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Jiang AY, Witten J, Raji IO, Eweje F, MacIsaac C, Meng S, Oladimeji FA, Hu Y, Manan RS, Langer R, Anderson DG. Combinatorial development of nebulized mRNA delivery formulations for the lungs. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:364-375. [PMID: 37985700 PMCID: PMC10954414 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Inhaled delivery of mRNA has the potential to treat a wide variety of diseases. However, nebulized mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) face several unique challenges including stability during nebulization and penetration through both cellular and extracellular barriers. Here we develop a combinatorial approach addressing these barriers. First, we observe that LNP formulations can be stabilized to resist nebulization-induced aggregation by altering the nebulization buffer to increase the LNP charge during nebulization, and by the addition of a branched polymeric excipient. Next, we synthesize a combinatorial library of ionizable, degradable lipids using reductive amination, and evaluate their delivery potential using fully differentiated air-liquid interface cultured primary lung epithelial cells. The final combination of ionizable lipid, charge-stabilized formulation and stability-enhancing excipient yields a significant improvement in lung mRNA delivery over current state-of-the-art LNPs and polymeric nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Y Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jacob Witten
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Idris O Raji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feyisayo Eweje
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corina MacIsaac
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Meng
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Favour A Oladimeji
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yizong Hu
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rajith S Manan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel G Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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2
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Antas P, Carvalho C, Cabral-Teixeira J, de Lemos L, Seabra MC. Toward low-cost gene therapy: mRNA-based therapeutics for treatment of inherited retinal diseases. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:136-146. [PMID: 38044158 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) stem from genetic mutations that result in vision impairment. Gene therapy shows promising therapeutic potential, exemplified by the encouraging initial results with voretigene neparvovec. Nevertheless, the associated costs impede widespread access, particularly in low-to-middle income countries. The primary challenge remains: how can we make these therapies globally affordable? Leveraging advancements in mRNA therapies might offer a more economically viable alternative. Furthermore, transitioning to nonviral delivery systems could provide a dual benefit of reduced costs and increased scalability. Relevant stakeholders must collaboratively devise and implement a research agenda to realize the potential of mRNA strategies in equitable access to treatments to prevent vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Antas
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Carvalho
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Luísa de Lemos
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal; iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
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3
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Neary MT, Mulder LM, Kowalski PS, MacLoughlin R, Crean AM, Ryan KB. Nebulised delivery of RNA formulations to the lungs: From aerosol to cytosol. J Control Release 2024; 366:812-833. [PMID: 38101753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade RNA-based therapies such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) have emerged as new and ground-breaking therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of many conditions from viral infection to cancer. Most clinically approved RNA therapies are parenterally administered which impacts patient compliance and adds to healthcare costs. Pulmonary administration via inhalation is a non-invasive means to deliver RNA and offers an attractive alternative to injection. Nebulisation is a particularly appealing method due to the capacity to deliver large RNA doses during tidal breathing. In this review, we discuss the unique physiological barriers presented by the lung to efficient nebulised RNA delivery and approaches adopted to circumvent this problem. Additionally, the different types of nebulisers are evaluated from the perspective of their suitability for RNA delivery. Furthermore, we discuss recent preclinical studies involving nebulisation of RNA and analysis in in vitro and in vivo settings. Several studies have also demonstrated the importance of an effective delivery vector in RNA nebulisation therefore we assess the variety of lipid, polymeric and hybrid-based delivery systems utilised to date. We also consider the outlook for nebulised RNA medicinal products and the hurdles which must be overcome for successful clinical translation. In summary, nebulised RNA delivery has demonstrated promising potential for the treatment of several lung-related conditions such as asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis, to which the mode of delivery is of crucial importance for clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Neary
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Piotr S Kowalski
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Abina M Crean
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Katie B Ryan
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland.
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4
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Thatte AS, Hamilton AG, Nachod BE, Mukalel AJ, Billingsley MM, Palanki R, Swingle KL, Mitchell MJ. mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles for Ex Vivo Engineering of Immunosuppressive T Cells for Autoimmunity Therapies. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:10179-10188. [PMID: 37906000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02573] [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: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases have gained significant traction, with several approaches centered around the regulatory T (Treg) cell─a well-known immunosuppressive cell characterized by its expression of the transcription factor Foxp3. Unfortunately, due to low numbers of Treg cells available in circulation, harvesting and culturing Treg cells remains a challenge. It has been reported that engineering Foxp3 expression in CD4+ T cells can result in a Treg-like phenotype; however, current methods result in the inefficient engineering of these cells. Here, we develop an ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform to effectively deliver Foxp3 mRNA to CD4+ T cells. We successfully engineer CD4+ T cells into Foxp3-T (FP3T) cells that transiently exhibit an immunosuppressive phenotype and functionally suppress the proliferation of effector T cells. These results demonstrate the promise of an LNP platform for engineering immunosuppressive T cells with potential applications in autoimmunity therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay S Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Benjamin E Nachod
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Alvin J Mukalel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Margaret M Billingsley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Rohan Palanki
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kelsey L Swingle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 United States
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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5
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Bai C, Wang C, Lu Y. Novel Vectors and Administrations for mRNA Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303713. [PMID: 37475520 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
mRNA therapy has shown great potential in infectious disease vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy, gene editing, and other fields due to its central role in all life processes. However, mRNA is challenging to pass through the cell membrane due to its significant negative charges and degradation from RNase, so the key to mRNA therapy is efficient packaging and delivery of it with appropriate vectors. Presently researchers have developed various vectors such as viruses and liposomes, but these conventional vectors are now difficult to meet the growing requirement like safety, efficiency, and targeting, so many novel delivery vectors with unique advantages have emerged recently. This review mainly introduces two categories of novel vectors: biomacromolecules and inorganic nanoparticles, as well as two novel methods of control and administration based on these novel vectors: controlled-release administration and non-invasive administration. These novel delivery strategies have the advantages of high safety, biocompatibility, versatility, intelligence, and targeting. This paper analyzes the challenges faced by the field of mRNA delivery in depth, and discusses how to use the characteristics of novel vectors and administrations to solve these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghai Bai
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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6
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Pagovich OE, Crystal RG. Gene Therapy for Immunoglobulin E, Complement-Mediated, and Eosinophilic Disorders. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:986-1002. [PMID: 37672523 PMCID: PMC10616964 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.039] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin E, complement, and eosinophils play an important role in host defense, but dysfunction of each of these components can lead to a variety of human disorders. In this review, we summarize how investigators have adapted gene therapy and antisense technology to modulate immunoglobulin E, complement, and/or eosinophil levels to treat these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odelya E. Pagovich
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald G. Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Li D, Liu Q, Yang M, Xu H, Zhu M, Zhang Y, Xu J, Tian C, Yao J, Wang L, Liang Y. Nanomaterials for mRNA-based therapeutics: Challenges and opportunities. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10492. [PMID: 37206219 PMCID: PMC10189457 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) holds great potential in developing immunotherapy, protein replacement, and genome editing. In general, mRNA does not have the risk of being incorporated into the host genome and does not need to enter the nucleus for transfection, and it can be expressed even in nondividing cells. Therefore, mRNA-based therapeutics provide a promising strategy for clinical treatment. However, the efficient and safe delivery of mRNA remains a crucial constraint for the clinical application of mRNA therapeutics. Although the stability and tolerability of mRNA can be enhanced by directly retouching the mRNA structure, there is still an urgent need to improve the delivery of mRNA. Recently, significant progress has been made in nanobiotechnology, providing tools for developing mRNA nanocarriers. Nano-drug delivery system is directly used for loading, protecting, and releasing mRNA in the biological microenvironment and can be used to stimulate the translation of mRNA to develop effective intervention strategies. In the present review, we summarized the concept of emerging nanomaterials for mRNA delivery and the latest progress in enhancing the function of mRNA, primarily focusing on the role of exosomes in mRNA delivery. Moreover, we outlined its clinical applications so far. Finally, the key obstacles of mRNA nanocarriers are emphasized, and promising strategies to overcome these obstacles are proposed. Collectively, nano-design materials exert functions for specific mRNA applications, provide new perception for next-generation nanomaterials, and thus revolution of mRNA technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- De‐feng Li
- Department of GastroenterologyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Qi‐song Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesShenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Mei‐feng Yang
- Department of HematologyYantian District People's HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Hao‐ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGuangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Min‐zheng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatologythe Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of TechnologyGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Medical AdministrationHuizhou Institute of Occupational Diseases Control and PreventionHuizhouGuangdongChina
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGuangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Cheng‐mei Tian
- Department of EmergencyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of GastroenterologyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Li‐sheng Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Yu‐jie Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryShenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health CenterShenzhenChina
