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Tadic S, Martínez A. Nucleic acid cancer vaccines targeting tumor related angiogenesis. Could mRNA vaccines constitute a game changer? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1433185. [PMID: 39081320 PMCID: PMC11286457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor related angiogenesis is an attractive target in cancer therapeutic research due to its crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Different agents were developed aiming to inhibit this process; however they had limited success. Cancer vaccines could be a promising tool in anti-cancer/anti-angiogenic therapy. Cancer vaccines aim to initiate an immune response against cancer cells upon presentation of tumor antigens which hopefully will result in the eradication of disease and prevention of its recurrence by inducing an efficient and long-lasting immune response. Different vaccine constructs have been developed to achieve this and they could include either protein-based or nucleic acid-based vaccines. Nucleic acid vaccines are simple and relatively easy to produce, with high efficiency and safety, thus prompting a high interest in the field. Different DNA vaccines have been developed to target crucial regulators of tumor angiogenesis. Most of them were successful in pre-clinical studies, mostly when used in combination with other therapeutics, but had limited success in the clinic. Apparently, different tumor evasion mechanisms and reduced immunogenicity still limit the potential of these vaccines and there is plenty of room for improvement. Nowadays, mRNA cancer vaccines are making remarkable progress due to improvements in the manufacturing technology and represent a powerful potential alternative. Apart from their efficiency, mRNA vaccines are simple and cheap to produce, can encompass multiple targets simultaneously, and can be quickly transferred from bench to bedside. mRNA vaccines have already accomplished amazing results in cancer clinical trials, thus ensuring a bright future in the field, although no anti-angiogenic mRNA vaccines have been described yet. This review aims to describe recent advances in anti-angiogenic DNA vaccine therapy and to provide perspectives for use of revolutionary approaches such are mRNA vaccines for anti-angiogenic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfredo Martínez
- Angiogenesis Unit, Oncology Area, Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, Spain
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Sharma V, Mottafegh A, Joo JU, Kang JH, Wang L, Kim DP. Toward microfluidic continuous-flow and intelligent downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2861-2882. [PMID: 38751338 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01097j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Biopharmaceuticals have emerged as powerful therapeutic agents, revolutionizing the treatment landscape for various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune and genetic disorders. These biotherapeutics pave the way for precision medicine with their unique and targeted capabilities. The production of high-quality biologics entails intricate manufacturing processes, including cell culture, fermentation, purification, and formulation, necessitating specialized facilities and expertise. These complex processes are subject to rigorous regulatory oversight to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and quality of biotherapeutics prior to clinical approval. Consequently, these drugs undergo extensive purification unit operations to achieve high purity by effectively removing impurities and contaminants. The field of personalized precision medicine necessitates the development of novel and highly efficient technologies. Microfluidic technology addresses unmet needs by enabling precise and compact separation, allowing rapid, integrated and continuous purification modules. Moreover, the integration of intelligent biomanufacturing systems with miniaturized devices presents an opportunity to significantly enhance the robustness of complex downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals, with the benefits of automation and advanced control. This allows seamless data exchange, real-time monitoring, and synchronization of purification steps, leading to improved process efficiency, data management, and decision-making. Integrating autonomous systems into biopharmaceutical purification ensures adherence to regulatory standards, such as good manufacturing practice (GMP), positioning the industry to effectively address emerging market demands for personalized precision nano-medicines. This perspective review will emphasize on the significance, challenges, and prospects associated with the adoption of continuous, integrated, and intelligent methodologies in small-scale downstream processing for various types of biologics. By utilizing microfluidic technology and intelligent systems, purification processes can be enhanced for increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance, shaping the future of biopharmaceutical production and enabling the development of personalized and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Sharma
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Amirreza Mottafegh
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Un Joo
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Ho Kang
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Pyo Kim
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
