the FDA for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. However, there are still considerable points for improvement in LNPs. Especially, local administration of LNPs-formulated mRNA can cause off-target translation of mRNA in distal organs which can induce unintended adverse effects. With the hypothesis that large and rigid nanoparticles can be applied to enhance retention of nanoparticles at the injection site, a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated porous silica nanoparticles (PPSNs)-based mRNA delivery platform is designed. PPSNs not only facilitate localized translation of mRNA at the site of injection but also prolonged protein expression. It is further demonstrated that the development of a highly efficacious Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine using mRNA encoding full-length ZIKV pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E) protein delivered by PPSNs. The ZIKV prME mRNA-loaded PPSNs vaccine elicits robust immune responses, including high levels of neutralizing antibodies and ZIKV E-specific T cell responses in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, a single injection of prME-PPSNs vaccine provided complete protection against the ZIKV challenge in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojeong Shin
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
| | - Seounghun Kang
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolhee Won
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence TechnologyLemonex Inc.Seoul06683Republic of Korea
| | - Dal‐Hee Min
- Department of ChemistrySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biotherapeutics Convergence TechnologyLemonex Inc.Seoul06683Republic of Korea
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Gao Y, Yang L, Li Z, Peng X, Li H. mRNA vaccines in tumor targeted therapy: mechanism, clinical application, and development trends. Biomark Res 2024; 12:93. [PMID: 39217377 PMCID: PMC11366172 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00644-3] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors remain a primary cause of human mortality. Among the various treatment modalities for neoplasms, tumor vaccines have consistently shown efficacy and promising potential. These vaccines offer advantages such as specificity, safety, and tolerability, with mRNA vaccines representing promising platforms. By introducing exogenous mRNAs encoding antigens into somatic cells and subsequently synthesizing antigens through gene expression systems, mRNA vaccines can effectively induce immune responses. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their great contributions to mRNA vaccine research. Compared with traditional tumor vaccines, mRNA vaccines have several advantages, including rapid preparation, reduced contamination, nonintegrability, and high biodegradability. Tumor-targeted therapy is an innovative treatment modality that enables precise targeting of tumor cells, minimizes damage to normal tissues, is safe at high doses, and demonstrates great efficacy. Currently, targeted therapy has become an important treatment option for malignant tumors. The application of mRNA vaccines in tumor-targeted therapy is expanding, with numerous clinical trials underway. We systematically outline the targeted delivery mechanism of mRNA vaccines and the mechanism by which mRNA vaccines induce anti-tumor immune responses, describe the current research and clinical applications of mRNA vaccines in tumor-targeted therapy, and forecast the future development trends of mRNA vaccine application in tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Zhenning Li
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
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Vernet R, Fernandez E, Migliorini D, Ancrenaz V, Charrier E, Belkouch MC, Von Rohr O, Urwyler M, De Vito C, Renaux J, Villard J, Rubin O, Grogg J, Mach N. A First-in-Human Phase I Clinical Study with MVX-ONCO-1, a Personalized Active Immunotherapy, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:2089-2100. [PMID: 39041242 PMCID: PMC11322805 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Over two decades, most cancer vaccines failed clinical development. Key factors may be the lack of efficient priming with tumor-specific antigens and strong immunostimulatory signals. MVX-ONCO-1, a personalized cell-based cancer immunotherapy, addresses these critical steps utilizing clinical-grade material to replicate a successful combination seen in experimental models: inactivated patient's own tumor cells, providing the widest cancer-specific antigen repertoire and a standardized, sustained, local delivery over days of a potent adjuvant achieved by encapsulated cell technology. We conducted an open-label, single-arm, first-in-human phase I study with MVX-ONCO-1 in patients with advanced refractory solid cancer. MVX-ONCO-1 comprises irradiated autologous tumor cells coimplanted with two macrocapsules containing genetically engineered cells producing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Patients received six immunizations over 9 weeks without maintenance therapy. Primary objectives were safety, tolerability, and feasibility, whereas secondary objectives focused on efficacy and immune monitoring. Data from 34 patients demonstrated safety and feasibility with minor issues. Adverse events included one serious adverse event possibly related to investigational medicinal product and two moderate-related adverse events. More than 50% of the patients with advanced and mainly nonimmunogenic tumors showed clinical benefits, including partial responses, stable diseases, and prolonged survival. In recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, one patient achieved a partial response, whereas another survived for more than 7 years without anticancer therapy for over 5 years. MVX-ONCO-1 is safe, well tolerated, and beneficial across several tumor types. Ongoing phase IIa trials target patients with advanced recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after initial systemic therapy. SIGNIFICANCE This first-in-human phase I study introduces a groundbreaking approach to personalized cancer immunotherapy, addressing limitations of traditional strategies. By combining autologous irradiated tumor cells as a source of patient-specific antigens and utilizing encapsulated cell technology for localized, sustained delivery of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as an adjuvant, the study shows a very good safety and feasibility profile. This innovative approach holds the promise of addressing tumor heterogeneity by taking advantage of each patient's antigenic repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Vernet
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Eugenio Fernandez
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Denis Migliorini
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Virginie Ancrenaz
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Emily Charrier
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- MaxiVAX SA, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Marie-Claude Belkouch
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Olivier Von Rohr
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Muriel Urwyler
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Claudio De Vito
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Jean Villard
- Clinical Cell Therapy Lab, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Olivier Rubin
- Clinical Cell Therapy Lab, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Nicolas Mach
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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11
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Chaiyawat P, Sangkhathat S, Chiangjong W, Wongtrakoongate P, Hongeng S, Pruksakorn D, Chutipongtanate S. Targeting pediatric solid tumors in the new era of RNA therapeutics. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 200:104406. [PMID: 38834094 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104406] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial progress in pediatric cancer treatment, poor prognosis remained for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, given the limitations of approved targeted treatments and immunotherapies. RNA therapeutics offer significant potential for addressing a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer. Advances in manufacturing and delivery systems are paving the way for the rapid development of therapeutic RNAs for clinical applications. This review summarizes therapeutic RNA classifications and the mechanisms of action, highlighting their potential in manipulating major cancer-related pathways and biological effects. We also focus on the pre-clinical investigation of RNA molecules with efficient delivery systems for their therapeutic potential targeting pediatric solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parunya Chaiyawat
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Surasak Sangkhathat
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Wararat Chiangjong
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Patompon Wongtrakoongate
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ra-mathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Dumnoensun Pruksakorn
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ra-mathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; MILCH and Novel Therapeutics Lab, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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12
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Gong N, Alameh MG, El-Mayta R, Xue L, Weissman D, Mitchell MJ. Enhancing in situ cancer vaccines using delivery technologies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:607-625. [PMID: 38951662 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00974-9] [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] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