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical UniversityJiningShandongChina
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8
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Sun H, Zhang Y, Wang G, Yang W, Xu Y. mRNA-Based Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020622. [PMID: 36839944 PMCID: PMC9964383 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant technological innovations have led to messenger RNA (mRNA) becoming a promising option for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and genome engineering. The success of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has sparked new enthusiasm for other medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are structurally designed to resemble naturally occurring mature mRNA. Delivery of IVT mRNA via delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles allows host cells to produce many copies of encoded proteins, which can serve as antigens to stimulate immune responses or as additional beneficial proteins for supplements. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics include mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA encoding cytokines, chimeric antigen receptors, tumor suppressors, and other combination therapies. To better understand the current development and research status of mRNA therapies for cancer treatment, this review focused on the molecular design, delivery systems, and clinical indications of mRNA therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence:
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Seo H, Jeon L, Kwon J, Lee H. High-Precision Synthesis of RNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203033. [PMID: 36737864 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of RNA-based therapeutics in delivering nucleic acids for gene editing and regulating protein translation has led to the effective treatment of various diseases including cancer, inflammatory and genetic disorder, as well as infectious diseases. Among these, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have emerged as a promising platform for RNA delivery and have shed light by resolving the inherent instability issues of naked RNA and thereby enhancing the therapeutic potency. These LNP consisting of ionizable lipid, helper lipid, cholesterol, and poly(ethylene glycol)-anchored lipid can stably enclose RNA and help them release into the cells' cytosol. Herein, the significant progress made in LNP research starting from the LNP constituents, formulation, and their diverse applications is summarized first. Moreover, the microfluidic methodologies which allow precise assembly of these newly developed constituents to achieve LNP with controllable composition and size, high encapsulation efficiency as well as scalable production are highlighted. Furthermore, a short discussion on current challenges as well as an outlook will be given on emerging approaches to resolving these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjin Seo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Leekang Jeon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Jaeyeong Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Korea
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10
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Ravikumar S, Amali AA, Capinpin SM, Ho HK, Chai LYA. Functional STAT3 Deficiency from Co-Localization with SMAD2/3 Can Account for Infective Predisposition and Hyper IgE-like Manifestation in Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. J Clin Immunol 2023; 43:327-330. [PMID: 36350438 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-022-01383-6] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharada Ravikumar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore
| | - Aseervatham Anusha Amali
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore
| | - Sharah Mae Capinpin
- Molecular Diagnostic Centre, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Kiat Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Yi Ann Chai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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11
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Riaz F, Pan F, Wei P. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: The master regulator of immune responses in allergic diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057555. [PMID: 36601108 PMCID: PMC9806217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a widely studied ligand-activated cytosolic transcriptional factor that has been associated with the initiation and progression of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and allergies. Generally, AhR responds and binds to environmental toxins/ligands, dietary ligands, and allergens to regulate toxicological, biological, cellular responses. In a canonical signaling manner, activation of AhR is responsible for the increase in cytochrome P450 enzymes which help individuals to degrade and metabolize these environmental toxins and ligands. However, canonical signaling cannot be applied to all the effects mediated by AhR. Recent findings indicate that activation of AhR signaling also interacts with some non-canonical factors like Kruppel-like-factor-6 (KLF6) or estrogen-receptor-alpha (Erα) to affect the expression of downstream genes. Meanwhile, enormous research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of AhR signaling on innate and adaptive immunity. It has been shown that AhR exerts numerous effects on mast cells, B cells, macrophages, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), Th1/Th2 cell balance, Th17, and regulatory T cells, thus, playing a significant role in allergens-induced diseases. This review discussed how AhR mediates immune responses in allergic diseases. Meanwhile, we believe that understanding the role of AhR in immune responses will enhance our knowledge of AhR-mediated immune regulation in allergic diseases. Also, it will help researchers to understand the role of AhR in regulating immune responses in autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Riaz
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
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12
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Karim ME, Haque ST, Al-Busaidi H, Bakhtiar A, Tha KK, Holl MMB, Chowdhury EH. Scope and challenges of nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery in cancer treatment. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:865-893. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01418-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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13
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Jansen EM, Frijlink HW, Hinrichs WLJ, Ruigrok MJR. Are inhaled mRNA vaccines safe and effective? A review of preclinical studies. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1471-1485. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2131767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Evalyne M Jansen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henderik W Frijlink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter LJ Hinrichs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mitchel JR Ruigrok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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14
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Janowski M, Andrzejewska A. The legacy of mRNA engineering: A lineup of pioneers for the Nobel Prize. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:272-284. [PMID: 35855896 PMCID: PMC9278038 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
mRNA is like Hermes, delivering the genetic code to cellular construction sites, so it has long been of interest, but only to a small group of scientists, and only demonstrating its remarkable efficacy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines allowed it to go out into the open. Therefore, now is the right timing to delve into the stepping stones that underpin this success and pay tribute to the underlying scientists. From this perspective, advances in mRNA engineering have proven crucial to the rapidly growing role of this molecule in healthcare. Development of consecutive generations of cap analogs, including anti-reverse cap analogs (ARCAs), has significantly boosted translation efficacy and maintained an enthusiasm for mRNA research. Nucleotide modification to protect mRNA molecules from the host's immune system, followed by finding appropriate purification and packaging methods, were other links in the chain enabling medical breakthroughs. Currently, vaccines are the central area of mRNA research, but it will reach far beyond COVID-19. Supplementation of missing or abnormal proteins is another large field of mRNA research. Ex vivo cell engineering and genome editing have been expanding recently. Thus, it is time to recognize mRNA pioneers while building upon their legacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslaw Janowski
- Program in Image Guided Neurointerventions, Center for Advanced Imaging Research, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA,Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Anna Andrzejewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, PAS, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland,Corresponding author Anna Andrzejewska, NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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15
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DUAN FP, LI YS, HU TY, PAN XQ, MA F, FENG Y, QIU SQ, ZHENG YQ. Dendrobium nobile protects against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis by regulating intestinal flora and suppressing lung inflammation. Chin J Nat Med 2022; 20:443-457. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(22)60168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Yoshinaga N, Uchida S, Dirisala A, Naito M, Koji K, Osada K, Cabral H, Kataoka K. Bridging mRNA and Polycation Using RNA Oligonucleotide Derivatives Improves the Robustness of Polyplex Micelles for Efficient mRNA Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102016. [PMID: 34913604 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Polyplex for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery requires strong yet reversible association between mRNA and polycation for extracellular robustness and selective intracellular disintegration. Herein, RNA oligonucleotide (OligoRNA) derivatives that bridge mRNA and polycation are developed to stabilize polyplex micelles (PMs). A set of the OligoRNAs introduced with a polyol moiety in their 5' end is designed to hybridize to fixed positions along mRNA strand. After PM preparation from the hybridized mRNA and poly(ethylene glycol)-polycation block copolymer derived with phenylboronic acid (PBA) moieties in its cationic segment, PBA moieties form reversible phenylboronate ester linkages with a polyol moiety at 5' end of OligoRNAs and a diol moiety at their 3' end ribose, in the PM core. The OligoRNAs work as a node to bridge ionically complexed mRNA and polycation, thereby improving PM stability against polyion exchange reaction and ribonuclease attack in extracellular environment. After cellular uptake, intracellular high concentration of adenosine triphosphate triggers the cleavage of phenylboronate ester linkages, resulting in mRNA release from PM. Ultimately, the PM provides efficient mRNA introduction in cultured cells and mouse lungs after intratracheal administration, demonstrating the potential of the bridging strategy in polyplex-based mRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Yoshinaga
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
- Biomacromolecule Research Team RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science 2‐1 Hirosawa, Wakoshi Saitama 351‐0198 Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
- Medical Chemistry Graduate School of Medical Science Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine 1‐5 Shimogamohangi‐cho Sakyo‐ku Kyoto 606‐0823 Japan
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion 3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐ku Kawasaki 210‐0821 Japan
| | - Anjaneyulu Dirisala
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion 3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐ku Kawasaki 210‐0821 Japan
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐0033 Japan
| | - Kyoko Koji
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
| | - Kensuke Osada
- Institute for Quantum Medical Science National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) 4‐9‐1 Anagawa, Inage‐ku Chiba‐shi Chiba 263‐8555 Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo 7‐3‐1 Hongo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo 113‐8656 Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Promotion 3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐ku Kawasaki 210‐0821 Japan
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17
