1
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Tiwari P, Yadav K, Shukla RP, Bakshi AK, Panwar D, Das S, Mishra PR. Extracellular vesicles-powered immunotherapy: Unleashing the potential for safer and more effective cancer treatment. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 756:110022. [PMID: 38697343 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110022] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer treatment has seen significant advancements with the introduction of Onco-immunotherapies (OIMTs). Although some of these therapies have received approval for use, others are either undergoing testing or are still in the early stages of development. Challenges persist in making immunotherapy widely applicable to cancer treatment. To maximize the benefits of immunotherapy and minimize potential side effects, it's essential to improve response rates across different immunotherapy methods. A promising development in this area is the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as novel delivery systems. These small vesicles can effectively deliver immunotherapies, enhancing their effectiveness and reducing harmful side effects. This article discusses the importance of integrating nanomedicines into OIMTs, highlighting the challenges with current anti-OIMT methods. It also explores key considerations for designing nanomedicines tailored for OIMTs, aiming to improve upon existing immunotherapy techniques. Additionally, the article looks into innovative approaches like biomimicry and the use of natural biomaterial-based nanocarriers (NCs). These advancements have the potential to transform the delivery of immunotherapy. Lastly, the article addresses the challenges of moving OIMTs from theory to clinical practice, providing insights into the future of using advanced nanotechnology in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratiksha Tiwari
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India; Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Krishna Yadav
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India
| | - Ravi Prakash Shukla
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India
| | - Avijit Kumar Bakshi
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India
| | - Dilip Panwar
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India
| | - Sweety Das
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India
| | - Prabhat Ranjan Mishra
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovation Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, U.P., India.
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2
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Nappi F. Non-Coding RNA-Targeted Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3630. [PMID: 38612441 PMCID: PMC11011542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073630] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as drug targets is being researched due to their discovery and their role in disease. Targeting ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is an attractive approach for treating various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. This seminar discusses the current status of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in different pathological conditions. Regarding miRNA-based drugs, this approach has made significant progress in preclinical and clinical testing for cardiovascular diseases, where the limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy are evident. The challenges of miRNA-based drugs, including specificity, delivery, and tolerability, will be discussed. New approaches to improve their success will be explored. Furthermore, it extensively discusses the potential development of targeted therapies for cardiovascular disease. Finally, this document reports on the recent advances in identifying and characterizing microRNAs, manipulating them, and translating them into clinical applications. It also addresses the challenges and perspectives towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nappi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centre Cardiologique du Nord, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
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3
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Wamhoff EC, Knappe GA, Burds AA, Du RR, Neun BW, Difilippantonio S, Sanders C, Edmondson EF, Matta JL, Dobrovolskaia MA, Bathe M. Evaluation of Nonmodified Wireframe DNA Origami for Acute Toxicity and Biodistribution in Mice. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:1960-1969. [PMID: 37040258 PMCID: PMC10189729 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Wireframe DNA origami can be used to fabricate virus-like particles for a range of biomedical applications, including the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. However, the acute toxicity and biodistribution of these wireframe nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) have not been previously characterized in animal models. In the present study, we observed no indications of toxicity in BALB/c mice following a therapeutically relevant dosage of nonmodified DNA-based NANPs via intravenous administration, based on liver and kidney histology, liver and kidney biochemistry, and body weight. Further, the immunotoxicity of these NANPs was minimal, as indicated by blood cell counts and type-I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an SJL/J model of autoimmunity, we observed no indications of NANP-mediated DNA-specific antibody response or immune-mediated kidney pathology following the intraperitoneal administration of NANPs. Finally, biodistribution studies revealed that these NANPs accumulate in the liver within one hour, concomitant with substantial renal clearance. Our observations support the continued development of wireframe DNA-based NANPs as next-generation nucleic acid therapeutic delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike-Christian Wamhoff
- Department
of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Grant A. Knappe
- Department
of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Aurora A. Burds
- Koch
Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Rebecca R. Du
- Department
of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Barry W. Neun
- Nanotechnology
Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States of America
| | - Simone Difilippantonio
- Laboratory
of Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States of America
| | - Chelsea Sanders
- Laboratory
of Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States of America
| | - Elijah F. Edmondson
- Molecular
Histology and Pathology Laboratory, Frederick
National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Matta
- Molecular
Histology and Pathology Laboratory, Frederick
National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States of America
| | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology
Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States of America
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department
of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
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4
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Morelli KH, Smargon AA, Yeo GW. Programmable macromolecule-based RNA-targeting therapies to treat human neurological disorders. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:489-497. [PMID: 36693761 PMCID: PMC10019361 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079519.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Disruptions in RNA processing play critical roles in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. In this Perspective, we discuss recent progress in the development of RNA-targeting therapeutic modalities. We focus on progress, limitations, and opportunities in a new generation of therapies engineered from RNA binding proteins and other endogenous RNA regulatory macromolecules to treat human neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Morelli
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92039, USA
| | - Aaron A Smargon
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92039, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92039, USA
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5
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Wamhoff EC, Knappe GA, Burds AA, Du RR, Neun BW, Difilippantonio S, Sanders C, Edmondson EF, Matta JL, Dobrovolskaia MA, Bathe M. Evaluation of non-modified wireframe DNA origami for acute toxicity and biodistribution in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530026. [PMID: 36909507 PMCID: PMC10002694 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Wireframe DNA origami can be used to fabricate virus-like particles for a range of biomedical applications, including the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. However, the acute toxicity and biodistribution of these wireframe nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) have not previously been characterized in animal models. In the present study, we observed no indications of toxicity in BALB/c mice following therapeutically relevant dosage of unmodified DNA-based NANPs via intravenous administration, based on liver and kidney histology, liver biochemistry, and body weight. Further, the immunotoxicity of these NANPs was minimal, as indicated by blood cell counts and type-I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an SJL/J model of autoimmunity, we observed no indications of NANP-mediated DNA-specific antibody response or immune-mediated kidney pathology following the intraperitoneal administration of NANPs. Finally, biodistribution studies revealed that these NANPs accumulate in the liver within one hour, concomitant with substantial renal clearance. Our observations support the continued development of wireframe DNA-based NANPs as next-generation nucleic acid therapeutic delivery platforms.