In situ cancer vaccination refers to any approach that exploits tumour antigens available at a tumour site to induce tumour-specific adaptive immune responses. These approaches hold great promise for the treatment of many solid tumours, with numerous candidate drugs under preclinical or clinical evaluation and several products already approved. However, there are challenges in the development of effective in situ cancer vaccines. For example, inadequate release of tumour antigens from tumour cells limits antigen uptake by immune cells; insufficient antigen processing by antigen-presenting cells restricts the generation of antigen-specific T cell responses; and the suppressive immune microenvironment of the tumour leads to exhaustion and death of effector cells. Rationally designed delivery technologies such as lipid nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds and polymeric nanoparticles are uniquely suited to overcome these challenges through the targeted delivery of therapeutics to tumour cells, immune cells or the extracellular matrix. Here, we discuss delivery technologies that have the potential to reduce various clinical barriers for in situ cancer vaccines. We also provide our perspective on this emerging field that lies at the interface of cancer vaccine biology and delivery technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn institute for RNA innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lulu Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn institute for RNA innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn institute for RNA innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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13
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Nasr SS, Paul P, Loretz B, Lehr CM. Realizing time-staggered expression of nucleic acid-encoded proteins by co-delivery of messenger RNA and plasmid DNA on a single nanocarrier. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01668-w. [PMID: 39009932 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01668-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Co-delivery of different protein-encoding polynucleotide species with varying expression kinetics of their therapeutic product will become a prominent requirement in the realm of combined nucleic acid(NA)-based therapies in the upcoming years. The current study explores the capacity for time-staggered expression of encoded proteins by simultaneous delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) in the core and mRNA on the shell of the same nanocarrier. The core is based on a Gelatin Type A-pDNA coacervate, thermally stabilized to form an irreversible nanogel stable enough for the deposition of cationic coats namely, protamine sulfate or LNP-related lipid mixtures. Only the protamine-coated nanocarriers remained colloidally stable following mRNA loading and could successfully co-transfect murine dendritic cell line DC2.4 with fluorescent reporter mRNA(mCherry) and pDNA (pAmCyan1). Further investigation of the protamine-coated nanosystem only, the transfection efficiency (percentage of transfected cells) and level of protein expression (mean fluorescence intensity, MFI) of mRNA and pDNA, simultaneously delivered by the same nanocarrier, were compared and kinetically assessed over 48 h in DC2.4 using flow cytometry. The onset of transfection for both nucleotides was initially delayed, with levels < 5% at 6 h. Thereafter, mRNA transfection reached 90% after 24 h and continued to slightly increase until 48 h. In contrast, pDNA transfection was clearly slower, reaching approximately 40% after 24 h, but continuing to increase to reach 94% at 48 h. The time course of protein expression (represented by MFI) for both NAs essentially followed that of transfection. Model-independent as well as model-dependent kinetic parameters applied to the data further confirmed such time-staggered expression of the two NA's where mRNA's rate of transfection and protein expression initially exceeded those of pDNA in the first 24 h of the experiment whereas the opposite was true during the second 24 h of the experiment where pDNA displayed the higher response rates. We expect that innovative nanocarriers capable of time-staggered co-delivery of different nucleotides could open new perspectives for multi-dosing, pulsatile or sustained expression of nucleic acid-based therapeutics in protein replacement, vaccination, and CRISPR-mediated gene editing scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Nasr
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.
| | - Pascal Paul
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Brigitta Loretz
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Claus-Michael Lehr
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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14
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Bento R, Scheller J, Parekkadan B. Intratumoral Delivery of Genetically Engineered Anti-IL-6 Trans-signaling Therapeutics. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01230-6. [PMID: 38980514 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01230-6] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a highly pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the etiopathology of several inflammatory diseases and cancer. As so, the inhibition of IL-6 signaling pathways has emerged as an attractive therapeutic avenue for the treatment of several chronic diseases. Since IL-6 trans-signaling was described as the pathological branch of IL-6, selective inhibitors were developed. Next-generation variants with increased trans-signaling specificity and potency emerged as great candidates for the treatment of several diseases, with reduced off-target effects. The highly time-consuming and costly processes involving recombinant protein production, however, have hampered the progress of anti-cytokine pharmaceuticals in clinic so far. Herein, we developed gene therapeutic modalities of IL-6-trans-signaling inhibitors as alternatives for sustained recombinant protein secretion. By using an IL-6-dependent lymphoma cell line and xenograft tumor model, we demonstrated the superior inhibitory potential of second-generation anti-IL-6 trans-signaling therapeutic. We compared the efficiency of distinct gene delivery modalities using a bioluminescent biomarker probe and observed consistent protein production via cell-based delivery. When delivered intratumorally, genetically engineered sgp130FlyRFc-secreting cells significantly reduced tumor burden and increased animal survival, representing a promising therapeutic avenue to be explored in clinically relevant gene delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Bento
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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15
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Wang J, Fang Y, Luo Z, Wang J, Zhao Y. Emerging mRNA Technology for Liver Disease Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:17378-17406. [PMID: 38916747 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases have consistently posed substantial challenges to global health. It is crucial to find innovative methods to effectively prevent and treat these diseases. In recent times, there has been an increasing interest in the use of mRNA formulations that accumulate in liver tissue for the treatment of hepatic diseases. In this review, we start by providing a detailed introduction to the mRNA technology. Afterward, we highlight types of liver diseases, discussing their causes, risks, and common therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases. This includes systems based on hepatocyte growth factor, hepatitis B virus antibody, left-right determination factor 1, human hepatocyte nuclear factor α, interleukin-12, methylmalonyl-coenzyme A mutase, etc. Lastly, we provide an outlook on the potential of mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases, while also highlighting the various technical challenges that need to be addressed. Despite these difficulties, mRNA-based therapeutic strategies may change traditional treatment methods, bringing hope to patients with liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yile Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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16
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Xu Z, Xiao ZX, Wang J, Qiu HW, Cao F, Zhang SQ, Xu YD, Lei HQ, Xia H, He YR, Zha GF, Pang J. Novel mRNA adjuvant ImmunER enhances prostate cancer tumor-associated antigen mRNA therapy via augmenting T cell activity. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2373526. [PMID: 38948931 PMCID: PMC11212567 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2373526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is characterized as a "cold tumor" with limited immune responses, rendering the tumor resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Therapeutic messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome this challenge by enhancing immune reactivity and significantly boosting anti-tumor efficacy. In our study, we synthesized Tetra, an mRNA vaccine mixed with multiple tumor-associated antigens, and ImmunER, an immune-enhancing adjuvant, aiming to induce potent anti-tumor immunity. ImmunER exhibited the capacity to promote dendritic cells (DCs) maturation, enhance DCs migration, and improve antigen presentation at both cellular and animal levels. Moreover, Tetra, in combination with ImmunER, induced a transformation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) to cDC1-CCL22 and up-regulated the JAK-STAT1 pathway, promoting the release of IL-12, TNF-α, and other cytokines. This cascade led to enhanced proliferation and activation of T cells, resulting in effective killing of tumor cells. In vivo experiments further revealed that Tetra + ImmunER increased CD8+T cell infiltration and activation in RM-1-PSMA tumor tissues. In summary, our findings underscore the promising potential of the integrated Tetra and ImmunER mRNA-LNP therapy for robust anti-tumor immunity in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ze-Xiu Xiao
- Drug Discovery Center, Shenzhen MagicRNA Biotech, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Drug Discovery Center, Shenzhen MagicRNA Biotech, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao-Wei Qiu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan-Dong Xu
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Han-Qi Lei
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Heng Xia
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-Ru He
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Gao-Feng Zha
- Drug Discovery Center, Shenzhen MagicRNA Biotech, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Pang
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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17
