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Phan LMT, Duong Pham TT, Than VT. RNA therapeutics for infectious diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 204:109-132. [PMID: 38458735 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acids (RNAs), including the messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), play important roles in living organisms and viruses. In recent years, the RNA-based technologies including the RNAs inhibiting other RNA activities, the RNAs targeting proteins, the RNAs reprograming genetic information, and the RNAs encoding therapeutical proteins, are useful methods to apply in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current application of the RNA therapeutics, especially on mRNA vaccines which have potential for prevention and treatment against human and animal infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Minh Tu Phan
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, The University of Danang, Danang, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thuy Duong Pham
- Department of Intelligence Energy and Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Thai Than
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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2
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Lee KW, Yam JWP, Mao X. Dendritic Cell Vaccines: A Shift from Conventional Approach to New Generations. Cells 2023; 12:2147. [PMID: 37681880 PMCID: PMC10486560 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the emerging era of cancer immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and adoptive cell transfer therapies (ACTs) have gained significant attention. However, their therapeutic efficacies are limited due to the presence of cold type tumors, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and immune-related side effects. On the other hand, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines have been suggested as a new cancer immunotherapy regimen that can address the limitations encountered by ICBs and ACTs. Despite the success of the first generation of DC-based vaccines, represented by the first FDA-approved DC-based therapeutic cancer vaccine Provenge, several challenges remain unsolved. Therefore, new DC vaccine strategies have been actively investigated. This review addresses the limitations of the currently most adopted classical DC vaccine and evaluates new generations of DC vaccines in detail, including biomaterial-based, immunogenic cell death-inducing, mRNA-pulsed, DC small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-based, and tumor sEV-based DC vaccines. These innovative DC vaccines are envisioned to provide a significant breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy landscape and are expected to be supported by further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Won Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; (K.-W.L.); (J.W.P.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
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3
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Saag M. Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles: the unprecedented speed of COVID-19 science. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:1569-1577. [PMID: 35446679 PMCID: PMC9169823 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00010.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Saag
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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4
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Vogt ACS, Jörg L, Martina B, Krenger PS, Chang X, Zeltins A, Vogel M, Mohsen MO, Bachmann MF. Virus-Like Particles Are Efficient Tools for Boosting mRNA-Induced Antibodies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864718. [PMID: 35784292 PMCID: PMC9245429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA based vaccines against COVID-19 have proven most successful at keeping SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at bay in many countries. Recently, there is an increased interest in heterologous prime-boost vaccination strategies for COVID-19 to maintain antibody responses for the control of continuously emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) and to overcome other obstacles such as supply shortage, costs and reduced safety issues or inadequatly induced immune-responses. In this study, we investigated the antibody responses induced by heterologous prime-boost with vaccines based on mRNA and virus-like particles (VLPs). The VLP-based mCuMVTT-RBM vaccine candidate and the approved mRNA-1273 vaccine were used for this purpose. We find that homologous prime boost regimens with either mRNA or VLP induced high levels of high avidity antibodies. Optimal antibody responses were, however, induced by heterologous regimens both for priming with mRNA and boosting with VLP and vice versa, priming with VLP and boosting with mRNA. Thus, heterologous prime boost strategies may be able to optimize efficacy and economics of novel vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Cathrine S. Vogt
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Anne-Cathrine S. Vogt, ; Mona O. Mohsen,
| | - Lukas Jörg
- Division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pneumology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Allergy Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Byron Martina
- Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Viroscience, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Artemis Bio-Support, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Pascal S. Krenger
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xinyue Chang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andris Zeltins
- Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Monique Vogel
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mona O. Mohsen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Anne-Cathrine S. Vogt, ; Mona O. Mohsen,
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CCMP), The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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5
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Mesina FZ. Severe relapsed autoimmune hemolytic anemia after booster with mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2022:S2531-1379(22)00082-7. [PMID: 35662882 PMCID: PMC9149200 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Flordeluna Z Mesina
- University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; Hospital of the Infant Jesus, Manila, Philippines
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6
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Bouça B, Roldão M, Bogalho P, Cerqueira L, Silva-Nunes J. Central Diabetes Insipidus Following Immunization With BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine: A Case Report. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:889074. [PMID: 35600593 PMCID: PMC9114295 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.889074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cases of central diabetes insipidus (CDI) have been reported after COVID-19 infection, with hypophysitis being the most likely cause. COVID-19 vaccines potential adverse effects may mimetize some of these complications. Case Report Woman 37 years old, with rheumatoid arthritis under adalimumab (40 mg twice a month) since December 2018. She was in her usual state of health when she has received the second dose of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (June 2021). Seven days later, she started reporting intense thirst and polyuria and consulted her family physician. Blood Analysis creatinine 0.7 mg/dL, glucose 95mg/dL, Na+ 141mEq/L, K+ 3.9 mEq/L, TSH 3.8 mcUI/L (0.38-5.33), FT4 0.9 ng/dL (0.6-1.1), cortisol 215.4 nmol/L (185-624), ACTH 21.9 pg/mL (6- 48), FSH 4.76 UI/L, LH5.62 UI/L, estradiol 323 pmol/L, IGF1 74.8 ng/mL (88-209), PRL 24.7mcg/L (3.3-26.7) osmolality 298.2 mOs/Kg (250- 325); Urine analysis: volume 10200 mL/24h, osmolality 75 mOs/Kg (300-900), density 1.002. On water restriction test: 0' - Serum osmolality 308.8mOsm/Kg vs. urine osmolality 61.0 mOsm/Kg; 60' - urine osmolality 102 mOsm/Kg; urine osmolality 1 h after desmopressine was 511mOsm/kg. MRI revealed no abnormal signs consistent with hypophysitis except for the loss of the posterior pituitary bright spot on T1 weighted imaging. Diagnosis of CDI was assumed, and started therapy with desmopressine. A report of potential adverse effect was addressed to national health authorities. Conclusion In hypophysitis MRI often shows loss of posterior pituitary bright spot on T1 weighted imaging, pituitary enlargement or stalk thickening but those findings were not present in this patient. To the best of our knowledge, CDI has never been reported following administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bouça