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Byun MJ, Lim J, Kim SN, Park DH, Kim TH, Park W, Park CG. Advances in Nanoparticles for Effective Delivery of RNA Therapeutics. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022; 16:128-145. [PMID: 35261724 PMCID: PMC8891745 DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00052-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics, including messenger RNA (mRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), are genetic materials that mediate the translation of genetic direction from genes to induce or inhibit specific protein production. Although the interest in RNA therapeutics is rising globally, the absence of an effective delivery system is an obstacle to the clinical application of RNA therapeutics. Additionally, immunogenicity, short duration of protein expression, unwanted enzymatic degradation, and insufficient cellular uptake could limit the therapeutic efficacy of RNA therapeutics. In this regard, novel platforms based on nanoparticles are crucial for delivering RNAs to the targeted site to increase efficiency without toxicity. In this review, the most recent status of nanoparticles as RNA delivery vectors, with a focus on polymeric nanoparticles, peptide-derived nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and hybrid nanoparticles, is discussed. These nanoparticular platforms can be utilized for safe and effective RNA delivery to augment therapeutic effects. Ultimately, RNA therapeutics encapsulated in nanoparticle-based carriers will be used to treat many diseases and save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Byun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Na Kim
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080 Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Park
- Department of Engineering Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644 Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974 Republic of Korea
| | - Wooram Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419 Republic of Korea
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18
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Elkhalifa D, Rayan M, Negmeldin AT, Elhissi A, Khalil A. Chemically modified mRNA beyond COVID-19: Potential preventive and therapeutic applications for targeting chronic diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 145:112385. [PMID: 34915673 PMCID: PMC8552589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemically modified mRNA represents a unique, efficient, and straightforward approach to produce a class of biopharmaceutical agents. It has been already approved as a vaccination-based method for targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the prospect of synthetic modified mRNA to efficiently and safely combat various diseases. Recently, various optimization advances have been adopted to overcome the limitations associated with conventional gene therapeutics leading to wide-ranging applications in different disease conditions. This review sheds light on emerging directions of chemically modified mRNAs to prevent and treat widespread chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer vaccination and immunotherapy, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Elkhalifa
- Department of Pharmacy, Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Menatallah Rayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed T Negmeldin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelbary Elhissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashraf Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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19
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Yokoo H, Oba M, Uchida S. Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Emerging Tools for mRNA Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:pharmaceutics14010078. [PMID: 35056974 PMCID: PMC8781296 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were previously shown to have great potential for preventive vaccination against infectious diseases and therapeutic applications in the treatment of cancers and genetic diseases. Delivery systems for mRNAs, including lipid- and polymer-based carriers, are being developed for improving mRNA bioavailability. Among these systems, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) of 4–40 amino acids have emerged as powerful tools for mRNA delivery, which were originally developed to deliver membrane-impermeable drugs, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids to cells and tissues. Various functionalities can be integrated into CPPs by tuning the composition and sequence of natural and non-natural amino acids for mRNA delivery. With the employment of CPPs, improved endosomal escape efficiencies, selective targeting of dendritic cells (DCs), modulation of endosomal pathways for efficient antigen presentation by DCs, and effective mRNA delivery to the lungs by dry powder inhalation have been reported; additionally, they have been found to prolong protein expression by intracellular stabilization of mRNA. This review highlights the distinctive features of CPP-based mRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetomo Yokoo
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan;
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan;
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (S.U.); Tel.: +81-75-703-4937 (M.O.); +81-75-703-4938 (S.U.)
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 606-0823, Japan;
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (S.U.); Tel.: +81-75-703-4937 (M.O.); +81-75-703-4938 (S.U.)
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20
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Abstract
Over the past two decades, research on mRNA-based therapies has exploded, mainly because of the inherent advantages of mRNA, including a low integration probability, transient expression, and simple and rapid in vitro transcription production approaches. In addition, thanks to improved stability and reduced immunogenicity by advanced strategies, the application of mRNA has expanded from protein replacement therapy to vaccination, gene editing and other fields, showing great promise for clinical application. Recently, with the successive launch of two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA technology has attracted an enormous amount of attention from scientific researchers as well as pharmaceutical companies. Because of the large molecular weight, hydrophilicity, and highly negative charge densities of mRNA, it is difficult to overcome the intracellular delivery barriers. Therefore, various delivery vehicles have been developed to achieve more effective mRNA delivery. In general, conventional mRNA administration methods are based on injection strategies, including intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections. Although these routes circumvent the absorption barriers to some extent, they bring about injection-related concerns such as safety issues, pain, low compliance, and difficulty in repeated dosing, increasing the need to explore alternative strategies for noninvasive delivery. The ideal noninvasive delivery systems are featured with easy to use, low risks of infection, and good patient compliance. At the same time, they allow patients to self-administer, reducing reliance on professional healthcare workers and interference with bodily functions and daily life. In particular, the noninvasive mucosal delivery of mRNA vaccines can induce mucosal immune responses, which are important for resisting pathogens infected through mucosal routes.Because of the potential clinical benefits mentioned above, we detailed the existing strategies for the noninvasive delivery of mRNA in this review, including delivery via the nasal, pulmonary, vaginal, and transdermal routes. First, we discussed the unique strengths and biological hindrances of each route on the basis of physiology. Next, we comprehensively summarized the research progress reported so far and analyzed the technologies and delivery vehicles used, hoping to provide some references for further explorations. Among these noninvasive routes, nasal and pulmonary delivery are the earliest and most intensively studied areas, mostly owing to their favorable physiological structures: the nasal or pulmonary mucosa is easily accessible, highly permeable and highly vascularized. In contrast, the development of vaginal mRNA delivery is relatively less reported, and the current research mainly focused on some local applications. In addition, microneedles have also been investigated to overcome skin barriers for mRNA delivery in recent years, making microneedle-based delivery an emerging alternative pathway. In summary, a variety of mRNA formulations and delivery strategies have been developed for noninvasive mRNA delivery, skillfully combining appropriate vehicles or physical technologies to enhance effectiveness. We surmise that continuous advances and technological innovations in the development of mRNA noninvasive delivery will accelerate the translation from experimental research to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Qin
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Guangsheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, P. R. China
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21
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Steinle H, Weber J, Stoppelkamp S, Große-Berkenbusch K, Golombek S, Weber M, Canak-Ipek T, Trenz SM, Schlensak C, Avci-Adali M. Delivery of synthetic mRNAs for tissue regeneration. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114007. [PMID: 34710530 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, nucleic acid-based therapeutics have gained increasing importance as novel treatment options for disease prevention and treatment. Synthetic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are promising nucleic acid-based drugs to transiently express desired proteins that are missing or defective. Recently, synthetic mRNA-based vaccines encoding viral proteins have been approved for emergency use against COVID-19. Various types of vehicles, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and liposomes, are being investigated to enable the efficient uptake of mRNA molecules into desired cells. In addition, the introduction of novel chemical modifications into mRNAs increased the stability, enabled the modulation of nucleic acid-based drugs, and increased the efficiency of mRNA-based therapeutic approaches. In this review, novel and innovative strategies for the delivery of synthetic mRNA-based therapeutics for tissue regeneration are discussed. Moreover, with this review, we aim to highlight the versatility of synthetic mRNA molecules for various applications in the field of regenerative medicine and also discuss translational challenges and required improvements for mRNA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Steinle
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Josefin Weber
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Stoppelkamp
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Große-Berkenbusch
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sonia Golombek
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marbod Weber
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tuba Canak-Ipek
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sarah-Maria Trenz
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
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22
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Valadon C, Namy O. The Importance of the Epi-Transcriptome in Translation Fidelity. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:51. [PMID: 34564313 PMCID: PMC8482273 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7030051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications play an essential role in determining RNA fate. Recent studies have revealed the effects of such modifications on all steps of RNA metabolism. These modifications range from the addition of simple groups, such as methyl groups, to the addition of highly complex structures, such as sugars. Their consequences for translation fidelity are not always well documented. Unlike the well-known m6A modification, they are thought to have direct effects on either the folding of the molecule or the ability of tRNAs to bind their codons. Here we describe how modifications found in tRNAs anticodon-loop, rRNA, and mRNA can affect translation fidelity, and how approaches based on direct manipulations of the level of RNA modification could potentially be used to modulate translation for the treatment of human genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Namy
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France;
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23
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Rahman MM, Zhou N, Huang J. An Overview on the Development of mRNA-Based Vaccines and Their Formulation Strategies for Improved Antigen Expression In Vivo. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:244. [PMID: 33799516 PMCID: PMC8001631 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mRNA-based vaccine approach is a promising alternative to traditional vaccines due to its ability for prompt development, high potency, and potential for secure administration and low-cost production. Nonetheless, the application has still been limited by the instability as well as the ineffective delivery of mRNA in vivo. Current technological improvements have now mostly overcome these concerns, and manifold mRNA vaccine plans against various forms of malignancies and infectious ailments have reported inspiring outcomes in both humans and animal models. This article summarizes recent mRNA-based vaccine developments, advances of in vivo mRNA deliveries, reflects challenges and safety concerns, and future perspectives, in developing the mRNA vaccine platform for extensive therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Motiar Rahman
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518055, China; (N.Z.); (J.H.)