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Ur Rehman A, Wang Z, Qin Q, Zhang X, Akhtar A, Liu H, Mao B, Khan N, Tang L, Li X. Enhancing antitumor immunity and achieving tumor eradication with IL11RA mRNA immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112205. [PMID: 38718659 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Current methods for delivering genes to target tumors face significant challenges, including off-target effects and immune responses against delivery vectors. In this study, we developed a novel approach using messenger RNA (mRNA) to encode IL11RA for local immunotherapy, aiming to harness the immune system to combat tumors. Our research uncovered a compelling correlation between IL11RA expression and CD8 + T cell levels across multiple tumor types, with elevated IL11RA expression correlating with improved overall survival. Examination of the Pan-Cancer Atlas dataset showed a significant reduction in IL11RA expression in various cancer types compared to normal tissue, raising questions about its potential role in tumorigenesis. To achieve efficient in vivo expression of IL11RA, we synthesized two mRNA sequences mimicking the wild-type protein. These mRNA sequences were formulated and capped to ensure effective delivery, resulting in robust expression within tumor sites. Our investigation into IL11RA mRNA therapy demonstrated its effectiveness in controlling tumor growth when administered both intratumorally and intravenously in mouse models. Additionally, IL11RA mRNA treatment significantly stimulated the expansion of CD8 + T cells within tumors, draining lymph nodes, and the spleen. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct transcriptional patterns associated with T cell functions. Using multiple deconvolution algorithms, we found substantial infiltration of CD8 + T cells following IL11RA mRNA treatment, highlighting its immunomodulatory effects within the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, IL11RA mRNA therapy presents a promising strategy for tumor regression with potential immunomodulatory effects and clinical implications for improved survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Ur Rehman
- Clinical Molecular Medicine Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Major Brain Disease and Aging Research (Ministry of Education), Institute for Brain Science and Disease, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Zhihuai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213000, China
| | - Qianshan Qin
- Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Aleena Akhtar
- Clinical Molecular Medicine Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hanyang Liu
- Charité‑University Medical Center, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Virchow Campus, and Molecular Cancer Research Center, D‑13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Binli Mao
- Clinical Molecular Medicine Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Naveed Khan
- Graduate School of Green-Bio Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
| | - Liming Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213000, China
| | - Xiaosong Li
- Clinical Molecular Medicine Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Major Brain Disease and Aging Research (Ministry of Education), Institute for Brain Science and Disease, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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18
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Li N, Geng S, Dong ZZ, Jin Y, Ying H, Li HW, Shi L. A new era of cancer immunotherapy: combining revolutionary technologies for enhanced CAR-M therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:117. [PMID: 38824567 PMCID: PMC11143597 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02032-9] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant advancements have been made in the application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T treatment for blood cancers during the previous ten years. However, its effectiveness in treating solid tumors is still lacking, necessitating the exploration of alternative immunotherapies that can overcome the significant challenges faced by current CAR-T cells. CAR-based immunotherapy against solid tumors shows promise with the emergence of macrophages, which possess robust phagocytic abilities, antigen-presenting functions, and the ability to modify the tumor microenvironment and stimulate adaptive responses. This paper presents a thorough examination of the latest progress in CAR-M therapy, covering both basic scientific studies and clinical trials. This study examines the primary obstacles hindering the realization of the complete potential of CAR-M therapy, as well as the potential strategies that can be employed to overcome these hurdles. With the emergence of revolutionary technologies like in situ genetic modification, synthetic biology techniques, and biomaterial-supported gene transfer, which provide a wider array of resources for manipulating tumor-associated macrophages, we suggest that combining these advanced methods will result in the creation of a new era of CAR-M therapy that demonstrates improved efficacy, safety, and availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Shinan Geng
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Dong
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Zhejiang Caner Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hangjie Ying
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Zhejiang Caner Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hung-Wing Li
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liyun Shi
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
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19
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Wang Y, Li S, Hu M, Yang Y, McCabe E, Zhang L, Withrow AM, Ting JPY, Liu R. Universal STING mimic boosts antitumour immunity via preferential activation of tumour control signalling pathways. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:856-866. [PMID: 38480836 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of STING (stimulator of interferon genes) agonists is due to various factors, primarily inefficient intracellular delivery, low/lack of endogenous STING expression in many tumours, and a complex balance between tumour control and progression. Here we report a universal STING mimic (uniSTING) based on a polymeric architecture. UniSTING activates STING signalling in a range of mouse and human cell types, independent of endogenous STING expression, and selectively stimulates tumour control IRF3/IFN-I pathways, but not tumour progression NF-κB pathways. Intratumoural or systemic injection of uniSTING-mRNA via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) results in potent antitumour efficacy across established and advanced metastatic tumour models, including triple-negative breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and orthotopic/metastatic liver malignancies. Furthermore, uniSTING displays an effective antitumour response superior to 2'3'-cGAMP and ADU-S100. By favouring IRF3/IFN-I activity over the proinflammatory NF-κB signalling pathway, uniSTING promotes dendritic cell maturation and antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Extracellular vesicles released from uniSTING-treated tumour cells further sensitize dendritic cells via exosome-containing miRNAs that reduced the immunosuppressive Wnt2b, and a combination of LNP-uniSTING-mRNA with α-Wnt2b antibodies synergistically inhibits tumour growth and prolongs animal survival. Collectively, these results demonstrate the LNP-mediated delivery of uniSTING-mRNA as a strategy to overcome the current STING therapeutic barriers, particularly for the treatment of multiple cancer types in which STING is downregulated or absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sirui Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mengying Hu
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuchen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ellie McCabe
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lillian Zhang
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew M Withrow
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jenny P-Y Ting
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Rihe Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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20
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Huayamares SG, Loughrey D, Kim H, Dahlman JE, Sorscher EJ. Nucleic acid-based drugs for patients with solid tumours. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:407-427. [PMID: 38589512 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00883-1] [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: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of patients with advanced-stage solid tumours typically involves a multimodality approach (including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy), which is often ultimately ineffective. Nucleic acid-based drugs, either as monotherapies or in combination with standard-of-care therapies, are rapidly emerging as novel treatments capable of generating responses in otherwise refractory tumours. These therapies include those using viral vectors (also referred to as gene therapies), several of which have now been approved by regulatory agencies, and nanoparticles containing mRNAs and a range of other nucleotides. In this Review, we describe the development and clinical activity of viral and non-viral nucleic acid-based treatments, including their mechanisms of action, tolerability and available efficacy data from patients with solid tumours. We also describe the effects of the tumour microenvironment on drug delivery for both systemically administered and locally administered agents. Finally, we discuss important trends resulting from ongoing clinical trials and preclinical testing, and manufacturing and/or stability considerations that are expected to underpin the next generation of nucleic acid agents for patients with solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian G Huayamares
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David Loughrey
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Eric J Sorscher
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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21