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6
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Radwan Y, Afonin KA, Johnson MB. Assessment of Intracellular Compartmentalization of RNA Nanostructures. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2709:211-228. [PMID: 37572283 PMCID: PMC10482314 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3417-2_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are extensively investigated as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. These innovative particles can be composed of RNA, DNA, and/or modified nucleic acids. Due to the regulatory role of nucleic acids in the cellular system, NANPs have the ability to identify target molecules and regulate expression of genes in disease pathways. However, translation of NANPs in clinical settings is hindered due to inefficient intracellular delivery, chemical instability, and off-target immunostimulatory effects following immune recognition. The composition of nucleic acids forming NANPs has been demonstrated to influence immunorecognition, subcellular compartmentalization, and physicochemical properties of NANPs. This chapter first outlines the methods used to generate a panel of NANPs with a uniform shape, size, charge, sequence, and connectivity. This includes the procedures for replacing the RNA strands with DNA or chemical analogs in the designated NANPs. Second, this chapter will also describe experiments to assess the effect of the chemical modification on enzymatic and thermodynamic stability, delivery efficiency, and subcellular compartmentalization of NANPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Radwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
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7
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Dobrovolskaia MA. Lessons learned from immunological characterization of nanomaterials at the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984252. [PMID: 36304452 PMCID: PMC9592561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology carriers have become common in pharmaceutical products because of their benefits to drug delivery, including reduced toxicities and improved efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredients due to targeted delivery, prolonged circulation time, and controlled payload release. While available examples of reduced drug toxicity through formulation using a nanocarrier are encouraging, current data also demonstrate that nanoparticles may change a drug’s biodistribution and alter its toxicity profile. Moreover, individual components of nanoparticles and excipients commonly used in formulations are often not immunologically inert and contribute to the overall immune responses to nanotechnology-formulated products. Said immune responses may be beneficial or adverse depending on the indication, dose, dose regimen, and route of administration. Therefore, comprehensive toxicology studies are of paramount importance even when previously known drugs, components, and excipients are used in nanoformulations. Recent data also suggest that, despite decades of research directed at hiding nanocarriers from the immune recognition, the immune system’s inherent property of clearing particulate materials can be leveraged to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs formulated using nanoparticles. Herein, I review current knowledge about nanoparticles’ interaction with the immune system and how these interactions contribute to nanotechnology-formulated drug products’ safety and efficacy through the lens of over a decade of nanoparticle characterization at the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory.
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8
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Shah P, Lalan M, Barve K. Intranasal delivery: An attractive route for the administration of nucleic acid based therapeutics for CNS disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:974666. [PMID: 36110526 PMCID: PMC9469903 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.974666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiologies of several cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurological, hereditary disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases have implicated changes in the genetic set up or genetic mutations as the root cause. Nucleic acid based therapeutics (NBTs) is a new class of biologics that are known to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. The NBTs include oligonucleotides, nucleosides, antisense RNA, small interfering RNAs, micro RNA etc. In recent times, this new category of biologics has found enormous potential in the management of cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurological disorders, cancer, infectious diseases and organ transplantation. However, the delivery of NBTs is highly challenging in terms of target specificity (intracellular delivery), mononuclear phagocyte system uptake, stability and biodistribution. Additionally, management of the above mentioned disorders require regular and intrusive therapy making non-invasive routes preferable in comparison to invasive routes like parenteral. The nasal route is garnering focus in delivery of NBTs to the brain in the management of several CNS disorders due to the associated merits such as non-invasiveness, possibility of chronic delivery, improved patient compliance, avoidance of hepatic and gastrointestinal metabolism as well as ability to bypass the BBB. Hence in recent times, this route has been sought by the reserachers as an alternative to parenteral therapy for the delivery of several NBTs. This review shall focus on an array of NBTs delivered through nasal route, their challenges, applications and opportunities. The novel delivery systems for incorporating NBTs; their targeting strategies shall be critically reviewed. The challenges towards regulatory approvals and commercialization shall also be discussed at large. Comparison of learnings derived from the success and barriers in nasal delivery of NBTs will help in identification of futuristic opportunities for their translation from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Shah
- Maliba Pharmacy College, Uka Tarsadia University, Surat, India
- *Correspondence: Pranav Shah,
| | - Manisha Lalan
- Maliba Pharmacy College, Uka Tarsadia University, Surat, India
| | - Kalyani Barve
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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9
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Hernández-Jiménez M, Martín-Vílchez S, Ochoa D, Mejía-Abril G, Román M, Camargo-Mamani P, Luquero-Bueno S, Jilma B, Moro MA, Fernández G, Piñeiro D, Ribó M, González VM, Lizasoain I, Abad-Santos F. First-in-human phase I clinical trial of a TLR4-binding DNA aptamer, ApTOLL: Safety and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:124-135. [PMID: 35402075 PMCID: PMC8938885 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ApTOLL is an aptamer that antagonizes Toll-like receptor 4 and improves functional outcomes in models of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to characterize the safety and pharmacokinetics of ApTOLL in healthy volunteers. A first-in-human dose-ascending, randomized, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial to assess safety and pharmacokinetics of ApTOLL (30-min infusion intravenously) was performed in 46 healthy adult male volunteers. The study was divided into two parts: part A included seven single ascending dose levels, and part B had one multiple dose cohort. Safety and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated. No serious adverse events or biochemistry alterations were detected at any dose nor at any administration pattern studied. Maximum concentration was detected at the end of the infusion and mean half-life was 9.3 h. Interestingly, exposure increased in the first four levels receiving doses from 0.7 mg to 14 mg (AUC of 2,441.26 h∗ng/mL to 23,371.11 h∗ng/mL) but remained stable thereafter (mean of 23,184.61 h∗ng/mL after 70 mg). Consequently, the multiple dose study did not show any accumulation of ApTOLL. These results show an excellent safety and adequate pharmacokinetic profile that, together with the efficacy demonstrated in nonclinical studies, provide the basis to start clinical trials in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Hernández-Jiménez
- AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain
- Corresponding author AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Samuel Martín-Vílchez