| | - Nan Zhou
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518055, China; (N.Z.); (J.H.)
| | - Jiandong Huang
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518055, China; (N.Z.); (J.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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24
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Sun K, Li YY, Jin J. A double-edged sword of immuno-microenvironment in cardiac homeostasis and injury repair. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:79. [PMID: 33612829 PMCID: PMC7897720 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The response of immune cells in cardiac injury is divided into three continuous phases: inflammation, proliferation and maturation. The kinetics of the inflammatory and proliferation phases directly influence the tissue repair. In cardiac homeostasis, cardiac tissue resident macrophages (cTMs) phagocytose bacteria and apoptotic cells. Meanwhile, NK cells prevent the maturation and transport of inflammatory cells. After cardiac injury, cTMs phagocytose the dead cardiomyocytes (CMs), regulate the proliferation and angiogenesis of cardiac progenitor cells. NK cells prevent the cardiac fibrosis, and promote vascularization and angiogenesis. Type 1 macrophages trigger the cardioprotective responses and promote tissue fibrosis in the early stage. Reversely, type 2 macrophages promote cardiac remodeling and angiogenesis in the late stage. Circulating macrophages and neutrophils firstly lead to chronic inflammation by secreting proinflammatory cytokines, and then release anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, which regulate cardiac remodeling. In this process, dendritic cells (DCs) mediate the regulation of monocyte and macrophage recruitment. Recruited eosinophils and Mast cells (MCs) release some mediators which contribute to coronary vasoconstriction, leukocyte recruitment, formation of new blood vessels, scar formation. In adaptive immunity, effector T cells, especially Th17 cells, lead to the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis, including the distal fibrosis and scar formation. CMs protectors, Treg cells, inhibit reduce the inflammatory response, then directly trigger the regeneration of local progenitor cell via IL-10. B cells reduce myocardial injury by preserving cardiac function during the resolution of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Sun
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, and Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi-Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
| | - Jin Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, and Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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25
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Rilo-Alvarez H, Ledo AM, Vidal A, Garcia-Fuentes M. Delivery of transcription factors as modulators of cell differentiation. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:426-444. [PMID: 33611769 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental studies performed during the last decades have shown that cell fate is much more plastic than previously considered, and technologies for its manipulation are a keystone for many new tissue regeneration therapies. Transcription factors (TFs) are DNA-binding proteins that control gene expression, and they have critical roles in the control of cell fate and other cellular behavior. TF-based therapies have much medical potential, but their use as drugs depends on the development of suitable delivery technologies that can help them reach their action site inside of the cells. TFs can be used either as proteins or encoded in polynucleotides. When used in protein form, many TFs require to be associated to a cell-penetrating peptide or another transduction domain. As polynucleotides, they can be delivered either by viral carriers or by non-viral systems such as polyplexes and lipoplexes. TF-based therapies have extensively shown their potential to solve many tissue-engineering problems, including bone, cartilage and cardiac regeneration. Yet, their use has expanded beyond regenerative medicine to other prominent disease areas such as cancer therapy and immunomodulation. This review summarizes some of the delivery options for effective TF-based therapies and their current main applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Rilo-Alvarez
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, IDIS Research Institute, CiMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Adriana M Ledo
- Respiratory Therapeutic Area, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc, 700 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Anxo Vidal
- Department of Physiology, IDIS Research Institute, CiMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, IDIS Research Institute, CiMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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26
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Sultana N, Sharkar MTK, Hadas Y, Chepurko E, Zangi L. In Vitro Synthesis of Modified RNA for Cardiac Gene Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2158:281-294. [PMID: 32857381 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0668-1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Modified mRNA (modRNA) is a promising new gene therapy approach that has safely and effectively delivered genes into different tissues, including the heart. Current efforts to use DNA-based or viral gene therapy to induce cardiac regeneration postmyocardial infarction (MI) or in heart failure (HF) have encountered key challenges, e.g., genome integration and delayed and noncontrolled expression. By contrast, modRNA is a transient, safe, non-immunogenic, and controlled gene delivery method that is not integrated into the genome. For most therapeutic applications, especially in regenerative medicine, the ability to deliver genes to the heart transiently and with control is vital for achieving therapeutic effect. Additionally, modRNA synthesis is comparatively simple and inexpensive compared to other gene delivery methods (e.g., protein), though a simple, clear in vitro transcription (IVT) protocol for synthesizing modRNA is needed for it to be more widely used. Here, we describe a simple and improved step-by-step IVT protocol to synthesize modRNA for in vitro or in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishat Sultana
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohammad Tofael Kabir Sharkar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoav Hadas
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elena Chepurko
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lior Zangi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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27
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Kant S, Atta MG. Therapeutic advances in Fabry disease: The future awaits. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110779. [PMID: 33152937 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in GLA gene responsible for coding of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A(α-GAL). The resultant accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb-3) leads to multisystemic disease including progressive chronic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, stroke, angiokeratomas and corneal whorls. Current treatments include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), along with recent advent of chaperone therapy. ERT has not shown to have dramatic improvement in outcomes for all organ systems, with benefit mostly seen in kidney disease and reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy. ERT, however, is associated with formation of anti-drug antibodies and requirement of long-term venous access, while chaperone therapy can only be used in amenable mutations. A multitude of therapies are now under investigation in various phases of clinical trials. These include pegylated form of α-GAL (pegunigalsidase alpha), gene therapy (both in-vivo and ex-vivo methods), mRNA therapy (inducing production of α-GAL) and substrate reduction therapy (inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase leading to reduction of Gb-3). This review encapsulates literature pertaining to current and investigational therapies for FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Kant
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohamed G Atta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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28
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Xu S, Yang K, Li R, Zhang L. mRNA Vaccine Era-Mechanisms, Drug Platform and Clinical Prospection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6582. [PMID: 32916818 PMCID: PMC7554980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based drugs, notably mRNA vaccines, have been widely proven as a promising treatment strategy in immune therapeutics. The extraordinary advantages associated with mRNA vaccines, including their high efficacy, a relatively low severity of side effects, and low attainment costs, have enabled them to become prevalent in pre-clinical and clinical trials against various infectious diseases and cancers. Recent technological advancements have alleviated some issues that hinder mRNA vaccine development, such as low efficiency that exist in both gene translation and in vivo deliveries. mRNA immunogenicity can also be greatly adjusted as a result of upgraded technologies. In this review, we have summarized details regarding the optimization of mRNA vaccines, and the underlying biological mechanisms of this form of vaccines. Applications of mRNA vaccines in some infectious diseases and cancers are introduced. It also includes our prospections for mRNA vaccine applications in diseases caused by bacterial pathogens, such as tuberculosis. At the same time, some suggestions for future mRNA vaccine development about storage methods, safety concerns, and personalized vaccine synthesis can be found in the context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kunpeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
| | - Rose Li
- M.B.B.S., School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China;
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (S.X.); (K.Y.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
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29
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Zheng R, Wang F, Huang Y, Xiang Q, Dai H, Zhang W. Elevated Th17 cell frequencies and Th17/Treg ratio are associated with airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic children. J Asthma 2020; 58:707-716. [PMID: 32114839 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1737710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The elevation of T helper (Th)17 cell frequencies and the imbalance of Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cells occur in asthma pathogenesis. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a cardinal feature of asthma, and Th17 responses can promote AHR. We hypothesized that changes in Th17 cells and the Th17/Treg ratio correlate with AHR in asthmatic children.Methods: Twenty asthmatic children and twenty healthy children were included in the study. The peak expiratory flow (PEF) % pred, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % pred and the FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio were measured in all subjects. Methacholine challenge test (MCT) was performed in asthmatic children. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ELISA was used to assess serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-10.Results: Th17 cell frequencies (2.272 ± 0.207% in asthmatics, 1.193 ± 0.131% in controls, P < 0.01) and Th17/Treg ratios (0.371 ± 0.0387 in asthmatics, 0.183 ± 0.020 in controls, P < 0.01) were significantly increased in asthmatic children compared to controls. In asthmatic children, the MCT grade had positive correlations with the Th17 cell frequencies [r = 0.718, P < 0.01], serum IL-17A level [r = 0.753, P < 0.01] and Th17/Treg ratio [r = 0.721, P < 0.01], while the log10PD20-FEV1 value was negatively correlated with the Th17 cell frequencies [r = -0.654, P < 0.01], serum IL-17A level [r = -0.652, P < 0.01] and Th17/Treg ratio [r = -0.625, P < 0.01].Conclusion: Th17 cell, IL-17A and Th17/Treg ratio were positively correlated with AHR in asthmatic children. It may be helpful to monitor Th17 cells and the Th17/Treg ratio as indicators of AHR in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongying Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fangmin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiangwei Xiang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huan Dai