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Zhang Y, Zhai S, Huang H, Qin S, Sun M, Chen Y, Lan X, Li G, Huang Z, Wang D, Luo Y, Xiao W, Li H, He X, Chen M, Peng X, Song X. Efficient signal sequence of mRNA vaccines enhances the antigen expression to expand the immune protection against viral infection. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:295. [PMID: 38807131 PMCID: PMC11134928 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02488-3] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The signal sequence played a crucial role in the efficacy of mRNA vaccines against virus pandemic by influencing antigen translation. However, limited research had been conducted to compare and analyze the specific mechanisms involved. In this study, a novel approach was introduced by substituting the signal sequence of the mRNA antigen to enhance its immune response. Computational simulations demonstrated that various signal peptides differed in their binding capacities with the signal recognition particle (SRP) 54 M subunit, which positively correlated with antigen translation efficiency. Our data revealed that the signal sequences of tPA and IL-6-modified receptor binding domain (RBD) mRNA vaccines sequentially led to higher antigen expression and elicited more robust humoral and cellular immune protection against the SARS-CoV-2 compared to the original signal sequence. By highlighting the importance of the signal sequence, this research provided a foundational and safe approach for ongoing modifications in signal sequence-antigen design, aiming to optimize the efficacy of mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupei Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Songhui Zhai
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xing Lan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiying Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Denggang Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yaoyao Luo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xi He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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22
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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23
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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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24
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Fu R, Qi R, Xiong H, Lei X, Jiang Y, He J, Chen F, Zhang L, Qiu D, Chen Y, Nie M, Guo X, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Yue M, Cao J, Wang G, Que Y, Fang M, Wang Y, Chen Y, Cheng T, Ge S, Zhang J, Yuan Q, Zhang T, Xia N. Combination therapy with oncolytic virus and T cells or mRNA vaccine amplifies antitumor effects. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:118. [PMID: 38702343 PMCID: PMC11068743 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Antitumor therapies based on adoptively transferred T cells or oncolytic viruses have made significant progress in recent years, but the limited efficiency of their infiltration into solid tumors makes it difficult to achieve desired antitumor effects when used alone. In this study, an oncolytic virus (rVSV-LCMVG) that is not prone to induce virus-neutralizing antibodies was designed and combined with adoptively transferred T cells. By transforming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into an immunosensitive one, in B16 tumor-bearing mice, combination therapy showed superior antitumor effects than monotherapy. This occurred whether the OV was administered intratumorally or intravenously. Combination therapy significantly increased cytokine and chemokine levels within tumors and recruited CD8+ T cells to the TME to trigger antitumor immune responses. Pretreatment with adoptively transferred T cells and subsequent oncolytic virotherapy sensitizes refractory tumors by boosting T-cell recruitment, down-regulating the expression of PD-1, and restoring effector T-cell function. To offer a combination therapy with greater translational value, mRNA vaccines were introduced to induce tumor-specific T cells instead of adoptively transferred T cells. The combination of OVs and mRNA vaccine also displays a significant reduction in tumor burden and prolonged survival. This study proposed a rational combination therapy of OVs with adoptive T-cell transfer or mRNA vaccines encoding tumor-associated antigens, in terms of synergistic efficacy and mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Ruoyao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Hualong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xing Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhang He
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Dekui Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yiyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Meifeng Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xueran Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yuhe Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jinlei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mingxi Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jiali Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Guosong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yuqiong Que
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mujing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Shengxiang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Tianying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health & School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
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25
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Zhang Y, Ma F, Chen J, Chen Y, Xu L, Li A, Liu Y, Ma R, Shi L. Controlled Refolding of Denatured IL-12 Using In Situ Antigen-Capturing Nanochaperone Remarkably Reduces the Systemic Toxicity and Enhances Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309927. [PMID: 38387609 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309927] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are powerful in cancer immunotherapy, however, their therapeutic potential is limited by the severe systemic toxicity. Here a potent strategy to reduce the toxicity of systemic cytokine therapy by delivering its denatured form using a finely designed nanochaperone, is described. It is demonstrated that even if the denatured protein cargos are occasionally released under normal physiological conditions they are still misfolded, while can effectively refold into native states and release to function in tumor microenvironment. Consequently, the systemic toxicity of cytokines is nearly completely overcome. Moreover, an immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing chemotherapeutic is further loaded and delivered to tumor using this nanochaperone to trigger the release of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that are subsequently captured in situ by nanochaperone and then reflows into lymph nodes (LNs) to promote antigen cross-presentation. This optimized personalized nanochaperone-vaccine demonstrates unprecedented suppressive effects against large, advanced tumors, and in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy results in a significant abscopal effect and inhibition of postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis. Hence, this approach provides a simple and universal delivery strategy to reduce the systemic toxicities of cytokines, as well as provides a robust personalized cancer vaccination platform, which may find wide applications in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Feihe Ma
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Ang Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Rujiang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Linqi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
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Niu L, Jang E, Chin AL, Huo Z, Wang W, Cai W, Tong R. Noncovalently particle-anchored cytokines with prolonged tumor retention safely elicit potent antitumor immunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7695. [PMID: 38640236 PMCID: PMC11029804 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have shown that immunostimulatory cytokines elicit antitumor immune responses but their clinical use is limited by severe immune-related adverse events upon systemic administration. Here, we report a facile and versatile strategy for noncovalently anchoring potent Fc-fused cytokine molecules to the surface of size-discrete particles decorated with Fc-binding peptide for local administration. Following intratumoral injection, particle-anchored Fc cytokines exhibit size-dependent intratumoral retention. The 1-micrometer particle prolongs intratumoral retention of Fc cytokine for over a week and has minimal systemic exposure, thereby eliciting antitumor immunity while eliminating systemic toxicity caused by circulating cytokines. In addition, the combination of these particle-anchored cytokines with immune checkpoint blockade antibodies safely promotes tumor regression in various syngeneic tumor models and genetically engineered murine tumor models and elicits systemic antitumor immunity against tumor rechallenge. Our formulation strategy renders a safe and tumor-agnostic approach that uncouples cytokines' immunostimulatory properties from their systemic toxicities for potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqian Niu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Eungyo Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ai Lin Chin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ziyu Huo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenjun Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rong Tong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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27
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Wang B, Zhou B, Chen J, Sun X, Yang W, Yang T, Yu H, Chen P, Chen K, Huang X, Fan X, He W, Huang J, Lin T. Type III interferon inhibits bladder cancer progression by reprogramming macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and orchestrating effective immune responses. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007808. [PMID: 38589249 PMCID: PMC11015199 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007808] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferons (IFNs) are essential for activating an effective immune response and play a central role in immunotherapy-mediated immune cell reactivation for tumor regression. Type III IFN (λ), related to type I IFN (α), plays a crucial role in infections, autoimmunity, and cancer. However, the direct effects of IFN-λ on the tumor immune microenvironment have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS We used mouse MB49 bladder tumor models, constructed a retroviral vector expressing mouse IFN-λ3, and transduced tumor cells to evaluate the antitumor action of IFN-λ3 in immune-proficient tumors and T cell-deficient tumors. Furthermore, human bladder cancer samples (cohort 1, n=15) were used for immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunoflurescence analysis to assess the expression pattern of IFN-λ3 in human bladder cancer and correlate it with immune cells' infiltration. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed in neoadjuvant immunotherapy cohort (cohort 2, n=20) to assess the correlation between IFN-λ3 expression and the pathological complete response rate. RESULTS In immune-proficient tumors, ectopic Ifnl3 expression in tumor cells significantly increased the infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, Th1 cells, natural killer cells, proinflammatory macrophages, and dendritic cells, but reduced neutrophil infiltration. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant upregulation of many genes associated with effective immune response, including lymphocyte recruitment, activation, and phagocytosis, consistent with increased antitumor immune infiltrates and tumor inhibition. Furthermore, IFN-λ3 activity sensitized immune-proficient tumors to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. In T cell-deficient tumors, increased Ly6G-Ly6C+I-A/I-E+ macrophages still enhanced tumor cell phagocytosis in Ifnl3 overexpressing tumors. IFN-λ3 is expressed by tumor and stromal cells in human bladder cancer, and high IFN-λ3 expression was positively associated with effector immune infiltrates and the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that IFN-λ3 enables macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and antitumor immune responses and suggests a rationale for using Type III IFN as a predictive biomarker and potential immunotherapeutic candidate for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingkun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tenghao Yang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxiang Fan