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Naveed M, Ali U, Aziz T, Naveed R, Mahmood S, Khan MM, Alharbi M, Albekairi TH, Alasmari AF. An Aedes-Anopheles Vaccine Candidate Supplemented with BCG Epitopes Against the Aedes and Anopheles Genera to Overcome Hypersensitivity to Mosquito Bites. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:483-504. [PMID: 38194049 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00771-1] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeeter syndrome is a severe local allergic response to mosquito bites that is accompanied by considerable inflammation and, in some cases, a systemic response like fever. People with the syndrome develop serious allergies, ranging from rashes to anaphylaxis or shock. The few available studies on mosquito venom immunotherapy have utilized whole-body preparations and small sample sizes. Still, owing to their little success, vaccination remains a promising alternative as well as a permanent solution for infections like Skeeter's. METHODS This study, therefore, illustrated the construction of an epitope-based vaccine candidate against Skeeter Syndrome using established immunoinformatic techniques. We selected three species of mosquitoes, Anopheles melas, Anopheles funestus, and Aedes aegypti, to derive salivary antigens usually found in mosquito bites. Our construct was also supplemented with bacterial epitopes known to elicit a strong TH1 response and suppress TH2 stimulation that is predicted to reduce hypersensitivity against the bites. RESULTS A quality factor of 98.9496, instability index of 38.55, aliphatic index of 79.42, solubility of 0.934747, and GRAVY score of -0.02 indicated the structural (tertiary and secondary) stability, thermostability, solubility, and hydrophilicity of the construct, respectively. The designed Aedes-Anopheles vaccine (AAV) candidate was predicted to be flexible and less prone to deformability with an eigenvalue of 1.5911e-9 and perfected the human immune response against Skeeter (hypersensitivity) and many mosquito-associated diseases as we noted the production of 30,000 Th1 cells per mm3 with little (insignificant production of Th2 cells. The designed vaccine also revealed stable interactions with the pattern recognition receptors of the host. The TLR2/vaccine complex interacted with a free energy of - 1069.2 kcal/mol with 26 interactions, whereas the NLRP3/vaccine complex interacted with a free energy of - 1081.2 kcal/mol with 16 molecular interactions. CONCLUSION Although being a pure in-silico study, the in-depth analysis performed herein speaks volumes of the potency of the designed vaccine candidate predicting that the proposition can withstand rigorous in-vitro and in-vivo clinical trials and may proceed to become the first preventative immunotherapy against mosquito bite allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Urooj Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina Arta, 47100, Arta, Greece.
| | - Rida Naveed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sarmad Mahmood
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mustajab Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Metab Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer H Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Wan J, Yang J, Wang Z, Shen R, Zhang C, Wu Y, Zhou M, Chen H, Fu ZF, Sun H, Yi Y, Shen H, Li H, Zhao L. A single immunization with core-shell structured lipopolyplex mRNA vaccine against rabies induces potent humoral immunity in mice and dogs. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2270081. [PMID: 37819147 PMCID: PMC10768744 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2270081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The persistence and clinical consequences of rabies virus (RABV) infection have prompted global efforts to develop a safe and effective vaccines against rabies. mRNA vaccines represent a promising option against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, gaining particular interest since the outbreak of COVID-19. Herein, we report the development of a highly efficacious rabies mRNA vaccine composed of sequence-modified mRNA encoding RABV glycoprotein (RABV-G) packaged in core-shell structured lipopolyplex (LPP) nanoparticles, named LPP-mRNA-G. The bilayer structure of LPP improves protection and delivery of RABV-G mRNA and allows gradual release of mRNA molecules as the polymer degrades. The unique core-shell structured nanoparticle of LPP-mRNA-G facilitates vaccine uptake and demonstrates a desirable biodistribution pattern with low liver targeting upon intramuscular immunization. Single administration of low-dose LPP-mRNA-G in mice elicited potent humoral immune response and provided complete protection against intracerebral challenge with lethal RABV. Similarly, single immunization of low-dose LPP-mRNA-G induced high levels of virus-neutralizing antibody titers in dogs. Collectively, our data demonstrate the potential of LPP-mRNA-G as a promising next-generation rabies vaccine used in human and companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianmei Yang
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruizhong Shen
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuntao Wu
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen F. Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiwei Sun
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinglei Yi
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haifa Shen
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hangwen Li