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Ochoa
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gina Mejía-Abril
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Román
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Camargo-Mamani
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Luquero-Bueno
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - María A. Moro
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerónimo Fernández
- Aptus Biotech S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Piñeiro
- AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Ribó
- AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor M. González
- Aptus Biotech S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Lizasoain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Abad-Santos
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Abstract
The discovery of microRNAs and their role in diseases was a breakthrough that inspired research into microRNAs as drug targets. Cardiovascular diseases are an area in which limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy are highly apparent and where microRNA-based drugs have appreciably progressed into preclinical and clinical testing. In this Review, we summarize the current state of microRNAs as therapeutic targets in the cardiovascular system. We report recent advances in the identification and characterization of microRNAs, their manipulation and clinical translation, and discuss challenges and perspectives toward clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Laggerbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Engelhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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Chandler M, Johnson B, Khisamutdinov E, Dobrovolskaia MA, Sztuba-Solinska J, Salem AK, Breyne K, Chammas R, Walter NG, Contreras LM, Guo P, Afonin KA. The International Society of RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine (ISRNN): The Present and Future of the Burgeoning Field. ACS NANO 2021; 15:16957-16973. [PMID: 34677049 PMCID: PMC9023608 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c10240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The International Society of RNA Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine (ISRNN) hosts an annual meeting series focused on presenting the latest research achievements involving RNA-based therapeutics and strategies, aiming to expand their current biomedical applications while overcoming the remaining challenges of the burgeoning field of RNA nanotechnology. The most recent online meeting hosted a series of engaging talks and discussions from an international cohort of leading nanotechnologists that focused on RNA modifications and modulation, dynamic RNA structures, overcoming delivery limitations using a variety of innovative platforms and approaches, and addressing the newly explored potential for immunomodulation with programmable nucleic acid nanoparticles. In this Nano Focus, we summarize the main discussion points, conclusions, and future directions identified during this two-day webinar as well as more recent advances to highlight and to accelerate this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Emil Khisamutdinov
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47304, United States
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Joanna Sztuba-Solinska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 120 W. Samford Avenue, Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Aliasger K Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Koen Breyne
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussets 02114, United States
| | - Roger Chammas
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia, Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo - ICESP, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - FMUSP, Avenida Dr. Arnaldo 251, Cerqueira César, São Paulo 01246-000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nils G Walter
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, Department of Chemistry and Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lydia M Contreras
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78714, United States
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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12
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Mastrobattista E. Formulation and delivery solutions for the next generation biotherapeutics. J Control Release 2021; 336:583-597. [PMID: 34174354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2018 I was appointed full professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Delivery at the Pharmaceutics division of the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Utrecht University, The Netherlands. In this contribution to the Orations - New Horizons of the Journal of Controlled Release I will introduce my research group (see also www.uu.nl/pharmaceutics) and will highlight my current and future research projects. In coming years the focus of my research will be on the administration of biotherapeutics, aiming to control their fate from the site of injection to the site of action. I will discuss issues related to formulation of biotherapeutics into nanomedicines (NMs), intracellular delivery of nucleic acids as well as protein therapeutics, and targeted delivery of biotherapeutics beyond the liver. In addition, I will provide a forward view on how current developments in the drug delivery and gene therapy field may result in sustainable and cost-effective dosing regimens for biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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13
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Johnson MB, Chandler M, Afonin KA. Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) as molecular tools to direct desirable and avoid undesirable immunological effects. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:427-438. [PMID: 33857556 PMCID: PMC8178219 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) represent a highly versatile molecular platform for the targeted delivery of various therapeutics. However, despite their promise, further clinical translation of this innovative technology can be hindered by immunological off-target effects. All human cells are equipped with an arsenal of receptors that recognize molecular patterns specific to foreign nucleic acids and understanding the rules that guide this recognition offer the key rationale for the development of therapeutic NANPs with tunable immune stimulation. Numerous recent studies have provided increasing evidence that in addition to NANPs' physicochemical properties and therapeutic effects, their interactions with cells of the immune system can be regulated through multiple independently programmable architectural parameters. The results further suggest that defined immunomodulation by NANPs can either support their immunoquiescent delivery or be used for conditional stimulation of beneficial immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
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14
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Dobrovolskaia MA, Bathe M. Opportunities and challenges for the clinical translation of structured DNA assemblies as gene therapeutic delivery and vaccine vectors. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 13:e1657. [PMID: 32672007 PMCID: PMC7736207 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapeutics including siRNAs, anti-sense oligos, messenger RNAs, and CRISPR ribonucleoprotein complexes offer unmet potential to treat over 7,000 known genetic diseases, as well as cancer, through targeted in vivo modulation of aberrant gene expression and immune cell activation. Compared with viral vectors, nonviral delivery vectors offer controlled immunogenicity and low manufacturing cost, yet suffer from limitations in toxicity, targeting, and transduction efficiency. Structured DNA assemblies fabricated using the principle of scaffolded DNA origami offer a new nonviral delivery vector with intrinsic, yet controllable immunostimulatory properties and virus-like spatial presentation of ligands and immunogens for cell-specific targeting, activation, and control over intracellular trafficking, in addition to low manufacturing cost. However, the relative utilities and limitations of these vectors must clearly be demonstrated in preclinical studies for their clinical potential to be realized. Here, we review the major capabilities, opportunities, and challenges we foresee in translating these next-generation delivery and vaccine vectors to the clinic. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology ProgramFrederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by National Cancer InstituteFrederickMaryland