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wang He
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, China
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28
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Berraondo P, Gomis G, Melero I. The liver as a cytokine factory working on mRNA blueprints for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:502-504. [PMID: 38490214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
mRNA has the potential to encode both vaccines and immunomodulatory proteins for cancer immunotherapy. In this issue, Beck et al. report on lipopolyplexed mRNAs encoding albumin-stabilized interleukin-2 to transduce liver cells. These mRNAs attain antitumor efficacy on subcutaneous mouse tumors even if malignant cells lack major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I) expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA) and Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gomis
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA) and Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA) and Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Departments of Immunology and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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29
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Kim J, Eygeris Y, Ryals RC, Jozić A, Sahay G. Strategies for non-viral vectors targeting organs beyond the liver. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:428-447. [PMID: 38151642 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, nanoparticles have evolved to a clinical modality to deliver diverse nucleic acids. Rising interest in nanomedicines comes from proven safety and efficacy profiles established by continuous efforts to optimize physicochemical properties and endosomal escape. However, despite their transformative impact on the pharmaceutical industry, the clinical use of non-viral nucleic acid delivery is limited to hepatic diseases and vaccines due to liver accumulation. Overcoming liver tropism of nanoparticles is vital to meet clinical needs in other organs. Understanding the anatomical structure and physiological features of various organs would help to identify potential strategies for fine-tuning nanoparticle characteristics. In this Review, we discuss the source of liver tropism of non-viral vectors, present a brief overview of biological structure, processes and barriers in select organs, highlight approaches available to reach non-liver targets, and discuss techniques to accelerate the discovery of non-hepatic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Antony Jozić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robertson Life Sciences Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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30
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Sousa F. Emerging cytokine delivery with nanomedicine for brain cancer treatment. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:513-516. [PMID: 38652095 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2347320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Sousa
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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31
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Liu M, Hu S, Yan N, Popowski KD, Cheng K. Inhalable extracellular vesicle delivery of IL-12 mRNA to treat lung cancer and promote systemic immunity. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:565-575. [PMID: 38212521 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Lung carcinoma is one of the most common cancers and has one of the lowest survival rates in the world. Cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) have demonstrated considerable potential as robust tumour suppressors. However, their applications are limited due to off-target toxicity. Here we report on a strategy involving the inhalation of IL-12 messenger RNA, encapsulated within extracellular vesicles. Inhalation and preferential uptake by cancer cells results in targeted delivery and fewer systemic side effects. The IL-12 messenger RNA generates interferon-γ production in both innate and adaptive immune-cell populations. This activation consequently incites an intense activation state in the tumour microenvironment and augments its immunogenicity. The increased immune response results in the expansion of tumour cytotoxic immune effector cells, the formation of immune memory, improved antigen presentation and tumour-specific T cell priming. The strategy is demonstrated against primary neoplastic lesions and provides profound protection against subsequent tumour rechallenge. This shows the potential for locally delivered cytokine-based immunotherapies to address orthotopic and metastatic lung tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Na Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen D Popowski
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill/Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill/Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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32
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Wang J, Zhu H, Gan J, Liang G, Li L, Zhao Y. Engineered mRNA Delivery Systems for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308029. [PMID: 37805865 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutic strategies have shown remarkable promise in preventing and treating a staggering range of diseases. Optimizing the structure and delivery system of engineered mRNA has greatly improved its stability, immunogenicity, and protein expression levels, which has led to a wider range of uses for mRNA therapeutics. Herein, a thorough analysis of the optimization strategies used in the structure of mRNA is first provided and delivery systems are described in great detail. Furthermore, the latest advancements in biomedical engineering for mRNA technology, including its applications in combatting infectious diseases, treating cancer, providing protein replacement therapy, conducting gene editing, and more, are summarized. Lastly, a perspective on forthcoming challenges and prospects concerning the advancement of mRNA therapeutics is offered. Despite these challenges, mRNA-based therapeutics remain promising, with the potential to revolutionize disease treatment and contribute to significant advancements in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Haofang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jingjing Gan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Institute of Organoids on Chips Translational Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450009, China
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Chen Y, Liu K, Zhang G, Cheng J, Tu J. Monoclonal antibody-based systematic identification of SUMO1-modification sites reveals TFII-I SUMOylation is involved in tumor growth. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31080. [PMID: 37450667 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
SUMOylation plays an essential role in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Identification of wild-type SUMO1-modification sites by mass spectrometry is still challenging. In this study, we produced a monoclonal SUMO1C-K antibody recognizing SUMOylated peptides and proposed an efficient streamline for identification of SUMOylation sites. We identified 471 SUMOylation sites in 325 proteins from five raw data. These identified sites exhibit a high positive rate when evaluated by mutation-verified SUMOylation sites. We identified many SUMOylated proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolism and non-membrane-bounded organelles formation. We proposed a SUMOylation motif, ΨKXD/EP, where proline is required for efficient SUMOylation. We further revealed SUMOylation of TFII-I was stimulated by growth signals and was required for nucleus-localization of p-ERK1/2. Mutation of SUMOylation sites of TFII-I suppressed tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, we provided a strategy for personalized identification of wild-type SUMO1-modification sites and revealed the physiological significance of TFII-I SUMOylation in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Geqiang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinke Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chai ESX, Cai SCS, Chun YY, Tan Y, Tan TT, Tey HL. The potential of RNA therapeutics in dermatology. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2024; 53:113-116. [PMID: 38920235 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2023316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics hold great potential for the advancement of dermatological treatments due to, among other reasons, the possibility of treating previously undruggable targets, high specificity with minimal side effects, and ability to include multiple RNA targets in a single product. Although there have been research relating to RNA therapeutics for decades, there have not been many products translated for clinical use until recently. This may be because of challenges to the application of RNA therapeutics, including the dearth of effective modes of delivery to the target, and rapid degradation of RNA in the human body and environment. This article aims to provide insight on (1) the wide-ranging possibilities of RNA therapeutics in the field of dermatology as well as (2) how key challenges can be addressed, so as to encourage the development of novel dermatological treatments. We also share our experience on how RNA therapeutics have been applied in the management of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yong Yao Chun