- Stemirna Therapeutics, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
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Okuyama R. mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Platforms Utilized in COVID-19 Vaccines: Technologies, Ecosystem, and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1737. [PMID: 38140142 PMCID: PMC10748114 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
New technological platforms, such as mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines, have been utilized to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. These new modalities enable rapid and flexible vaccine design and cost-effective and swift manufacturing, effectively combating pandemics caused by mutating viruses. Innovation ecosystems, including universities, startups, investors, and governments are crucial for developing these cutting-edge technologies. This review summarizes the research and development trajectory of these vaccine technologies, their investments, and the support surrounding them, in addition to the technological details of each technology. In addition, this study examines the importance of an innovation ecosystem in developing novel technologies, comparing it with the case of Japan, which has lagged behind in COVID-19 vaccine development. It also explores the direction of vaccine development in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Okuyama
- College of International Management, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu 874-8577, Japan
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Miliotou AN, Georgiou-Siafis SK, Ntenti C, Pappas IS, Papadopoulou LC. Recruiting In Vitro Transcribed mRNA against Cancer Immunotherapy: A Contemporary Appraisal of the Current Landscape. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9181-9214. [PMID: 37998753 PMCID: PMC10670245 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 100 innovative in vitro transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs are presently undergoing clinical trials, with a projected substantial impact on the pharmaceutical market in the near future. Τhe idea behind this is that after the successful cellular internalization of IVT-mRNAs, they are subsequently translated into proteins with therapeutic or prophylactic relevance. Simultaneously, cancer immunotherapy employs diverse strategies to mobilize the immune system in the battle against cancer. Therefore, in this review, the fundamental principles of IVT-mRNA to its recruitment in cancer immunotherapy, are discussed and analyzed. More specifically, this review paper focuses on the development of mRNA vaccines, the exploitation of neoantigens, as well as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells, showcasing their clinical applications and the ongoing trials for the development of next-generation immunotherapeutics. Furthermore, this study investigates the synergistic potential of combining the CAR immunotherapy and the IVT-mRNAs by introducing our research group novel, patented delivery method that utilizes the Protein Transduction Domain (PTD) technology to transduce the IVT-mRNAs encoding the CAR of interest into the Natural Killer (NK)-92 cells, highlighting the potential for enhancing the CAR NK cell potency, efficiency, and bioenergetics. While IVT-mRNA technology brings exciting progress to cancer immunotherapy, several challenges and limitations must be acknowledged, such as safety, toxicity, and delivery issues. This comprehensive exploration of IVT-mRNA technology, in line with its applications in cancer therapeutics, offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, setting the stage for future advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androulla N. Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Department of Health Sciences, KES College, 1055 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sofia K. Georgiou-Siafis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Charikleia Ntenti
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
- 1st Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pappas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece;
| | - Lefkothea C. Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; (A.N.M.); (S.K.G.-S.); (C.N.)
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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8
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mRNA-Based Vaccine for COVID-19: They Are New but Not Unknown! Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030507. [PMID: 36992091 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines take advantage of the mechanism that our cells use to produce proteins. Our cells produce proteins based on the knowledge contained in our DNA; each gene encodes a unique protein. The genetic information is essential, but cells cannot use it until mRNA molecules convert it into instructions for producing specific proteins. mRNA vaccinations provide ready-to-use mRNA instructions for constructing a specific protein. BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) both are newly approved mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines that have shown excellent protection and efficacy. In total, there are five more mRNA-based vaccine candidates for COVID-19 under different phases of clinical development. This review is specifically focused on mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 covering its development, mechanism, and clinical aspects.