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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30
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Chen J, Ma Q, King JS, Sun Y, Xu B, Zhang X, Zohrabian S, Guo H, Cai W, Li G, Bruno I, Cooke JP, Wang C, Kontaridis M, Wang DZ, Luo H, Pu WT, Lin Z. aYAP modRNA reduces cardiac inflammation and hypertrophy in a murine ischemia-reperfusion model. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 3:e201900424. [PMID: 31843959 PMCID: PMC6918510 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial recovery from ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is shaped by the interaction of many signaling pathways and tissue repair processes, including the innate immune response. We and others previously showed that sustained expression of the transcriptional co-activator yes-associated protein (YAP) improves survival and myocardial outcome after myocardial infarction. Here, we asked whether transient YAP expression would improve myocardial outcome after IR injury. After IR, we transiently activated YAP in the myocardium with modified mRNA encoding a constitutively active form of YAP (aYAP modRNA). Histological studies 2 d after IR showed that aYAP modRNA reduced cardiomyocyte (CM) necrosis and neutrophil infiltration. 4 wk after IR, aYAP modRNA-treated mice had better heart function as well as reduced scar size and hypertrophic remodeling. In cultured neonatal and adult CMs, YAP attenuated H2O2- or LPS-induced CM necrosis. TLR signaling pathway components important for innate immune responses were suppressed by YAP/TEAD1. In summary, our findings demonstrate that aYAP modRNA treatment reduces CM necrosis, cardiac inflammation, and hypertrophic remodeling after IR stress.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/administration & dosage
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Cardiomegaly/drug therapy
- Cardiomegaly/etiology
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Humans
- Injections, Intramuscular
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/complications
- Myocarditis/drug therapy
- Myocarditis/etiology
- Myocardium/immunology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Neutrophil Infiltration/drug effects
- RNA Editing
- RNA, Messenger/administration & dosage
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Transcription Factors/administration & dosage
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmiao Chen
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Ma
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Yan Sun
- Masonic Medical Research Institute, Utica, NY, USA
| | - Bing Xu
- Masonic Medical Research Institute, Utica, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Haipeng Guo
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenqing Cai
- Boston Children's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gavin Li
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivone Bruno
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John P Cooke
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Hongbo Luo
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William T Pu
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Masonic Medical Research Institute, Utica, NY, USA
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31
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Effective mRNA pulmonary delivery by dry powder formulation of PEGylated synthetic KL4 peptide. J Control Release 2019; 314:102-115. [PMID: 31629037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) has considerable potential as therapy or vaccine for a range of lung diseases. Inhaled dry powder formulation of mRNA is particularly attractive as it has superior stability and dry powder inhaler is relatively easy to use. A safe and effective mRNA delivery vector as well as a suitable particle engineering method are required to produce a dry powder formulation that is respirable and mediates robust transfection in the lung. Here, we introduce a novel RNA delivery vector, PEG12KL4, in which the synthetic cationic KL4 peptide is attached to a monodisperse linear PEG of 12-mers. The PEG12KL4 formed nano-sized complexes with mRNA at 10:1 ratio (w/w) and mediated effective transfection on human lung epithelial cells. PEG12KL4/mRNA complexes were successfully formulated into dry powder by spray drying (SD) and spray freeze drying (SFD) techniques. Both SD and SFD powder exhibited satisfactory aerosol properties for inhalation. More importantly, the biological activity of the PEG12KL4 /mRNA complexes were successfully preserved after drying. Using luciferase mRNA, the intratracheal administration of the liquid or powder aerosol of PEG12KL4 /mRNA complexes at a dose of 5μg mRNA resulted in luciferase expression in the deep lung region of mice 24h post-transfection. The transfection efficiency was superior to naked mRNA or lipoplexes (Lipofectamine 2000), in which luciferase expression was weaker and restricted to the tracheal region only. There was no sign of inflammatory response or toxicity of the PEG12KL4 /mRNA complexes after single intratracheal administration. Overall, PEG12KL4 is an excellent mRNA transfection agent for pulmonary delivery. This is also the first study that successfully demonstrates the preparation of inhalable dry powder mRNA formulations with in vivo transfection efficiency, showing the great promise of PEG12KL4 peptide as a mRNA delivery vector candidate for clinical applications.
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32
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Efficient reduction of synthetic mRNA induced immune activation by simultaneous delivery of B18R encoding mRNA. J Biol Eng 2019; 13:40. [PMID: 31168319 PMCID: PMC6509845 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-019-0172-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of synthetic modified messenger RNA (mRNA) is a promising approach for the treatment of a variety of diseases and vaccination. In the past few years, different modifications of synthetic mRNA were applied to render the mRNA more stable and less immunogenic. However, the repeated application of synthetic mRNA still requires the suppression of immune activation to avoid cell death and to allow a sufficient production of exogenous proteins. Thus, the addition of type I interferon (IFN) inhibiting recombinant protein B18R is often required to avoid IFN response. In this study, the ability of B18R encoding mRNA to prevent the immune response of cells to the delivered synthetic mRNA was analyzed. The co-transfection of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) mRNA transfected fibroblasts with B18R encoding mRNA over 7-days resulted in comparable cell viability and eGFP protein expression as in the cells transfected with eGFP mRNA and incubated with B18R protein. Using qRT-PCR, significantly reduced expression of interferon-stimulated gene Mx1 was detected in the cells transfected with B18R mRNA and stimulated with IFNβ compared to the cells without B18R mRNA transfection. Thereby, it was demonstrated that the co-transfection of synthetic mRNA transfected cells with B18R encoding mRNA can reduce the IFN response-related cell death and thus, improve the protein expression.
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33
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Schlake T, Thran M, Fiedler K, Heidenreich R, Petsch B, Fotin-Mleczek M. mRNA: A Novel Avenue to Antibody Therapy? Mol Ther 2019; 27:773-784. [PMID: 30885573 PMCID: PMC6453519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
First attempts to use exogenous mRNA for protein expression in vivo were made more than 25 years ago. However, widespread appreciation of in vitro transcribed mRNA as a powerful technology for supplying therapeutic proteins to the body has evolved only during the past few years. Various approaches to turning mRNA into a potent therapeutic have been developed. All of them share utilization of specifically designed, rather than endogenous, sequences and thorough purification protocols. Apart from this, there are two fundamental philosophies, one promoting the use of chemically modified nucleotides, the other advocating restriction to unmodified building blocks. Meanwhile, both strategies have received broad support by successful mRNA-based protein treatments in animal models. For such in vivo use, specifically optimized mRNA had to be combined with potent formulations to enable efficient in vivo delivery. The present review analyzes the applicability of mRNA technology to antibody therapy in all main fields: antitoxins, infectious diseases, and oncology.
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34
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DeRosa F, Smith L, Shen Y, Huang Y, Pan J, Xie H, Yahalom B, Heartlein MW. Improved Efficacy in a Fabry Disease Model Using a Systemic mRNA Liver Depot System as Compared to Enzyme Replacement Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 27:878-889. [PMID: 30879951 PMCID: PMC6453518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of α-galactosidase A. Enzyme deficiency results in a progressive decline in renal and cardiac function, leading to cardiomyopathy and end-stage renal disease. Current treatments available, including enzyme replacement therapies, have provided significant benefit to patients; however, unmet medical needs remain. mRNA therapy, with drug-like properties, has the unique ability to produce therapeutic proteins endogenously. Here we describe the sustained delivery of therapeutic human α-galactosidase protein in vivo via nanoparticle-formulated mRNA in mouse and non-human primate, with a demonstration of efficacy through clinically relevant biomarker reduction in a mouse Fabry disease model. Multi-component nanoparticles formulated with lipids and lipid-like materials were developed for the delivery of mRNA encoding human α-galactosidase protein. Upon delivery of human GLA mRNA to mice, serum GLA protein levels reached as high as ∼1,330-fold over normal physiological values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yan Huang
- Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA 02141, USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA 02141, USA
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35
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Recent Developments in mRNA-Based Protein Supplementation Therapy to Target Lung Diseases. Mol Ther 2019; 27:803-823. [PMID: 30905577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein supplementation therapy using in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA for genetic diseases contains huge potential as a new class of therapy. From the early ages of synthetic mRNA discovery, a great number of studies showed the versatile use of IVT mRNA as a novel approach to supplement faulty or absent protein and also as a vaccine. Many modifications have been made to produce high expressions of mRNA causing less immunogenicity and more stability. Recent advancements in the in vivo lung delivery of mRNA complexed with various carriers encouraged the whole mRNA community to tackle various genetic lung diseases. This review gives a comprehensive overview of cells associated with various lung diseases and recent advancements in mRNA-based protein replacement therapy. This review also covers a brief summary of developments in mRNA modifications and nanocarriers toward clinical translation.