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusetts
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15
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Hawner M, Ducho C. Cellular Targeting of Oligonucleotides by Conjugation with Small Molecules. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25245963. [PMID: 33339365 PMCID: PMC7766908 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug candidates derived from oligonucleotides (ON) are receiving increased attention that is supported by the clinical approval of several ON drugs. Such therapeutic ON are designed to alter the expression levels of specific disease-related proteins, e.g., by displaying antigene, antisense, and RNA interference mechanisms. However, the high polarity of the polyanionic ON and their relatively rapid nuclease-mediated cleavage represent two major pharmacokinetic hurdles for their application in vivo. This has led to a range of non-natural modifications of ON structures that are routinely applied in the design of therapeutic ON. The polyanionic architecture of ON often hampers their penetration of target cells or tissues, and ON usually show no inherent specificity for certain cell types. These limitations can be overcome by conjugation of ON with molecular entities mediating cellular 'targeting', i.e., enhanced accumulation at and/or penetration of a specific cell type. In this context, the use of small molecules as targeting units appears particularly attractive and promising. This review provides an overview of advances in the emerging field of cellular targeting of ON via their conjugation with small-molecule targeting structures.
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16
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Johnson MB, Halman JR, Miller DK, Cooper JS, Khisamutdinov E, Marriott I, Afonin KA. The immunorecognition, subcellular compartmentalization, and physicochemical properties of nucleic acid nanoparticles can be controlled by composition modification. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11785-11798. [PMID: 33091133 PMCID: PMC7672449 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) have become powerful new platforms as therapeutic and diagnostic tools due to the innate biological ability of nucleic acids to identify target molecules or silence genes involved in disease pathways. However, the clinical application of NANPs has been limited by factors such as chemical instability, inefficient intracellular delivery, and the triggering of detrimental inflammatory responses following innate immune recognition of nucleic acids. Here, we have studied the effects of altering the chemical composition of a circumscribed panel of NANPs that share the same connectivity, shape, size, charge and sequences. We show that replacing RNA strands with either DNA or chemical analogs increases the enzymatic and thermodynamic stability of NANPs. Furthermore, we have found that such composition changes affect delivery efficiency and determine subcellular localization, effects that could permit the targeted delivery of NANP-based therapeutics and diagnostics. Importantly, we have determined that altering NANP composition can dictate the degree and mechanisms by which cell immune responses are initiated. While RNA NANPs trigger both TLR7 and RIG-I mediated cytokine and interferon production, DNA NANPs stimulate minimal immune activation. Importantly, incorporation of 2'F modifications abrogates RNA NANP activation of TLR7 but permits RIG-I dependent immune responses. Furthermore, 2'F modifications of DNA NANPs significantly enhances RIG-I mediated production of both proinflammatory cytokines and interferons. Collectively this indicates that off-target effects may be reduced and/or desirable immune responses evoked based upon NANPs modifications. Together, our studies show that NANP composition provides a simple way of controlling the immunostimulatory potential, and physicochemical and delivery characteristics, of such platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Justin R Halman
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Daniel K Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA
| | - Joseph S Cooper
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA
| | | | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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17
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Ferrer JR, Sinegra AJ, Ivancic D, Yeap XY, Qiu L, Wang JJ, Zhang ZJ, Wertheim JA, Mirkin CA. Structure-Dependent Biodistribution of Liposomal Spherical Nucleic Acids. ACS NANO 2020; 14:1682-1693. [PMID: 31951368 PMCID: PMC7119368 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b07254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are a class of nanomaterials with a structure defined by a radial distribution of densely packed, short DNA or RNA sequences around a nanoparticle core. This structure allows SNAs to rapidly enter mammalian cells, protects the displayed oligonucleotides from nuclease degradation, and enables co-delivery of other drug cargoes. Here, we investigate the biodistribution of liposomal spherical nucleic acid (LSNA) conjugates, SNA architectures formed from liposome templates and DNA modified with hydrophobic end groups (tails). We compared linear DNA with two types of LSNAs that differ only by the affinity of the modified DNA sequence for the liposome template. We use single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) terminated with either a low-affinity cholesterol tail (CHOL-LSNA) or a high-affinity diacylglycerol lipid tail (DPPE-LSNA). Both LSNA formulations, independent of DNA conjugation, reduce the inflammatory cytokine response to intravenously administered DNA. The difference in the affinity for the liposome template significantly affects DNA biodistribution. DNA from CHOL-LSNAs accumulates in greater amounts in the lungs than DNA from DPPE-LSNAs. In contrast, DNA from DPPE-LSNAs exhibits greater accumulation in the kidneys. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy of tissue sections indicate that different cell populations-immune and nonimmune-sequester the DNA depending upon the chemical makeup of the LSNA. Taken together, these data suggest that the chemical structure of the LSNAs represents an opportunity to direct the biodistribution of nucleic acids to major tissues outside of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Ferrer
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology , Northwestern University , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Andrew J Sinegra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Northwestern University , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology , Northwestern University , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - David Ivancic
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - Xin Yi Yeap
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - Longhui Qiu
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - Jiao-Jing Wang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - Zheng Jenny Zhang
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
| | - Jason A Wertheim
- Comprehensive Transplant Center and Department of Surgery , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois 60611 , United States
- Department of Surgery , Jesse Brown VA Medical Center , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology , Northwestern University , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry , Northwestern University , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology , Northwestern University , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
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18
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Batista-Duharte A, Sendra L, Herrero MJ, Téllez-Martínez D, Carlos IZ, Aliño SF. Progress in the Use of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Vaccine Improvement. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E316. [PMID: 32079263 PMCID: PMC7072586 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
: Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are synthetically prepared short single-stranded deoxynucleotide sequences that have been validated as therapeutic agents and as a valuable tool in molecular driving biology. ASOs can block the expression of specific target genes via complementary hybridization to mRNA. Due to their high specificity and well-known mechanism of action, there has been a growing interest in using them for improving vaccine efficacy. Several studies have shown that ASOs can improve the efficacy of vaccines either by inducing antigen modification such as enhanced expression of immunogenic molecules or by targeting certain components of the host immune system to achieve the desired immune response. However, despite their extended use, some problems such as insufficient stability and low cellular delivery have not been sufficiently resolved to achieve effective and safe ASO-based vaccines. In this review, we analyze the molecular bases and the research that has been conducted to demonstrate the potential use of ASOs in vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Batista-Duharte
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú - Km 1, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; (D.T.-M.); (I.Z.C.)
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
| | - Luis Sendra
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
| | - Maria José Herrero
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
| | - Damiana Téllez-Martínez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú - Km 1, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; (D.T.-M.); (I.Z.C.)
| | - Iracilda Zeppone Carlos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú - Km 1, 14800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil; (D.T.-M.); (I.Z.C.)
| | - Salvador Francisco Aliño
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.S.); (S.F.A.)
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19
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Dobrovolskaia MA. Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles at a Crossroads of Vaccines and Immunotherapies. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244620. [PMID: 31861154 PMCID: PMC6943637 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines and immunotherapies involve a variety of technologies and act through different mechanisms to achieve a common goal, which is to optimize the immune response against an antigen. The antigen could be a molecule expressed on a pathogen (e.g., a disease-causing bacterium, a virus or another microorganism), abnormal or damaged host cells (e.g., cancer cells), environmental agent (e.g., nicotine from a tobacco smoke), or an allergen (e.g., pollen or food protein). Immunogenic vaccines and therapies optimize the immune response to improve the eradication of the pathogen or damaged cells. In contrast, tolerogenic vaccines and therapies retrain or blunt the immune response to antigens, which are recognized by the immune system as harmful to the host. To optimize the immune response to either improve the immunogenicity or induce tolerance, researchers employ different routes of administration, antigen-delivery systems, and adjuvants. Nanocarriers and adjuvants are of particular interest to the fields of vaccines and immunotherapy as they allow for targeted delivery of the antigens and direct the immune response against these antigens in desirable direction (i.e., to either enhance immunogenicity or induce tolerance). Recently, nanoparticles gained particular attention as antigen carriers and adjuvants. This review focuses on a particular subclass of nanoparticles, which are made of nucleic acids, so-called nucleic acid nanoparticles or NANPs. Immunological properties of these novel materials and considerations for their clinical translation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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20
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Chandler M, Johnson MB, Panigaj M, Afonin KA. Innate immune responses triggered by nucleic acids inspire the design of immunomodulatory nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs). Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 63:8-15. [PMID: 31778882 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The unknown immune stimulation by nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) has become one of the major impediments to a broad spectrum of clinical developments of this novel technology. Having evolved to defend against bacterial and viral nucleic acids, mammalian cells have established patterns of recognition that are also the pathways through which NANPs can be processed. Explorations into the immune stimulation brought about by a vast diversity of known NANPs have shown that variations in design correlate with variations in immune response. Therefore, as the mechanisms of stimulation are further elucidated, these trends are now being taken into account in the design phase to allow for development of NANPs that are tailored for controlled immune activation or quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Morgan Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Martin Panigaj
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, 041 54, Slovak Republic
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; The Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
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21
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Chandler M, Afonin KA. Smart-Responsive Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles (NANPs) with the Potential to Modulate Immune Behavior. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E611. [PMID: 31013847 PMCID: PMC6523571 DOI: 10.3390/nano9040611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are programmable and biocompatible polymers that have beneficial uses in nanotechnology with broad applications in biosensing and therapeutics. In some cases, however, the development of the latter has been impeded by the unknown immunostimulatory properties of nucleic acid-based materials, as well as a lack of functional dynamicity due to stagnant structural design. Recent research advancements have explored these obstacles in tandem via the assembly of three-dimensional, planar, and fibrous cognate nucleic acid-based nanoparticles, called NANPs, for the conditional activation of embedded and otherwise quiescent functions. Furthermore, a library of the most representative NANPs was extensively analyzed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the links between the programmable architectural and physicochemical parameters of NANPs and their immunomodulatory properties have been established. This overview will cover the recent development of design principles that allow for fine-tuning of both the physicochemical and immunostimulatory properties of dynamic NANPs and discuss the potential impacts of these novel strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
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22
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Hong E, Dobrovolskaia MA. Addressing barriers to effective cancer immunotherapy with nanotechnology: achievements, challenges, and roadmap to the next generation of nanoimmunotherapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:3-22. [PMID: 29339144 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex systemic disorder that affects many organs and tissues and arises from the altered function of multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms. One of the systems malfunctioning in cancer is the immune system. Restoring and improving the ability of the immune system to effectively recognize and eradicate cancer is the main focus of immunotherapy, a topic which has garnered recent and significant interest. The initial excitement about immunotherapy, however, has been challenged by its limited efficacy in certain patient populations and the development of adverse effects such as therapeutic resistance and autoimmunity. At the same time, a number of advances in the field of nanotechnology have sought to address the challenges faced by modern immunotherapeutics and allow these therapeutic strategies to realize their full potential. This endeavour requires an understanding of not only the immunological barriers in cancer but also the mechanisms by which modern technologies and immunotherapeutics modulate the function of the immune system. Herein, we summarize the major barriers relevant to cancer immunotherapy and review current progress in addressing these obstacles using various approaches and clinically approved therapies. We then discuss the remaining challenges and how they can be addressed by nanotechnology. We lay out translational considerations relevant to the therapies described and propose a framework for the development of next-generation nanotechnology-enabled immunotherapies.