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Machado BAS, Hodel KVS, Fonseca LMDS, Mascarenhas LAB, Andrade LPCDS, Rocha VPC, Soares MBP, Berglund P, Duthie MS, Reed SG, Badaró R. The Importance of RNA-Based Vaccines in the Fight against COVID-19: An Overview. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1345. [PMID: 34835276 PMCID: PMC8623509 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, vaccine development using ribonucleic acid (RNA) has become the most promising and studied approach to produce safe and effective new vaccines, not only for prophylaxis but also as a treatment. The use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as an immunogenic has several advantages to vaccine development compared to other platforms, such as lower coast, the absence of cell cultures, and the possibility to combine different targets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of mRNA as a vaccine became more relevant; two out of the four most widely applied vaccines against COVID-19 in the world are based on this platform. However, even though it presents advantages for vaccine application, mRNA technology faces several pivotal challenges to improve mRNA stability, delivery, and the potential to generate the related protein needed to induce a humoral- and T-cell-mediated immune response. The application of mRNA to vaccine development emerged as a powerful tool to fight against cancer and non-infectious and infectious diseases, for example, and represents a relevant research field for future decades. Based on these advantages, this review emphasizes mRNA and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) for vaccine development, mainly to fight against COVID-19, together with the challenges related to this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Katharine Valéria Saraiva Hodel
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Larissa Moraes dos Santos Fonseca
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Luís Alberto Brêda Mascarenhas
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Leone Peter Correia da Silva Andrade
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Vinícius Pinto Costa Rocha
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Peter Berglund
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Malcolm S. Duthie
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Steven G. Reed
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Roberto Badaró
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
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10
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Vaccines against COVID-19: Priority to mRNA-Based Formulations. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102716. [PMID: 34685696 PMCID: PMC8534873 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As of September 2021, twenty-one anti-COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in the world. Their utilization will expedite an end to the current pandemic. Besides the usual vaccine formats that include inactivated viruses (eight approved vaccines) and protein-based vaccines (four approved vaccines), three new formats have been validated: recombinant adenovirus (six approved vaccines), DNA (one approved vaccine), and messenger RNA (mRNA, two approved vaccines). The latter was the fastest (authorized in 2020 in the EU, the USA, and Switzerland). Most Western countries have reserved or use the protein vaccines, the adenovirus vaccines, and mRNA vaccines. I describe here the different vaccine formats in the context of COVID-19, detail the three formats that are chiefly reserved or used in Europe, Canada, and the USA, and discuss why the mRNA vaccines appear to be the superior format.
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11
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Romano E, Pascolo S, Ott P. Implications of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for cancer patients. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002932. [PMID: 34117117 PMCID: PMC8206178 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection and the resulting COVID-19 have afflicted millions of people in an ongoing worldwide pandemic. Safe and effective vaccination is needed urgently to protect not only the general population but also vulnerable subjects such as patients with cancer. Currently approved mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines seem suitable for patients with cancer based on their mode of action, efficacy, and favorable safety profile reported in the general population. Here, we provide an overview of mRNA-based vaccines including their safety and efficacy. Extrapolating from insights gained from a different preventable viral infection, we review existing data on immunity against influenza A and B vaccines in patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss COVID-19 vaccination in light of the challenges specific to patients with cancer, such as factors that may hinder protective SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in the context of compromised immunity and the use of immune-suppressive or immune-modulating drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Romano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institut Curie, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- INSERM U932, Department of Immunology, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Steve Pascolo
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Ott
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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12
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Rosa SS, Prazeres DMF, Azevedo AM, Marques MPC. mRNA vaccines manufacturing: Challenges and bottlenecks. Vaccine 2021; 39:2190-2200. [PMID: 33771389 PMCID: PMC7987532 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most important tools in public health and play an important role in infectious diseases control. Owing to its precision, safe profile and flexible manufacturing, mRNA vaccines are reaching the stoplight as a new alternative to conventional vaccines. In fact, mRNA vaccines were the technology of choice for many companies to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, and it was the first technology to be approved in both United States and in Europe Union as a prophylactic treatment. Additionally, mRNA vaccines are being studied in the clinic to treat a number of diseases including cancer, HIV, influenza and even genetic disorders. The increased demand for mRNA vaccines requires a technology platform and cost-effective manufacturing process with a well-defined product characterisation. Large scale production of mRNA vaccines consists in a 1 or 2-step in vitro reaction followed by a purification platform with multiple steps that can include Dnase digestion, precipitation, chromatography or tangential flow filtration. In this review we describe the current state-of-art of mRNA vaccines, focusing on the challenges and bottlenecks of manufacturing that need to be addressed to turn this new vaccination technology into an effective, fast and cost-effective response to emerging health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sousa Rosa
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Duarte M F Prazeres
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Azevedo
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Marco P C Marques
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom.