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Timothy Ty Tan
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Hong Liang Tey
- National Skin Centre, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Singapore
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35
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Hartupee C, Nagalo BM, Chabu CY, Tesfay MZ, Coleman-Barnett J, West JT, Moaven O. Pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment is a major therapeutic barrier and target. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1287459. [PMID: 38361931 PMCID: PMC10867137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1287459] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Limitations in early detection and treatment barriers contribute to the lack of substantial success in the treatment of this challenging-to-treat malignancy. Desmoplasia is the hallmark of PDAC microenvironment that creates a physical and immunologic barrier. Stromal support cells and immunomodulatory cells face aberrant signaling by pancreatic cancer cells that shifts the complex balance of proper repair mechanisms into a state of dysregulation. The product of this dysregulation is the desmoplastic environment that encases the malignant cells leading to a dense, hypoxic environment that promotes further tumorigenesis, provides innate systemic resistance, and suppresses anti-tumor immune invasion. This desmoplastic environment combined with the immunoregulatory events that allow it to persist serve as the primary focus of this review. The physical barrier and immune counterbalance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) make PDAC an immunologically cold tumor. To convert PDAC into an immunologically hot tumor, tumor microenvironment could be considered alongside the tumor cells. We discuss the complex network of microenvironment molecular and cellular composition and explore how they can be targeted to overcome immuno-therapeutic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner Hartupee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bolni Marius Nagalo
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
- The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Chiswili Y. Chabu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mulu Z. Tesfay
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Joycelynn Coleman-Barnett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John T. West
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Omeed Moaven
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Louisiana State University - Louisiana Children's Medical Center (LSU - LCMC) Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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36
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Sharma P, Hoorn D, Aitha A, Breier D, Peer D. The immunostimulatory nature of mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 205:115175. [PMID: 38218350 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115175] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are at the forefront of global medical research. With the development of mRNA-LNP vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical potential of this platform was unleashed. Upon administering 16 billion doses that protected billions of people, it became clear that a fraction of them witnessed mild and in some cases even severe adverse effects. Therefore, it is paramount to define the safety along with the therapeutic efficacy of the mRNA-LNP platform for the successful translation of new genetic medicines based on this technology. While mRNA was the effector molecule of this platform, the ionizable lipid component of the LNPs played an indispensable role in its success. However, both of these components possess the ability to induce undesired immunostimulation, which is an area that needs to be addressed systematically. The immune cell agitation caused by this platform is a two-edged sword as it may prove beneficial for vaccination but detrimental to other applications. Therefore, a key challenge in advancing the mRNA-LNP drug delivery platform from bench to bedside is understanding the immunostimulatory behavior of these components. Herein, we provide a detailed overview of the structural modifications and immunogenicity of synthetic mRNA. We discuss the effect of ionizable lipid structure on LNP functionality and offer a mechanistic overview of the ability of LNPs to elicit an immune response. Finally, we shed some light on the current status of this technology in clinical trials and discuss a few challenges to be addressed to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- 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
| | - Daniek Hoorn
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anjaiah Aitha
- 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
| | - Dor Breier
- 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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Cai M, Zhao J, Ding Q, Wei J. Oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate regulates anti-tumor immunity. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24454. [PMID: 38293535 PMCID: PMC10826830 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
"Oncometabolite" 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) is an aberrant metabolite found in tumor cells, exerting a pivotal influence on tumor progression. Recent studies have unveiled its impact on the proliferation, activation, and differentiation of anti-tumor T cells. Moreover, 2-HG regulates the function of innate immune components, including macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and the complement system. Elevated levels of 2-HG hinder α-KG-dependent dioxygenases (α-KGDDs), contributing to tumorigenesis by disrupting epigenetic regulation, genome integrity, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) signaling, and cellular metabolism. The chiral molecular structure of 2-HG produces two enantiomers: D-2-HG and L-2-HG, each with distinct origins and biological functions. Efforts to inhibit D-2-HG and leverage the potential of L-2-HG have demonstrated efficacy in cancer immunotherapy. This review delves into the metabolism, biological functions, and impacts on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of 2-HG, providing a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between 2-HG and antitumor immunity. Additionally, we examine the potential clinical applications of targeted therapy for 2-HG, highlighting recent breakthroughs as well as the existing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianyi Zhao
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
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38
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Gu J, Xu Z, Liu Q, Tang S, Zhang W, Xie S, Chen X, Chen J, Yong KT, Yang C, Xu G. Building a Better Silver Bullet: Current Status and Perspectives of Non-Viral Vectors for mRNA Vaccines. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302409. [PMID: 37964681 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302409] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have exhibited great potential to replace conventional vaccines owing to their low risk of insertional mutagenesis, safety and efficacy, rapid and scalable production, and low-cost manufacturing. With the great achievements of chemical modification and sequence optimization methods of mRNA, the key to the success of mRNA vaccines is strictly dependent on safe and efficient gene vectors. Among various delivery platforms, non-viral mRNA vectors could represent perfect choices for future clinical translation regarding their safety, sufficient packaging capability, low immunogenicity, and versatility. In this review, the recent progress in the development of non-viral mRNA vectors is focused on. Various organic vectors including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymers, peptides, and exosomes for efficient mRNA delivery are presented and summarized. Furthermore, the latest advances in clinical trials of mRNA vaccines are described. Finally, the current challenges and future possibilities for the clinical translation of these promising mRNA vectors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan, University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhourui Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Shiqi Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Wenguang Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shouxia Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan, University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, China
- Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chengbin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Gaixia Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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Li X, Weller S, Clergeaud G, Andresen TL. A versatile method for conjugating lipid nanoparticles on T cells through combination of click chemistry and metabolic glycoengineering. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300339. [PMID: 38178719 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300339] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Cell-mediated drug delivery by conjugating nanomedicine to the surface of living cells is a promising strategy for enhancing the efficacy of both drug delivery and cell therapy. It exploits the tissue homing properties of the specific cell types to overcome in vivo barriers and forms a drug depot by directly putting the therapeutic payload in target cells. An important concern of developing this system is the method to conjugate nanoparticles on cells. Herein, we developed a bioorthogonal T cell conjugation strategy using SPAAC click chemistry, which allows controllable and highly efficient conjugation without affecting the viability and functions of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Azide groups were incorporated on the surface of T cells through metabolic glycoengineering, followed by reacting with dibenzylcyclooctyne (DBCO) modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). LNPs can be conjugated to T cells, allowing for the loading of different drug molecules on the cells. The metabolic engineering and click reaction approach provides a simple and versatile strategy to conjugate NPs to living cells and enable the development of sophisticated therapeutic cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sven Weller