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23
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Kim D, Kim H, Han S, Scatena M, Kim DH, Lee JB. Immunostimulatory Effects Triggered by Self-Assembled Microspheres with Tandem Repeats of Polymerized RNA Strands. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801395. [PMID: 30657652 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled RNA particles have been exploited widely to maximize the therapeutic potential of RNA. However, the immune response via RNA particles is not fully understood. In addition, the investigation of the immunogenicity from RNA-based particles is required owing to inherent immunostimulatory effects of RNA for clinical translation. To examine the immune stimulating potency, rationally designed microsized RNA particles, called RNA microspheres (RMSs), are generated with single or double strands via rolling circle transcription. The RMSs show an exceptional stability in the presence of serum, while they are selectively degraded under endolysosomal conditions. With precisely controlled size, both RMSs are successfully taken up by macrophages. Unlike the nature of RNA fragments, RMSs induce only basal-level expression of inflammatory cytokines as well as type I interferon from macrophages, suggesting that RMSs are immunocompatible in the therapeutic dose range. Taken together, this study could help accelerate clinical translation and broaden the applicability of the self-assembled RNA-based particles without being limited by their potential immunotoxicity, while a systematic controllability study observing the release of RNA fragments from RMSs would provide self-assembled RNA-based structures with a great potential for immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajeong Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering; University of Seoul; Seoul 02504 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering; University of Seoul; Seoul 02504 Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Washington; Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Sangwoo Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering; University of Seoul; Seoul 02504 Republic of Korea
| | - Marta Scatena
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Washington; Seattle WA 98195 USA
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine; University of Washington; Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Washington; Seattle WA 98195 USA
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine; University of Washington; Seattle WA 98109 USA
| | - Jong Bum Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering; University of Seoul; Seoul 02504 Republic of Korea
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24
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Rackley L, Stewart JM, Salotti J, Krokhotin A, Shah A, Halman JR, Juneja R, Smollett J, Lee L, Roark K, Viard M, Tarannum M, Vivero-Escoto J, Johnson PF, Dobrovolskaia MA, Dokholyan NV, Franco E, Afonin KA. RNA Fibers as Optimized Nanoscaffolds for siRNA Coordination and Reduced Immunological Recognition. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1805959. [PMID: 31258458 PMCID: PMC6599627 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201805959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
RNA is a versatile biomaterial that can be used to engineer nanoassemblies for personalized treatment of various diseases. Despite promising advancements, the design of RNA nanoassemblies with minimal recognition by the immune system remains a major challenge. Here, an approach is reported to engineer RNA fibrous structures to operate as a customizable platform for efficient coordination of siRNAs and for maintaining low immunostimulation. Functional RNA fibers are studied in silico and their formation is confirmed by various experimental techniques and visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is demonstrated that the RNA fibers offer multiple advantages among which are: i) programmability and modular design that allow for simultaneous controlled delivery of multiple siRNAs and fluorophores, ii) reduced immunostimulation when compared to other programmable RNA nanoassemblies, and iii) simple production protocol for endotoxin-free fibers with the option of their cotranscriptional assembly. Furthermore, it is shown that functional RNA fibers can be efficiently delivered with various organic and inorganic carriers while retaining their structural integrity in cells. Specific gene silencing triggered by RNA fibers is assessed in human breast cancer and melanoma cell lines, with the confirmed ability of functional fibers to selectively target single nucleotide mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rackley
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Jaimie Marie Stewart
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jacqueline Salotti
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Andrey Krokhotin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Ankit Shah
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Justin R Halman
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Ridhima Juneja
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Jaclyn Smollett
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Lauren Lee
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Kyle Roark
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Mathias Viard
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Mubin Tarannum
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Juan Vivero-Escoto
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Peter F Johnson
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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25
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Hong E, Halman JR, Shah AB, Khisamutdinov EF, Dobrovolskaia MA, Afonin KA. Structure and Composition Define Immunorecognition of Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:4309-4321. [PMID: 29894623 PMCID: PMC6540121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b01283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) have evolved as a new class of therapeutics with the potential to detect and treat diseases. Despite tremendous advancements in NANP development, their immunotoxicity, one of the major impediments in clinical translation of traditional therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs), has never been fully characterized. Here, we describe the first systematically studied immunological recognition of 25 representative RNA and DNA NANPs selected to have different design principles and physicochemical properties. We discover that, unlike traditional TNAs, NANPs used without a delivery carrier are immunoquiescent. We show that interferons (IFNs) are the key cytokines triggered by NANPs after their internalization by phagocytic cells, which agrees with predictions based on the experiences with TNAs. However, in addition to type I IFNs, type III IFNs also serve as reliable biomarkers of NANPs, which is usually not characteristic of TNAs. We show that overall immunostimulation relies on NANP shapes, connectivities, and compositions. We demonstrate that, like with traditional TNAs, plasmacytoid dendritic cells serve as the primary interferon producers among all peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with NANPs, and scavenger receptor-mediated uptake and endosomal Toll-like receptor signaling are essential for NANP immunorecognition. The TLR involvement, however, is different from that expected for traditional TNA recognition. Based on these results, we suggest that NANP technology may serve as a prototype of auxiliary molecular language for communication with the immune system and the modulation of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enping Hong