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13
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Moya-Ramírez I, Bouton C, Kontoravdi C, Polizzi K. High resolution biosensor to test the capping level and integrity of mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 48:e129. [PMID: 33152073 PMCID: PMC7736790 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
5′ Cap structures are ubiquitous on eukaryotic mRNAs, essential for post-transcriptional processing, translation initiation and stability. Here we describe a biosensor designed to detect the presence of cap structures on mRNAs that is also sensitive to mRNA degradation, so uncapped or degraded mRNAs can be detected in a single step. The biosensor is based on a chimeric protein that combines the recognition and transduction roles in a single molecule. The main feature of this sensor is its simplicity, enabling semi-quantitative analyses of capping levels with minimal instrumentation. The biosensor was demonstrated to detect the capping level on several in vitro transcribed mRNAs. Its sensitivity and dynamic range remained constant with RNAs ranging in size from 250 nt to approximately 2700 nt and the biosensor was able to detect variations in the capping level in increments of at least 20%, with a limit of detection of 2.4 pmol. Remarkably, it also can be applied to more complex analytes, such mRNA vaccines and mRNAs transcribed in vivo. This biosensor is an innovative example of a technology able to detect analytically challenging structures such as mRNA caps. It could find application in a variety of scenarios, from quality analysis of mRNA-based products such as vaccines to optimization of in vitro capping reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Moya-Ramírez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Clement Bouton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Cleo Kontoravdi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Karen Polizzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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14
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Moradian H, Lendlein A, Gossen M. Strategies for simultaneous and successive delivery of RNA. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1767-1779. [PMID: 33146744 PMCID: PMC7679312 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01956-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Advanced non-viral gene delivery experiments often require co-delivery of multiple nucleic acids. Therefore, the availability of reliable and robust co-transfection methods and defined selection criteria for their use in, e.g., expression of multimeric proteins or mixed RNA/DNA delivery is of utmost importance. Here, we investigated different co- and successive transfection approaches, with particular focus on in vitro transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA). Expression levels and patterns of two fluorescent protein reporters were determined, using different IVT-mRNA doses, carriers, and cell types. Quantitative parameters determining the efficiency of co-delivery were analyzed for IVT-mRNAs premixed before nanocarrier formation (integrated co-transfection) and when simultaneously transfecting cells with separately formed nanocarriers (parallel co-transfection), which resulted in a much higher level of expression heterogeneity for the two reporters. Successive delivery of mRNA revealed a lower transfection efficiency in the second transfection round. All these differences proved to be more pronounced for low mRNA doses. Concurrent delivery of siRNA with mRNA also indicated the highest co-transfection efficiency for integrated method. However, the maximum efficacy was shown for successive delivery, due to the kinetically different peak output for the two discretely operating entities. Our findings provide guidance for selection of the co-delivery method best suited to accommodate experimental requirements, highlighting in particular the nucleic acid dose-response dependence on co-delivery on the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Moradian
- Institute of Biomaterial Science, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstr. 55, 14513, Teltow, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andreas Lendlein
- Institute of Biomaterial Science, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstr. 55, 14513, Teltow, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Institute of Biomaterial Science, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstr. 55, 14513, Teltow, Germany.