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gael Clergeaud
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas L Andresen
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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40
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Antony JS, Birrer P, Bohnert C, Zimmerli S, Hillmann P, Schaffhauser H, Hoeflich C, Hoeflich A, Khairallah R, Satoh AT, Kappeler I, Ferreira I, Zuideveld KP, Metzger F. Local application of engineered insulin-like growth factor I mRNA demonstrates regenerative therapeutic potential in vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102055. [PMID: 37928443 PMCID: PMC10622308 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102055] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a growth-promoting anabolic hormone that fosters cell growth and tissue homeostasis. IGF-I deficiency is associated with several diseases, including growth disorders and neurological and musculoskeletal diseases due to impaired regeneration. Despite the vast regenerative potential of IGF-I, its unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile has prevented it from being used therapeutically. In this study, we resolved these challenges by the local administration of IGF-I mRNA, which ensures desirable homeostatic kinetics and non-systemic, local dose-dependent expression of IGF-I protein. Furthermore, IGF-I mRNA constructs were sequence engineered with heterologous signal peptides, which improved in vitro protein secretion (2- to 6-fold) and accelerated in vivo functional regeneration (16-fold) over endogenous IGF-I mRNA. The regenerative potential of engineered IGF-I mRNA was validated in a mouse myotoxic muscle injury and rabbit spinal disc herniation models. Engineered IGF-I mRNA had a half-life of 17-25 h in muscle tissue and showed dose-dependent expression of IGF-I over 2-3 days. Animal models confirm that locally administered IGF-I mRNA remained at the site of injection, contributing to the safety profile of mRNA-based treatment in regenerative medicine. In summary, we demonstrate that engineered IGF-I mRNA holds therapeutic potential with high clinical translatability in different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sina Zimmerli
- Versameb AG, Technology Park, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
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41
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Wang Z, Jacobus EJ, Stirling DC, Krumm S, Flight KE, Cunliffe RF, Mottl J, Singh C, Mosscrop LG, Santiago LA, Vogel AB, Kariko K, Sahin U, Erbar S, Tregoning JS. Reducing cell intrinsic immunity to mRNA vaccine alters adaptive immune responses in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102045. [PMID: 37876532 PMCID: PMC10591005 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The response to mRNA vaccines needs to be sufficient for immune cell activation and recruitment, but moderate enough to ensure efficacious antigen expression. The choice of the cap structure and use of N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) instead of uridine, which have been shown to reduce RNA sensing by the cellular innate immune system, has led to improved efficacy of mRNA vaccine platforms. Understanding how RNA modifications influence the cell intrinsic immune response may help in the development of more effective mRNA vaccines. In the current study, we compared mRNA vaccines in mice against influenza virus using three different mRNA formats: uridine-containing mRNA (D1-uRNA), m1Ψ-modified mRNA (D1-modRNA), and D1-modRNA with a cap1 structure (cC1-modRNA). D1-uRNA vaccine induced a significantly different gene expression profile to the modified mRNA vaccines, with an up-regulation of Stat1 and RnaseL, and increased systemic inflammation. This result correlated with significantly reduced antigen-specific antibody responses and reduced protection against influenza virus infection compared with D1-modRNA and cC1-modRNA. Incorporation of m1Ψ alone without cap1 improved antibodies, but both modifications were required for the optimum response. Therefore, the incorporation of m1Ψ and cap1 alters protective immunity from mRNA vaccines by altering the innate immune response to the vaccine material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyin Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - David C. Stirling
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Katie E. Flight
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Robert F. Cunliffe
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Charanjit Singh
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Lucy G. Mosscrop
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - John S. Tregoning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
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42
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Momin N. Balancing safety and efficacy: tuning the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of cytokine immunotherapies. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 84:102994. [PMID: 37806081 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102994] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Modulating the immune system shows promise in treating various conditions such as autoimmune, malignant, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. While immunotherapies can provide significant clinical benefits, they can also trigger debilitating immune-related toxicities. Achieving a balance between safety and efficacy of immunotherapy remains a significant engineering challenge. A complex immune response can be simplified into a sequence of coordinated signals with precise spatial and temporal arrangements. Mimicking or inhibiting these signals with protein immunotherapies relies on engineering them with specific biodistribution and pharmacokinetic properties. This review summarizes principles governing the movement of therapeutic proteins (i.e. biologics), focusing on cytokine immunotherapies injected intravenously or locally, and highlights approaches and considerations to balance their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Momin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Precision Engineering for Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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43
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Chen P, Paraiso WKD, Cabral H. Revitalizing Cytokine-Based Cancer Immunotherapy through Advanced Delivery Systems. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300275. [PMID: 37565723 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300275] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines can coordinate robust immune responses, holding great promise as therapeutics against infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. In cancer treatment, numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines have displayed promising efficacy in preclinical studies. However, their clinical application is hindered by poor pharmacokinetics, significant toxicity and unsatisfactory anticancer efficacy. Thus, while IFN-α and IL-2 are approved for specific cancer treatments, other cytokines still remain subject of intense investigation. To accelerate the application of cytokines as cancer immunotherapeutics, strategies need to be directed to improve their safety and anticancer performance. In this regard, delivery systems could be used to generate innovative therapies by targeting the cytokines or nucleic acids, such as DNA and mRNA, encoding the cytokines to tumor tissues. This review centers on these innovative delivery strategies for cytokines, summarizing key approaches, such as gene delivery and protein delivery, and critically examining their potential and challenges for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwen Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | | | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
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44
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Zong Y, Lin Y, Wei T, Cheng Q. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Enables mRNA Delivery for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303261. [PMID: 37196221 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has received great attention in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to the success of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax). To meet the therapeutic purpose, it is required that mRNA must enter the target cells and express sufficient proteins. Therefore, the development of effective delivery systems is necessary and crucial. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) represents a remarkable vehicle that has indeed accelerated mRNA applications in humans, as several mRNA-based therapies have already been approved or are in clinical trials. In this review, the focus is on mRNA-LNP-mediated anticancer therapy. It summarizes the main development strategies of mRNA-LNP formulations, discusses representative therapeutic approaches in cancer, and points out current challenges and possible future directions of this research field. It is hoped that these delivered messages can help further improve the application of mRNA-LNP technology in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tuo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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45
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Ziogas A, Bruno M, van der Meel R, Mulder WJM, Netea MG. Trained immunity: Target for prophylaxis and therapy. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1776-1791. [PMID: 37944491 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Trained immunity is a de facto memory for innate immune responses, leading to long-term functional reprogramming of innate immune cells. In physiological conditions, trained immunity leads to adaptive states that enhance resistance against pathogens and contributes to immunosurveillance. Dysregulated trained immunity can however lead either to defective innate immune responses in severe infections or cancer or to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases if trained immunity is inappropriately activated. Here, we review the immunological and molecular mechanisms that mediate trained immunity induction and propose that trained immunity represents an important target for prophylactic and therapeutic approaches in human diseases. On the one hand, we argue that novel approaches that induce trained immunity may enhance vaccine efficacy. On the other hand, induction of trained immunity in cancer, and inhibition of exaggerated induction of trained immunity in inflammatory disorders, are viable targets amenable for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Ziogas