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36
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Yoshinaga N, Uchida S, Naito M, Osada K, Cabral H, Kataoka K. Induced packaging of mRNA into polyplex micelles by regulated hybridization with a small number of cholesteryl RNA oligonucleotides directed enhanced in vivo transfection. Biomaterials 2019; 197:255-267. [PMID: 30669016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There has been a progressive interest in the molecular design of polymers and lipids as synthetic carriers for targeting therapeutic mRNA in vivo with the ability to circumvent nuclease attack for treating intractable diseases. Herein, we developed a simple approach to attain one order of magnitude higher nuclease tolerability of mRNA through the formation of polyplex micelles (PMs) by combining ω-cholesteryl (ω-Chol)-poly (ethylene-glycol) (PEG)-polycation block copolymers with mRNA pre-hybridized with cholesterol (Chol)-tethered RNA oligonucleotides (Chol (+)-OligoRNA). Even one or a few short Chol (+)-OligoRNA anchors harboring along the 46-fold longer mRNA strand was sufficient to induce tight mRNA packaging in the PM core, as evidenced by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement as well as by a longitudinal relaxation time (T1) measurement using NMR. These results suggest that Chol (+)-OligoRNA on mRNA strand serves as a node to attract ω-Chol moiety of the block copolymers to tighten the mRNA packaging in the PM core. These mRNA loaded PMs showed high tolerability against nuclease attack, and exerted appreciable protein translational activity in cultured cells without any inflammatory responses, achieved by shortening of the length of hybridizing Chol (+)-OligoRNAs to 17 nucleotides. Finally, the Chol (+)-OligoRNA-stabilized PM revealed efficient mRNA introduction into the mouse lungs via intratracheal administration, demonstrating in vivo utility of this formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Yoshinaga
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kensuke Osada
- National Institute of Radiological Science, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan; Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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37
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Schlake T, Thess A, Thran M, Jordan I. mRNA as novel technology for passive immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:301-328. [PMID: 30334070 PMCID: PMC6339677 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2935-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While active immunization elicits a lasting immune response by the body, passive immunotherapy transiently equips the body with exogenously generated immunological effectors in the form of either target-specific antibodies or lymphocytes functionalized with target-specific receptors. In either case, administration or expression of recombinant proteins plays a fundamental role. mRNA prepared by in vitro transcription (IVT) is increasingly appreciated as a drug substance for delivery of recombinant proteins. With its biological role as transient carrier of genetic information translated into protein in the cytoplasm, therapeutic application of mRNA combines several advantages. For example, compared to transfected DNA, mRNA harbors inherent safety features. It is not associated with the risk of inducing genomic changes and potential adverse effects are only temporary due to its transient nature. Compared to the administration of recombinant proteins produced in bioreactors, mRNA allows supplying proteins that are difficult to manufacture and offers extended pharmacokinetics for short-lived proteins. Based on great progress in understanding and manipulating mRNA properties, efficacy data in various models have now demonstrated that IVT mRNA constitutes a potent and flexible platform technology. Starting with an introduction into passive immunotherapy, this review summarizes the current status of IVT mRNA technology and its application to such immunological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schlake
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Thess
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Thran
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Jordan
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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38
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Xu Y, Huang L, Kirschman JL, Vanover DA, Tiwari PM, Santangelo PJ, Shen X, Russell DG. Exploitation of Synthetic mRNA To Drive Immune Effector Cell Recruitment and Functional Reprogramming In Vivo. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 202:608-617. [PMID: 30541883 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies based on in vitro-transcribed mRNA (IVT) are attractive because they avoid the permanent signature of genomic integration that is associated with DNA-based therapy and result in the transient production of proteins of interest. To date, IVT has mainly been used in vaccination protocols to generate immune responses to foreign Ags. In this "proof-of-principle" study, we explore a strategy of combinatorial IVT to recruit and reprogram immune effector cells to acquire divergent biological functions in mice in vivo. First, we demonstrate that synthetic mRNA encoding CCL3 is able to recruit murine monocytes in a nonprogrammed state, exhibiting neither bactericidal nor tissue-repairing properties. However, upon addition of either Ifn-γ mRNA or Il-4 mRNA, we successfully polarized these cells to adopt either M1 or M2 macrophage activation phenotypes. This cellular reprogramming was demonstrated through increased expression of known surface markers and through the differential modulation of NADPH oxidase activity, or the superoxide burst. Our study demonstrates how IVT strategies can be combined to recruit and reprogram immune effector cells that have the capacity to fulfill complex biological tasks in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitian Xu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jonathan L Kirschman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Daryll A Vanover
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Pooja M Tiwari
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Philip J Santangelo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Xiling Shen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.,School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; and.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
| | - David G Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853;
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Tanaka H, Watanabe A, Konishi M, Nakai Y, Yoshioka H, Ohkawara T, Takeda H, Harashima H, Akita H. The delivery of mRNA to colon inflammatory lesions by lipid-nano-particles containing environmentally-sensitive lipid-like materials with oleic acid scaffolds. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00959. [PMID: 30555953 PMCID: PMC6280607 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An mRNA gene therapy represents a potentially promising therapeutic for curing inflammatory diseases. The transient nature of the gene expression of mRNA would be expected to be beneficial for avoiding undesired side effects. Since the mRNA is a vulnerable molecule, a development of a carrier that can deliver the mRNA to the cytoplasm has a high priority. We report herein on the development of a system for delivering mRNA to the inflammatory lesion in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. We modulated molecular structures of an ionizable lipid, an SS-cleavable and pH-activated lipid-like material (ssPalm). Among the fatty acids investigated, oleic acid scaffolds (ssPalmO) appeared to be more biocompatible than either myristic acid or linoleic acid scaffolds with the colitis model. The structural modification of the hydrophilic head groups from linear tertiary amines to piperazine rings (ssPalmO-Paz4-C2) resulted in a more than 10-fold higher increasing in the transgene activity in inflammatory colon. The most notable observation is that the transgene activity in the inflammatory colon is significantly higher than that in liver, the major clearance organ of lipid nanoparticles. Collectively, the ssPalmO-Paz4-C2 represents a promising material for the delivery of an mRNA to inflammatory lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Ayaka Watanabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita12 Nishi6, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Manami Konishi
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- DDS Research Laboratory, DDS Development Division, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yoshioka
- DDS Research Laboratory, DDS Development Division, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0865, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohkawara
- Laboratory for Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita12 Nishi6, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Laboratory for Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita12 Nishi6, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita12 Nishi6, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
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40
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Fuchs K, Cardona Gloria Y, Wolz OO, Herster F, Sharma L, Dillen CA, Täumer C, Dickhöfer S, Bittner Z, Dang TM, Singh A, Haischer D, Schlöffel MA, Koymans KJ, Sanmuganantham T, Krach M, Roger T, Le Roy D, Schilling NA, Frauhammer F, Miller LS, Nürnberger T, LeibundGut-Landmann S, Gust AA, Macek B, Frank M, Gouttefangeas C, Dela Cruz CS, Hartl D, Weber AN. The fungal ligand chitin directly binds TLR2 and triggers inflammation dependent on oligomer size. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:e46065. [PMID: 30337494 PMCID: PMC6280652 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature and linked to fungal infection and asthma. However, bona fide immune receptors directly binding chitin and signaling immune activation and inflammation have not been clearly identified because polymeric crude chitin with unknown purity and molecular composition has been used. By using defined chitin (N-acetyl-glucosamine) oligomers, we here identify six-subunit-long chitin chains as the smallest immunologically active motif and the innate immune receptor Toll-like receptor (TLR2) as a primary fungal chitin sensor on human and murine immune cells. Chitin oligomers directly bind TLR2 with nanomolar affinity, and this fungal TLR2 ligand shows overlapping and distinct signaling outcomes compared to known mycobacterial TLR2 ligands. Unexpectedly, chitin oligomers composed of five or less subunits are inactive, hinting to a size-dependent system of immuno-modulation that appears conserved in plants and humans. Since blocking of the chitin-TLR2 interaction effectively prevents chitin-mediated inflammation in vitro and in vivo, our study highlights the chitin-TLR2 interaction as a potential target for developing novel therapies in chitin-related pathologies and fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Fuchs
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Olaf-Oliver Wolz
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Lokesh Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Center for Pulmonary Infection Research and Infection (CPIRT), New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carly A Dillen
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christoph Täumer
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics and Proteome Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Dickhöfer
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zsofia Bittner
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Truong-Minh Dang
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anurag Singh
- University Children's Hospital and Interdisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Haischer
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria A Schlöffel
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kirsten J Koymans
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Milena Krach
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thierry Roger
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Didier Le Roy
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nadine A Schilling
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Frauhammer
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lloyd S Miller
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thorsten Nürnberger
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Andrea A Gust
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Boris Macek