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Okay S, Özge Özcan Ö, Karahan M. Nanoparticle-based delivery platforms for mRNA vaccine development. AIMS BIOPHYSICS 2020. [DOI: 10.3934/biophy.2020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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16
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Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cancer immunotherapy uses autologous immune system's cells, genetically modified, to reinforce the immune system against cancer cells. Genetic modification is usually mediated via viral transfection, despite the risk of insertional oncogenesis and off target side effects. In vitro-transcribed (IVT)-mRNA-mediated transfection could contribute to a much safer CAR therapy, since IVT-mRNA leaves no ultimate genetic residue in recipient cells. In this chapter, the IVT-mRNA generation procedure is described, from the selection of the target of the CAR T-cells, the cloning of the template for the in vitro transcription and the development of several chemical modifications for optimizing the structure and thus the stability of the produced CAR IVT-mRNA molecules. Among various transfection methods to efficiently express the CAR molecule on T-cells' surface, the electroporation and the cationic-lipid mediated transfection of the CAR IVT-mRNAs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Androulla N Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Lefkothea C Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
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17
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Vizirianakis IS, Miliotou AN, Mystridis GA, Andriotis EG, Andreadis II, Papadopoulou LC, Fatouros DG. Tackling pharmacological response heterogeneity by PBPK modeling to advance precision medicine productivity of nanotechnology and genomics therapeutics. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2019.1605828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis S. Vizirianakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Androulla N. Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George A. Mystridis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleftherios G. Andriotis
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis I. Andreadis
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lefkothea C. Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G. Fatouros
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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18
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Coolen AL, Lacroix C, Mercier-Gouy P, Delaune E, Monge C, Exposito JY, Verrier B. Poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles and cell-penetrating peptide potentiate mRNA-based vaccine expression in dendritic cells triggering their activation. Biomaterials 2018; 195:23-37. [PMID: 30610991 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA-based vaccines have the potential to trigger robust cytotoxic immune responses, which are essential for fighting cancer and infectious diseases like HIV. Dendritic Cells (DCs) are choice targets for mRNA-based vaccine strategies, as they link innate and adaptive immune responses and are major regulators of cytotoxic and humoral adaptive responses. However, efficient delivery of antigen-coding mRNAs into DC cytosol has been highly challenging. In this study, we developed an alternative to lipid-based mRNA delivery systems, using poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles (PLA-NPs) and cationic cell-penetrating peptides as mRNA condensing agent. The formulations are assembled in two steps: (1) formation of a polyplex between mRNAs and amphipathic cationic peptides (RALA, LAH4 or LAH4-L1), and (2) adsorption of polyplexes onto PLA-NPs. LAH4-L1/mRNA polyplexes and PLA-NP/LAH4-L1/mRNA nanocomplexes are taken up by DCs via phagocytosis and clathrin-dependent endocytosis, and induce strong protein expression in DCs in vitro. They modulate DC innate immune response by activating both endosome and cytosolic Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), and induce markers of adaptive responses in primary human DCs in vitro, with prevalent Th1 signature. Thus, LAH4-L1/mRNA and PLA-NP/LAH4-L1/mRNA represent a promising platform for ex vivo treatment and mRNA vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Line Coolen
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Céline Lacroix
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Perrine Mercier-Gouy
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Delaune
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Claire Monge
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Exposito
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Bernard Verrier
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France.
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19
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Sharifnia Z, Bandehpour M, Kazemi B, Zarghami N. Design and Development of Modified mRNA Encoding Core Antigen of Hepatitis C Virus: a Possible Application in Vaccine Production. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2018. [PMID: 30056690 PMCID: PMC6305823 DOI: 10.29252/.23.1.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne pathogen, resulting in liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Despite of many efforts in development of treatments for HCV, no vaccine has been licensed yet. The purpose of this study was to design and prepare a specific mRNA, without 5’ cap and poly (A) tail transcribed in vitro capable of coding core protein and also to determine its functionality. Methods: Candidate mRNA was prepared by in vitro transcription of the designed construct consisting of 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions of heat shock proteins 70 (hsp70) mRNA, T7 promoter, internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequences of eIF4G related to human dendritic cells (DCs), and the Core gene of HCV. To design the modified mRNA, the 5’ cap and poly (A) tail structures were not considered. DCs were transfected by in vitro-transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) and the expressions of green fluorescent protein (GFP), and Core genes were determined by microscopic examination and Western blotting assay. Results: Cell transfection results showed that despite the absence of 5’ cap and poly (A) tail, the structure of the mRNA was stable. Moreover, the successful expressions of GFP and Core genes were achieved. Conclusion: Our findings indicated the effectiveness of a designed IVT-mRNA harboring the Core gene of HCV in transfecting and expressing the antigens in DCs. Considering the simple and efficient protocol for the preparation of this IVT-mRNA and its effectiveness in expressing the gene that it carries, this IVT-mRNA could be suitable for development of an RNA vaccine against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarin Sharifnia