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Justin R. Halman
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Ankit B. Shah
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Emil F. Khisamutdinov
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- The Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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Cocoa Pod Husk Pectin Intended as a Pharmaceutical Excipient Has No Adverse Effects on Haematological Parameters in Sprague Dawley Rats. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS 2018; 2018:1459849. [PMID: 29955438 PMCID: PMC6000902 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1459849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural polymer research has recently become the focus of intensive research in the quest for new enabling excipients for novel drugs in pharmaceutical formulation for optimal treatment outcomes. Evaluations of some excipients have shown deleterious haematological effects of varying extents on the safety profile of these excipients. A 90-day subchronic toxicity study was conducted to evaluate the influence of cocoa pod husk (CPH) pectin on indicators for haematotoxicity. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats (SDRs) were fed with CPH pectin in doses up to 71.4 mg/kg. The effects of CPH pectin on the haematological indices, direct and total bilirubin, and the spleen were determined. The results indicated that CPH pectin did not induce any untoward toxic effects on the haematological indices, bilirubin levels, and the spleen. There were, however, elevations in MCV at day 30, which was not sustained after the 90 days. The data obtained from this study did not reveal any remarkable findings of toxicological relevance to the haematopoietic system.
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Sharma B, Crist RM, Adiseshaiah PP. Nanotechnology as a Delivery Tool for Precision Cancer Therapies. AAPS JOURNAL 2017; 19:1632-1642. [DOI: 10.1208/s12248-017-0152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Halman JR, Satterwhite E, Roark B, Chandler M, Viard M, Ivanina A, Bindewald E, Kasprzak WK, Panigaj M, Bui MN, Lu JS, Miller J, Khisamutdinov EF, Shapiro BA, Dobrovolskaia MA, Afonin KA. Functionally-interdependent shape-switching nanoparticles with controllable properties. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:2210-2220. [PMID: 28108656 PMCID: PMC5389727 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We introduce a new concept that utilizes cognate nucleic acid nanoparticles which are fully complementary and functionally-interdependent to each other. In the described approach, the physical interaction between sets of designed nanoparticles initiates a rapid isothermal shape change which triggers the activation of multiple functionalities and biological pathways including transcription, energy transfer, functional aptamers and RNA interference. The individual nanoparticles are not active and have controllable kinetics of re-association and fine-tunable chemical and thermodynamic stabilities. Computational algorithms were developed to accurately predict melting temperatures of nanoparticles of various compositions and trace the process of their re-association in silico. Additionally, tunable immunostimulatory properties of described nanoparticles suggest that the particles that do not induce pro-inflammatory cytokines and high levels of interferons can be used as scaffolds to carry therapeutic oligonucleotides, while particles with strong interferon and mild pro-inflammatory cytokine induction may qualify as vaccine adjuvants. The presented concept provides a simple, cost-effective and straightforward model for the development of combinatorial regulation of biological processes in nucleic acid nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Halman
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Emily Satterwhite
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Brandon Roark
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Mathias Viard
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., RNA Biology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Anna Ivanina
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Eckart Bindewald
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., RNA Biology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Wojciech K. Kasprzak
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., RNA Biology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Martin Panigaj
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, 041 54, Slovak Republic
| | - My N. Bui
- Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA
| | - Jacob S. Lu
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Johann Miller
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Bruce A. Shapiro
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- The Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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Viral Vector-Mediated Antisense Therapy for Genetic Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8020051. [PMID: 28134780 PMCID: PMC5333040 DOI: 10.3390/genes8020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA plays complex roles in normal health and disease and is becoming an important target for therapeutic intervention; accordingly, therapeutic strategies that modulate RNA function have gained great interest over the past decade. Antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) are perhaps the most promising strategy to modulate RNA expression through a variety of post binding events such as gene silencing through degradative or non-degradative mechanisms, or splicing modulation which has recently demonstrated promising results. However, AO technology still faces issues like poor cellular-uptake, low efficacy in target tissues and relatively rapid clearance from the circulation which means repeated injections are essential to complete therapeutic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, viral vectors encoding small nuclear RNAs have been engineered to shuttle antisense sequences into cells, allowing appropriate subcellular localization with pre-mRNAs and permanent correction. In this review, we outline the different strategies for antisense therapy mediated by viral vectors and provide examples of each approach. We also address the advantages and limitations of viral vector use, with an emphasis on their clinical application.