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics and Proteome Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Charles S Dela Cruz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Center for Pulmonary Infection Research and Infection (CPIRT), New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dominik Hartl
- University Children's Hospital and Interdisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Diseases (I3) Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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41
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Haque AKMA, Dewerth A, Antony JS, Riethmüller J, Schweizer GR, Weinmann P, Latifi N, Yasar H, Pedemonte N, Sondo E, Weidensee B, Ralhan A, Laval J, Schlegel P, Seitz C, Loretz B, Lehr CM, Handgretinger R, Kormann MSD. Chemically modified hCFTR mRNAs recuperate lung function in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16776. [PMID: 30425265 PMCID: PMC6233194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34960-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has always been a promising therapeutic approach for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). However, numerous trials using DNA or viral vectors encoding the correct protein resulted in a general low efficacy. In the last years, chemically modified messenger RNA (cmRNA) has been proven to be a highly potent, pulmonary drug. Consequently, we first explored the expression, function and immunogenicity of human (h)CFTR encoded by cmRNAhCFTR in vitro and ex vivo, quantified the expression by flow cytometry, determined its function using a YFP based assay and checked the immune response in human whole blood. Similarly, we examined the function of cmRNAhCFTR in vivo after intratracheal (i.t.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection of the assembled cmRNAhCFTR together with Chitosan-coated PLGA (poly-D, L-lactide-co-glycolide 75:25 (Resomer RG 752 H)) nanoparticles (NPs) by FlexiVent. The amount of expression of human hCFTR encoded by cmRNAhCFTR was quantified by hCFTR ELISA, and cmRNAhCFTR values were assessed by RT-qPCR. Thereby, we observed a significant improvement of lung function, especially in regards to FEV0.1, suggesting NP-cmRNAhCFTR as promising therapeutic option for CF patients independent of their CFTR genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K M Ashiqul Haque
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Dewerth
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Justin S Antony
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Georg R Schweizer
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Petra Weinmann
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ngadhnjim Latifi
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hanzey Yasar
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbruecken, Germany
| | | | - Elvira Sondo
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Brian Weidensee
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anjali Ralhan
- Department of Pediatrics I - Immunology and Pneumology/Cystic fibrosis, Department of Pediatrics I, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Julie Laval
- Department of Pediatrics I - Immunology and Pneumology/Cystic fibrosis, Department of Pediatrics I, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Seitz
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Brigitta Loretz
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Claus-Michael Lehr
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), Saarbruecken, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael S D Kormann
- Department of Pediatrics I - Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
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42
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Nowroozilarki N, Öz HH, Schroth C, Hector A, Nürnberg B, Hartl D, Kolahian S. Anti-inflammatory role of CD11b +Ly6G + neutrophilic cells in allergic airway inflammation in mice. Immunol Lett 2018; 204:67-74. [PMID: 30392943 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by overactivation of T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses. In the present study, we investigated the functional relevance of CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophilic cells in allergic airway inflammation in vivo. Allergic airway inflammation in mice was induced by house dust mite (HDM) or ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophilic cells and T cell phenotypes were quantified by flow cytometry. To assess the functional in vivo relevance, CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophilic cells were adoptively transferred intravenously or intratracheally and consequences on airway inflammation were studied. Adoptively transferred CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophilic cells attenuated Th2 and Th17 responses and airway inflammation in vivo. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophilic cells suppress airway inflammation in allergic mice in vivo. Adoptive cellular transfer of suppressive neutrophilic cells may represent an attractive therapeutic strategy for allergic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Nowroozilarki
- Children's Hospital of the University of Tübingen, Pediatric Infectiology, Immunology & Cystic Fibrosis, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 1, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hasan Halit Öz
- Children's Hospital of the University of Tübingen, Pediatric Infectiology, Immunology & Cystic Fibrosis, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 1, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Schroth
- Children's Hospital of the University of Tübingen, Pediatric Infectiology, Immunology & Cystic Fibrosis, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 1, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hector
- Children's Hospital of the University of Tübingen, Pediatric Infectiology, Immunology & Cystic Fibrosis, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 1, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Nürnberg
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology and ICePhA, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Hartl
- Children's Hospital of the University of Tübingen, Pediatric Infectiology, Immunology & Cystic Fibrosis, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 1, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Saeed Kolahian
- Children's Hospital of the University of Tübingen, Pediatric Infectiology, Immunology & Cystic Fibrosis, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 1, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology and ICePhA, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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43
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Engineered mRNA-expressed antibodies prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3999. [PMID: 30275522 PMCID: PMC6167369 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lung is a critical prophylaxis target for clinically important infectious agents, including human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. Here, we develop a modular, synthetic mRNA-based approach to express neutralizing antibodies directly in the lung via aerosol, to prevent RSV infections. First, we express palivizumab, which reduces RSV F copies by 90.8%. Second, we express engineered, membrane-anchored palivizumab, which prevents detectable infection in transfected cells, reducing in vitro titer and in vivo RSV F copies by 99.7% and 89.6%, respectively. Finally, we express an anchored or secreted high-affinity, anti-RSV F, camelid antibody (RSV aVHH and sVHH). We demonstrate that RSV aVHH, but not RSV sVHH, significantly inhibits RSV 7 days post transfection, and we show that RSV aVHH is present in the lung for at least 28 days. Overall, our data suggests that expressing membrane-anchored broadly neutralizing antibodies in the lungs could potentially be a promising pulmonary prophylaxis approach. Engineered neutralizing antibodies are potential therapeutics for numerous viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Here, the authors develop an mRNA-based approach to express membrane-anchored neutralizing antibodies in the lung and demonstrate that it inhibits RSV infections in mice.
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44
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Vaidyanathan S, Azizian KT, Haque AKMA, Henderson JM, Hendel A, Shore S, Antony JS, Hogrefe RI, Kormann MSD, Porteus MH, McCaffrey AP. Uridine Depletion and Chemical Modification Increase Cas9 mRNA Activity and Reduce Immunogenicity without HPLC Purification. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 12:530-542. [PMID: 30195789 PMCID: PMC6076213 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Cas9/guide RNA (Cas9/gRNA) system is commonly used for genome editing. mRNA expressing Cas9 can induce innate immune responses, reducing Cas9 expression. First-generation Cas9 mRNAs were modified with pseudouridine and 5-methylcytosine to reduce innate immune responses. We combined four approaches to produce more active, less immunogenic second-generation Cas9 mRNAs. First, we developed a novel co-transcriptional capping method yielding natural Cap 1. Second, we screened modified nucleotides in Cas9 mRNA to identify novel modifications that increase Cas9 activity. Third, we depleted the mRNA of uridines to improve mRNA activity. Lastly, we tested high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification to remove double-stranded RNAs. The activity of these mRNAs was tested in cell lines and primary human CD34+ cells. Cytokines were measured in whole blood and mice. These approaches yielded more active and less immunogenic mRNA. Uridine depletion (UD) most impacted insertion or deletion (indel) activity. Specifically, 5-methoxyuridine UD induced indel frequencies as high as 88% (average ± SD = 79% ± 11%) and elicited minimal immune responses without needing HPLC purification. Our work suggests that uridine-depleted Cas9 mRNA modified with 5-methoxyuridine (without HPLC purification) or pseudouridine may be optimal for the broad use of Cas9 both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - A K M Ashiqul Haque
- Department of Pediatrics I, Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy in Pediatrics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Ayal Hendel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | | | - Justin S Antony
- Department of Pediatrics I, Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy in Pediatrics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Michael S D Kormann
- Department of Pediatrics I, Pediatric Infectiology and Immunology, Translational Genomics and Gene Therapy in Pediatrics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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45
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Incorporation of Synthetic mRNA in Injectable Chitosan-Alginate Hybrid Hydrogels for Local and Sustained Expression of Exogenous Proteins in Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051313. [PMID: 29702615 PMCID: PMC5983784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) exhibits various advantages, such as expression of desired proteins in cells without genomic integration. In the field of tissue engineering, synthetic mRNAs could be also used to modulate the protein expression in implanted cells. Therefore, in this study, we incorporated synthetic humanized Gaussia luciferase (hGLuc) mRNA into alginate, chitosan, or chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels and analyzed the release of hGLuc mRNA from these hydrogels. After 3 weeks, 79% of the incorporated mRNA was released from alginate hydrogels, approximately 42% was released from chitosan hydrogels, and about 70% was released from chitosan-alginate hydrogels. Due to the injectability, chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels were selected for further investigation of the bioactivity of embedded hGLuc mRNA and the stability of these hydrogels was examined after the incorporation of synthetic mRNA by rheometric analysis. Therefore, HEK293 cells were incorporated into chitosan-alginate hydrogels containing mRNA transfection complexes and the luciferase activity in the supernatants was detected for up to 3 weeks. These results showed that the biodegradable chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels are promising delivery systems for sustained delivery of synthetic mRNAs into cells. Since chitosan-alginate hybrid hydrogels are injectable, the hydrogels can be simultaneously loaded with cells and the desired synthetic mRNA for exogenous protein synthesis and can be administered by minimally invasive local injection for tissue engineering applications.