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratories Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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20
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Leyman B, Huysmans H, Mc Cafferty S, Combes F, Cox E, Devriendt B, Sanders NN. Comparison of the Expression Kinetics and Immunostimulatory Activity of Replicating mRNA, Nonreplicating mRNA, and pDNA after Intradermal Electroporation in Pigs. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:377-384. [PMID: 29297692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to pDNA-based gene therapy. Currently, multiple synthetic mRNA platforms have been developed. In this study we investigated the expression kinetics and the changes in mRNA encoding cytokine and chemokine levels following intradermal electroporation in pigs of pDNA, self-replicating mRNA, and modified and unmodified mRNA. The self-replicating mRNA tended to induce the highest protein expression, followed by pDNA, modified mRNA, and unmodified mRNA. Interestingly, the self-replicating mRNA was able to maintain its high expression levels during at least 12 days. In contrast, the expression of pDNA and the nonreplicating mRNAs dropped after respectively one and two days. Six days after intradermal electroporation a dose-dependent expression was observed for all vectors. Again, also at lower doses, the self-replicating mRNA tended to show the highest expression. All the mRNA vectors, including the modified mRNA, induced elevated levels of mRNA encoding cytokines and chemokines in the porcine skin after intradermal electroporation, while no such response was noticed after intradermal electroporation of the pDNA vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bregje Leyman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hanne Huysmans
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Séan Mc Cafferty
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University , 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Francis Combes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University , 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Eric Cox
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University , Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bert Devriendt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University , Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Laboratory for Gene Therapy, Ghent University , Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University , 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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21
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Abstract
RNA vaccines are attractive, because they exhibit characteristics of subunit vaccines and live-attenuated vectors, including flexible production and induction of both humoral and cellular immunity. While human proof-of-concept for RNA vaccines is still pending, the nascent field of RNA therapeutics has already attracted substantial industry and government funding as well as record investments of private venture capital. Most recently, the WHO acknowledged messenger RNA (mRNA) as a new therapeutic class. In this chapter, we briefly review key developments in RNA vaccines and outline the contents of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kramps
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Binger Strasse 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
| | - Knut Elbers
- Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Binger Strasse 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
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22
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Ulmer JB, Geall AJ. Recent innovations in mRNA vaccines. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 41:18-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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23
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Reautschnig P, Vogel P, Stafforst T. The notorious R.N.A. in the spotlight - drug or target for the treatment of disease. RNA Biol 2016; 14:651-668. [PMID: 27415589 PMCID: PMC5449091 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1208323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA is an attractive drug target for therapeutic interventions. In this review we highlight the current state, clinical trials, and developments in antisense therapy, including the classical approaches like RNaseH-dependent oligomers, splice-switching oligomers, aptamers, and therapeutic RNA interference. Furthermore, we provide an overview on emerging concepts for using RNA in therapeutic settings including protein replacement by in-vitro-transcribed mRNAs, mRNA as vaccines and anti-allergic drugs. Finally, we give a brief outlook on early-stage RNA repair approaches that apply endogenous or engineered proteins in combination with short RNAs or chemically stabilized oligomers for the re-programming of point mutations, RNA modifications, and frame shift mutations directly on the endogenous mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Reautschnig
- a Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Paul Vogel
- a Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Thorsten Stafforst
- a Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle , Tübingen , Germany
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24