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Sergeeva OV, Koteliansky VE, Zatsepin TS. mRNA-Based Therapeutics - Advances and Perspectives. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:709-22. [PMID: 27449617 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916070075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In this review we discuss features of mRNA synthesis and modifications used to minimize immune response and prolong efficiency of the translation process in vivo. Considerable attention is given to the use of liposomes and nanoparticles containing lipids and polymers for the mRNA delivery. Finally we briefly discuss mRNAs which are currently in the clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy, vaccination against infectious diseases, and replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Sergeeva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Häfner SJ, Talvard TG, Lund AH. Long noncoding RNAs in normal and pathological pluripotency. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 65:1-10. [PMID: 27438587 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The striking similarities between pluripotent and cancer cells, such as immortality and increased stress resistance, have long been acknowledged. Numerous studies searched for and successfully identified common molecular players and pathways, thus providing an entirely new challenge and potential therapeutic angle by targeting cancer cells or a specific stem population of the tumor via pluripotency associated processes. However, these strategies have until now mainly been restricted to proteins. Nonetheless, it has become clear over the past decade that the overwhelming majority of the genome produces noncoding transcripts, many of which have proven both functional and crucial for key cellular processes, including stemness maintenance. Moreover, numerous long noncoding RNAs are deregulated in cancer, but little is known concerning their functions and molecular mechanisms. Consequently, it seems essential to integrate the noncoding transcripts into the picture of the stemness-cancer connection. Whereas a number of studies have addressed the expression of lncRNAs in cancer stem cells, no systematic approach has yet been undertaken to identify lncRNAs implicated in the maintenance of the embryonic stemness state that is hijacked by cancer cells. The aim of this review is to highlight long noncoding RNAs with shared functions in stemness and cancer and to outline the current state of a field in its infancy, the search for long noncoding transcripts in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia J Häfner
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Thomas G Talvard
- Dansk Fundamental Metrologi, Matematiktorvet 307, DK-2600, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anders H Lund
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Dobrovolskaia MA, Shurin M, Shvedova AA. Current understanding of interactions between nanoparticles and the immune system. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 299:78-89. [PMID: 26739622 PMCID: PMC4811709 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of drugs, antigens, and imaging agents benefits from using nanotechnology-based carriers. The successful translation of nanoformulations to the clinic involves thorough assessment of their safety profiles, which, among other end-points, includes evaluation of immunotoxicity. The past decade of research focusing on nanoparticle interaction with the immune system has been fruitful in terms of understanding the basics of nanoparticle immunocompatibility, developing a bioanalytical infrastructure to screen for nanoparticle-mediated immune reactions, beginning to uncover the mechanisms of nanoparticle immunotoxicity, and utilizing current knowledge about the structure-activity relationship between nanoparticles' physicochemical properties and their effects on the immune system to guide safe drug delivery. In the present review, we focus on the most prominent pieces of the nanoparticle-immune system puzzle and discuss the achievements, disappointments, and lessons learned over the past 15years of research on the immunotoxicity of engineered nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NCI at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Michael Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anna A Shvedova
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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Morales A, Cohen Z. Mycobacterium phleicell wall-nucleic acid complex in the treatment of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer unresponsive to bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 16:273-83. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2016.1134483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Dobrovolskaia MA. Self-assembled DNA/RNA nanoparticles as a new generation of therapeutic nucleic acids: immunological compatibility and other translational considerations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/rnan-2016-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTherapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs) are rapidly being embraced as effective interventions in a variety of genetic disorders, cancers, and viral/microbial infections, as well as for use in improving vaccine efficacy. Many traditional nucleotide-based formulations have been approved for clinical use, while various macromolecular nucleic acids are in different phases of preclinical and clinical development. Various nanotechnology carriers, including but not limited to liposomes, emulsions, dendrimers, and polyplexes, are considered for their improved delivery and reduced toxicity compared to traditional TNAs. Moreover, a new generation of TNAs has recently emerged and is represented by DNA/RNA nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly of DNA, RNA, or hybrid DNA-RNA oligonucleotides into 1D, 2D, and 3D structures of different shapes. In this mini-review, I will discuss immunocompatibility and other translational aspects in the development of this new class of promising nucleic acid therapeutics.
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Dobrovolskaia MA. Pre-clinical immunotoxicity studies of nanotechnology-formulated drugs: Challenges, considerations and strategy. J Control Release 2015; 220:571-83. [PMID: 26348388 PMCID: PMC4688153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Assorted challenges in physicochemical characterization, sterilization, depyrogenation, and in the assessment of pharmacology, safety, and efficacy profiles accompany pre-clinical development of nanotechnology-formulated drugs. Some of these challenges are not unique to nanotechnology and are common in the development of other pharmaceutical products. However, nanoparticle-formulated drugs are biochemically sophisticated, which causes their translation into the clinic to be particularly complex. An understanding of both the immune compatibility of nanoformulations and their effects on hematological parameters is now recognized as an important step in the (pre)clinical development of nanomedicines. An evaluation of nanoparticle immunotoxicity is usually performed as a part of a traditional toxicological assessment; however, it often requires additional in vitro and in vivo specialized immuno- and hematotoxicity tests. Herein, I review literature examples and share the experience with the NCI Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory assay cascade used in the early (discovery-level) phase of pre-clinical development to summarize common challenges in the immunotoxicological assessment of nanomaterials, highlight considerations and discuss solutions to overcome problems that commonly slow or halt the translation of nanoparticle-formulated drugs toward clinical trials. Special attention will be paid to the grand-challenge related to detection, quantification and removal of endotoxin from nanoformulations, and practical considerations related to this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NCI at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, United States.
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