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Mariolina Bruno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Willem J M Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology and Metabolism, Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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46
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Huang P, Deng H, Wang C, Zhou Y, Chen X. Cellular Trafficking of Nanotechnology-Mediated mRNA Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2307822. [PMID: 37929780 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy has emerged as a powerful, safe, and rapidly scalable therapeutic approach that involves technologies for both mRNA itself and the delivery vehicle. Although there are some unique challenges for different applications of mRNA therapy, a common challenge for all mRNA therapeutics is the transport of mRNA into the target cell cytoplasm for sufficient protein expression. This review is focused on the behaviors at the cellular level of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems, which have not been comprehensively reviewed yet. First, the four main therapeutic applications of mRNA are introduced, including immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy, genome editing, and cellular reprogramming. Second, common types of mRNA cargos and mRNA delivery systems are summarized. Third, strategies to enhance mRNA delivery efficiency during the cellular trafficking process are highlighted, including accumulation to the cell, internalization into the cell, endosomal escape, release of mRNA from the nanocarrier, and translation of mRNA into protein. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the development of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems are presented. This review can provide new insights into the future fabrication of mRNA nanocarriers with desirable cellular trafficking performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hongzhang Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
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47
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Zhang Y, Hou X, Du S, Xue Y, Yan J, Kang DD, Zhong Y, Wang C, Deng B, McComb DW, Dong Y. Close the cancer-immunity cycle by integrating lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulations and dendritic cell therapy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:1364-1374. [PMID: 37500773 PMCID: PMC11282451 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01453-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Effective cancer immunotherapy is usually blocked by immunosuppressive factors in the tumour microenvironment, resulting in tumour promotion, metastasis and recurrence. Here we combine lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulations and dendritic cell therapy (named CATCH) to boost the cancer-immunity cycle via progressive steps to overcome the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. Multiple types of sugar-alcohol-derived lipid nanoparticles are conceived to modulate the cancer-immunity cycle. First, one type of lipid nanoparticle containing CD40 ligand mRNA induces robust immunogenic cell death in tumoural tissues, leading to the release of tumour-associated antigens and the expression of CD40 ligand. Next, dendritic cells engineered by another type of lipid nanoparticle encapsulating CD40 mRNA are adoptively transferred, which are then activated by the CD40 ligand molecules in tumoural tissues. This promotes the secretion of multiple cytokines and chemokines, and the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules on dendritic cells, which are crucial for reprogramming the tumour microenvironment and priming the T-cell responses. After dendritic cells present tumour-associated antigens to T cells, all the above stepwise events contribute to boosting a potent tumour-specific T-cell immunity that eradicates established tumours, suppresses distal lesions and prevents tumour rechallenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebao Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xucheng Hou
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shi Du
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yonger Xue
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jingyue Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana D Kang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yichen Zhong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chang Wang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Binbin Deng
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David W McComb
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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48
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Zhu X, Xu J, Ling G, Zhang P. Tunable metal-organic frameworks assist in catalyzing DNAzymes with amplification platforms for biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:7549-7578. [PMID: 37817667 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00386h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Various binding modes of tunable metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and functional DNAzymes (Dzs) synergistically catalyze the emergence of abundant functional nanoplatforms. Given their serial variability in formation, structural designability, and functional controllability, Dzs@MOFs tend to be excellent building blocks for the precise "intelligent" manufacture of functional materials. To present a clear outline of this new field, this review systematically summarizes the progress of Dz integration into MOFs (MOFs@Dzs) through different methods, including various surface infiltration, pore encapsulation, covalent binding, and biomimetic mineralization methods. Atomic-level and time-resolved catalytic mechanisms for biosensing and imaging are made possible by the complex interplay of the distinct molecular structure of Dzs@MOF, conformational flexibility, and dynamic regulation of metal ions. Exploiting the precision of DNAzymes, MOFs@Dzs constructed a combined nanotherapy platform to guide intracellular drug synthesis, photodynamic therapy, catalytic therapy, and immunotherapy to enhance gene therapy in different ways, solving the problems of intracellular delivery inefficiency and insufficient supply of cofactors. MOFs@Dzs nanostructures have become excellent candidates for biosensing, bioimaging, amplification delivery, and targeted cancer gene therapy while emphasizing major advancements and seminal endeavors in the fields of biosensing (nucleic acid, protein, enzyme activity, small molecules, and cancer cells), biological imaging, and targeted cancer gene delivery and gene therapy. Overall, based on the results demonstrated to date, we discuss the challenges that the emerging MOFs@Dzs might encounter in practical future applications and briefly look forward to their bright prospects in other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Zhu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Guixia Ling
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
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49
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Shchaslyvyi AY, Antonenko SV, Tesliuk MG, Telegeev GD. Current State of Human Gene Therapy: Approved Products and Vectors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1416. [PMID: 37895887 PMCID: PMC10609992 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the realm of gene therapy, a pivotal moment arrived with Paul Berg's groundbreaking identification of the first recombinant DNA in 1972. This achievement set the stage for future breakthroughs. Conditions once considered undefeatable, like melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and a host of other ailments, are now being addressed at their root cause-the genetic level. Presently, the gene therapy landscape stands adorned with 22 approved in vivo and ex vivo products, including IMLYGIC, LUXTURNA, Zolgensma, Spinraza, Patisiran, and many more. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into a rich assortment of 16 drugs, from siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 to DNA aptamers and TRAIL/APO2L, as well as 46 carriers, from AAV, AdV, LNPs, and exosomes to naked mRNA, sonoporation, and magnetofection. The article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each product and vector type, as well as the current challenges faced in the practical use of gene therapy and its future potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin Y. Shchaslyvyi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.V.A.); (M.G.T.); (G.D.T.)
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50
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Leonard WJ, Lin JX. Strategies to therapeutically modulate cytokine action. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:827-854. [PMID: 37542128 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are secreted or membrane-presented molecules that mediate broad cellular functions, including development, differentiation, growth and survival. Accordingly, the regulation of cytokine activity is extraordinarily important both physiologically and pathologically. Cytokine and/or cytokine receptor engineering is being widely investigated to safely and effectively modulate cytokine activity for therapeutic benefit. IL-2 in particular has been extensively engineered, to create IL-2 variants that differentially exhibit activities on regulatory T cells to potentially treat autoimmune disease versus effector T cells to augment antitumour effects. Additionally, engineering approaches are being applied to many other cytokines such as IL-10, interferons and IL-1 family cytokines, given their immunosuppressive and/or antiviral and anticancer effects. In modulating the actions of cytokines, the strategies used have been broad, including altering affinities of cytokines for their receptors, prolonging cytokine half-lives in vivo and fine-tuning cytokine actions. The field is rapidly expanding, with extensive efforts to create improved therapeutics for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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