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46
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Golombek S, Pilz M, Steinle H, Kochba E, Levin Y, Lunter D, Schlensak C, Wendel HP, Avci-Adali M. Intradermal Delivery of Synthetic mRNA Using Hollow Microneedles for Efficient and Rapid Production of Exogenous Proteins in Skin. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 11:382-392. [PMID: 29858073 PMCID: PMC5992458 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, synthetic mRNA-based applications to produce desired exogenous proteins in cells have been gaining importance. However, systemic delivery of synthetic mRNA can result in unspecific uptake into undesired cells or organs and, thereby, fail to target desired cells. Thus, local and targeted delivery of synthetic mRNA becomes increasingly important to reach the desired cell types and tissues. In this study, intradermal delivery of synthetic mRNA using a hollow microneedle injection-based method was evaluated. Furthermore, an ex vivo porcine skin model was established to analyze synthetic mRNA-mediated protein expression in the skin following intradermal delivery. Using this model, highly efficient delivery of synthetic mRNA was demonstrated, which resulted in detection of high levels of secretable humanized Gaussia luciferase (hGLuc) protein encoded by the microinjected synthetic mRNA. Interestingly, synthetic mRNA injected without transfection reagent was also able to enter the cells and resulted in protein expression. The established ex vivo porcine skin model can be used to evaluate the successful production of desired proteins after intradermal delivery of synthetic mRNAs before starting with in vivo experiments. Furthermore, the use of microneedles enables patient-friendly, painless, and efficient delivery of synthetic mRNAs into the dermis; thus, this method could be applied for local treatment of different skin diseases as well as for vaccination and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Golombek
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Pilz
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heidrun Steinle
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Efrat Kochba
- NanoPass Technologies Ltd., 3 Golda Meir, 7403648 Nes Ziona, Israel
| | - Yotam Levin
- NanoPass Technologies Ltd., 3 Golda Meir, 7403648 Nes Ziona, Israel
| | - Dominique Lunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Wendel
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Kwon H, Kim M, Seo Y, Moon YS, Lee HJ, Lee K, Lee H. Emergence of synthetic mRNA: In vitro synthesis of mRNA and its applications in regenerative medicine. Biomaterials 2017; 156:172-193. [PMID: 29197748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The field of gene therapy has evolved over the past two decades after the first introduction of nucleic acid drugs, such as plasmid DNA (pDNA). With the development of in vitro transcription (IVT) methods, synthetic mRNA has become an emerging class of gene therapy. IVT mRNA has several advantages over conventional pDNA for the expression of target proteins. mRNA does not require nuclear localization to mediate protein translation. The intracellular process for protein expression is much simpler and there is no potential risk of insertion mutagenesis. Having these advantages, the level of protein expression is far enhanced as comparable to that of viral expression systems. This makes IVT mRNA a powerful alternative gene expression system for various applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and preparation of IVT mRNA and its therapeutic applications. The article includes the design and preparation of IVT mRNA, chemical modification of IVT mRNA, and therapeutic applications of IVT mRNA in cellular reprogramming, stem cell engineering, and protein replacement therapy. Finally, future perspectives and challenges of IVT mRNA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyokyoung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yae Seul Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Jeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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Sondhi D, Stiles KM, De BP, Crystal RG. Genetic Modification of the Lung Directed Toward Treatment of Human Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:3-84. [PMID: 27927014 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic modification therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for many diseases of the lung intractable to other treatments. Lung gene therapy has been the subject of numerous preclinical animal experiments and human clinical trials, for targets including genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and α1-antitrypsin deficiency, complex disorders such as asthma, allergy, and lung cancer, infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Pseudomonas, as well as pulmonary arterial hypertension, transplant rejection, and lung injury. A variety of viral and non-viral vectors have been employed to overcome the many physical barriers to gene transfer imposed by lung anatomy and natural defenses. Beyond the treatment of lung diseases, the lung has the potential to be used as a metabolic factory for generating proteins for delivery to the circulation for treatment of systemic diseases. Although much has been learned through a myriad of experiments about the development of genetic modification of the lung, more work is still needed to improve the delivery vehicles and to overcome challenges such as entry barriers, persistent expression, specific cell targeting, and circumventing host anti-vector responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College , New York, New York
| | - Katie M Stiles
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College , New York, New York
| | - Bishnu P De
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College , New York, New York
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College , New York, New York
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Michel T, Luft D, Abraham MK, Reinhardt S, Salinas Medina ML, Kurz J, Schaller M, Avci-Adali M, Schlensak C, Peter K, Wendel HP, Wang X, Krajewski S. Cationic Nanoliposomes Meet mRNA: Efficient Delivery of Modified mRNA Using Hemocompatible and Stable Vectors for Therapeutic Applications. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:459-468. [PMID: 28918045 PMCID: PMC5545769 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Synthetically modified mRNA is a unique bioactive agent, ideal for use in therapeutic applications, such as cancer vaccination or treatment of single-gene disorders. In order to facilitate mRNA transfections for future therapeutic applications, there is a need for the delivery system to achieve optimal transfection efficacy, perform with durable stability, and provide drug safety. The objective of our study was to comprehensively analyze the use of 3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane) carbamoyl](DC-Cholesterol)/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) liposomes as a potential transfection agent for modified mRNAs. Our cationic liposomes facilitated a high degree of mRNA encapsulation and successful cell transfection efficiencies. More importantly, no negative effects on cell viability or immune reactions were detected posttransfection. Notably, the liposomes had a long-acting transfection effect on cells, resulting in a prolonged protein production of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). In addition, the stability of these mRNA-loaded liposomes allowed storage for 80 days, without the loss of transfection efficacy. Finally, comprehensive analysis showed that these liposomes are fully hemocompatible with fresh human whole blood. In summary, we present an extensive analysis on the use of DC-cholesterol/DOPE liposomes as mRNA delivery vehicles. This approach provides the basis of a safe and efficient therapeutic strategy in the development of successful mRNA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Michel
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Luft
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meike-Kristin Abraham
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sabrina Reinhardt
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martha L Salinas Medina
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Kurz
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3500, Australia
| | - Hans Peter Wendel
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3500, Australia
| | - Stefanie Krajewski
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Research Laboratory, University Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Penberthy KK, Buckley MW, Arandjelovic S, Ravichandran K. Ex vivo modulation of the Foxo1 phosphorylation state does not lead to dysfunction of T regulatory cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173386. [PMID: 28267764 PMCID: PMC5340387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral regulatory CD4+ T cells (Treg cells) prevent maladaptive inflammatory responses to innocuous foreign antigens. Treg cell dysfunction has been linked to many inflammatory diseases, including allergic airway inflammation. Glucocorticoids that are used to treat allergic airway inflammation and asthma are thought to work in part by promoting Treg cell differentiation; patients who are refractory to these drugs have defective induction of anti-inflammatory Treg cells. Previous observations suggest that Treg cells deficient in the transcription factor FoxO1 are pro-inflammatory, and that FoxO1 activity is regulated by its phosphorylation status and nuclear localization. Here, we asked whether altering the phosphorylation state of FoxO1 through modulation of a regulatory phosphatase might affect Treg cell function. In a mouse model of house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation, we observed robust recruitment of Treg cells to the lungs and lymph nodes of diseased mice, without an apparent increase in the Treg cytokine interleukin-10 in the airways. Intriguingly, expression of PP2A, a serine/threonine phosphatase linked to the regulation of FoxO1 phosphorylation, was decreased in the mediastinal lymph nodes of HDM-treated mice, mirroring the decreased PP2A expression seen in peripheral blood monocytes of glucocorticoid-resistant asthmatic patients. When we asked whether modulation of PP2A activity alters Treg cell function via treatment with the PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid, we observed increased phosphorylation of FoxO1 and decreased nuclear localization. However, dysregulation of FoxO1 did not impair Treg cell differentiation ex vivo or cause Treg cells to adopt a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, inhibition of PP2A activity did not affect the suppressive function of Treg cells ex vivo. Collectively, these data suggest that modulation of the phosphorylation state of FoxO1 via PP2A inhibition does not modify Treg cell function ex vivo. Our data also highlight the caveat in using ex vivo assays of Treg cell differentiation and function, in that while these assays are useful, they may not fully recapitulate Treg cell phenotypes that are observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Kelley Penberthy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Monica Weaver Buckley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sanja Arandjelovic
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kodi Ravichandran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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