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Schnee M, Vogel AB, Voss D, Petsch B, Baumhof P, Kramps T, Stitz L. An mRNA Vaccine Encoding Rabies Virus Glycoprotein Induces Protection against Lethal Infection in Mice and Correlates of Protection in Adult and Newborn Pigs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004746. [PMID: 27336830 PMCID: PMC4918980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a zoonotic infectious disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In unvaccinated or untreated subjects, rabies virus infection causes severe neurological symptoms and is invariably fatal. Despite the long-standing existence of effective vaccines, vaccine availability remains insufficient, with high numbers of fatal infections mostly in developing countries. Nucleic acid based vaccines have proven convincingly as a new technology for the fast development of vaccines against newly emerging pathogens, diseases where no vaccine exists or for replacing already existing vaccines. We used an optimized non-replicating rabies virus glycoprotein (RABV-G) encoding messenger RNA (mRNA) to induce potent neutralizing antibodies (VN titers) in mice and domestic pigs. Functional antibody titers were followed in mice for up to one year and titers remained stable for the entire observation period in all dose groups. T cell analysis revealed the induction of both, specific CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells by RABV-G mRNA, with the induced CD4+ T cells being higher than those induced by a licensed vaccine. Notably, RABV-G mRNA vaccinated mice were protected against lethal intracerebral challenge infection. Inhibition of viral replication by vaccination was verified by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CD4+ T cells are crucial for the generation of neutralizing antibodies. In domestic pigs we were able to induce VN titers that correlate with protection in adult and newborn pigs. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a non-replicating mRNA rabies vaccine in small and large animals and highlights the promises of mRNA vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lothar Stitz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- * E-mail: (BP); (LS)
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25
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Geginat J, Nizzoli G, Paroni M, Maglie S, Larghi P, Pascolo S, Abrignani S. Immunity to Pathogens Taught by Specialized Human Dendritic Cell Subsets. Front Immunol 2015; 6:527. [PMID: 26528289 PMCID: PMC4603245 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that have a key role in immune responses because they bridge the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. They mature upon recognition of pathogens and upregulate MHC molecules and costimulatory receptors to activate antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. It is now well established that DCs are not a homogeneous population but are composed of different subsets with specialized functions in immune responses to specific pathogens. Upon viral infections, plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) rapidly produce large amounts of IFN-α, which has potent antiviral functions and activates several other immune cells. However, pDCs are not particularly potent APCs and induce the tolerogenic cytokine IL-10 in CD4+ T cells. In contrast, myeloid DCs (mDCs) are very potent APCs and possess the unique capacity to prime naive T cells and consequently to initiate a primary adaptive immune response. Different subsets of mDCs with specialized functions have been identified. In mice, CD8α+ mDCs capture antigenic material from necrotic cells, secrete high levels of IL-12, and prime Th1 and cytotoxic T-cell responses to control intracellular pathogens. Conversely, CD8α− mDCs preferentially prime CD4+ T cells and promote Th2 or Th17 differentiation. BDCA-3+ mDC2 are the human homologue of CD8α+ mDCs, since they share the expression of several key molecules, the capacity to cross-present antigens to CD8+ T-cells and to produce IFN-λ. However, although several features of the DC network are conserved between humans and mice, the expression of several toll-like receptors as well as the production of cytokines that regulate T-cell differentiation are different. Intriguingly, recent data suggest specific roles for human DC subsets in immune responses against individual pathogens. The biology of human DC subsets holds the promise to be exploitable in translational medicine, in particular for the development of vaccines against persistent infections or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Geginat
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM) , Milan , Italy
| | - Giulia Nizzoli
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM) , Milan , Italy
| | - Moira Paroni
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM) , Milan , Italy
| | - Stefano Maglie
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM) , Milan , Italy
| | - Paola Larghi
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM) , Milan , Italy
| | - Steve Pascolo
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Sergio Abrignani
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" (INGM) , Milan , Italy ; DISCCO, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano , Milan , Italy
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Devoldere J, Dewitte H, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Evading innate immunity in nonviral mRNA delivery: don't shoot the messenger. Drug Discov Today 2015. [PMID: 26210957 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the field of nonviral gene therapy, in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA has emerged as a promising tool for the delivery of genetic information. Over the past few years it has become widely known that the introduction of IVT mRNA into mammalian cells elicits an innate immune response that has favored mRNA use toward immunotherapeutic vaccination strategies. However, for non-immunotherapy-related applications this intrinsic immune-stimulatory activity directly interferes with the aimed therapeutic outcome, because it can seriously compromise the expression of the desired protein. This review presents an overview of the immune-related obstacles that limit mRNA advance for non-immunotherapy-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Devoldere
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heleen Dewitte
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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