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marisa Roldão
- Department of Nephrology, Centro Hospitalar do Médio Tejo, Torres Novas, Portugal
| | - Paula Bogalho
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Cerqueira
- Department of Neuroradiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Silva-Nunes
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
- Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Health and Technology Research Center (H&TRC), Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saude de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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7
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Alameh MG, Weissman D, Pardi N. Messenger RNA-Based Vaccines Against Infectious Diseases. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:111-145. [PMID: 32300916 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed, messenger RNA-based infectious disease vaccines have the potential to successfully address many of the weaknesses of traditional vaccine platforms, such as the lack of potency and/or durability of vaccine protection, time-consuming, and expensive manufacturing, and, in some cases, safety issues. This optimism is fueled by a great deal of impressive recent data demonstrating that mRNA vaccines have many of the attributes that are necessary for a viable new vaccine class for human use. This review briefly describes mRNA vaccine types, discusses the most relevant and recent publications on infectious disease mRNA vaccines, and highlights the hurdles that need to be overcome to bring this promising novel vaccine modality to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Rahmani A, Dini G, Orsi A, Sticchi L, Bruzzone B, Montecucco A, Pellegrini L, Manca A, Domnich A, Battistini A, Kusznir Vitturi B, Zacconi S, Debarbieri N, Icardi G, Durando P. Reactogenicity of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Young Working Age Population: A Survey among Medical School Residents, within a Mass Vaccination Campaign, in a Regional Reference Teaching Hospital in Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1269. [PMID: 34835199 PMCID: PMC8625320 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are a key prevention measure in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer), the first to receive authorization, was widely used in the mass vaccination campaign in Italy. Healthcare workers were identified as a priority group for vaccination, but few studies have assessed its reactogenicity among the young working age population. An online survey was conducted to investigate the adverse reactions occurring in the 7 days following the first and second vaccination doses amongst resident doctors of the University of Genoa, employed at the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino of Genoa, between 11 January and 16 March 2021. A total of 512 resident physicians were invited to participate in the study (female = 53.2%; mean age = 28.9 years), of whom 296 (female = 53.4%, mean age = 28.9 years) and 275 (female = 55.3%, mean age = 29.1 years) completed the survey after their first and second vaccination doses, respectively. In the 7 days following the first dose, most common adverse reactions were local pain (96.3%), fatigue (42.6%), headache (33.8%), arthromyalgia (28.0%), and 5.1% reported fever, while following the second dose, participants reported local pain (93.5%), fatigue (74.9%), headache (57.5%), arthromyalgia (58.2%), and fever (30.9%), with a higher prevalence among females. Systemic (but not local) reactions increased following the second vaccination, reaching severe intensity in 9.8% of participants and causing three or more events of moderate intensity in 23.7% of participants. Adverse reactions preventing regular daily activities could cause absenteeism among workers. These results can be useful to inform populations of young individuals, set expectations, and improve adherence to vaccination campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alborz Rahmani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Guglielmo Dini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Andrea Orsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
- Hygiene Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.B.); (A.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Laura Sticchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
- Hygiene Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.B.); (A.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Bianca Bruzzone
- Hygiene Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.B.); (A.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Alfredo Montecucco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
| | - Luca Pellegrini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Alessia Manca
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Alexander Domnich
- Hygiene Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.B.); (A.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Angela Battistini
- Hygiene Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.B.); (A.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Bruno Kusznir Vitturi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
| | - Sonia Zacconi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
| | - Nicoletta Debarbieri
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Giancarlo Icardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
- Hygiene Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.B.); (A.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Paolo Durando
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.R.); (G.D.); (A.O.); (L.S.); (A.M.); (L.P.); (B.K.V.); (S.Z.); (G.I.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
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Small-scale manufacturing of neoantigen-encoding messenger RNA for early-phase clinical trials. Cytotherapy 2021; 24:213-222. [PMID: 34696961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) has become a promising tool in therapeutic cancer vaccine strategies. Owing to its flexible design and rapid production, mRNA is an attractive antigen delivery format for cancer vaccines targeting mutated peptides expressed in a tumor-the so-called neoantigens. These neoantigens are rarely shared between patients, and inclusion of these antigens in a vaccine requires the production of individual batches of patient-tailored mRNA. The authors have developed MIDRIXNEO, a personalized mRNA-loaded dendritic cell vaccine targeting tumor neoantigens, which is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical study in lung cancer patients. To facilitate this study, the authors set up a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant production process for the manufacture of small batches of personalized neoantigen-encoding mRNA. In this article, the authors describe the complete mRNA production process and the extensive quality assessment to which the mRNA is subjected. Validation runs have shown that the process delivers mRNA of reproducible, high quality. This process is now successfully applied for the production of neoantigen-encoding mRNA for the clinical evaluation of MIDRIXNEO. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that a GMP-based production process of patient-tailored neoantigen mRNA has been described.
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Pilkington EH, Suys EJA, Trevaskis NL, Wheatley AK, Zukancic D, Algarni A, Al-Wassiti H, Davis TP, Pouton CW, Kent SJ, Truong NP. From influenza to COVID-19: Lipid nanoparticle mRNA vaccines at the frontiers of infectious diseases. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:16-40. [PMID: 34153512 PMCID: PMC8272596 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination represents the best line of defense against infectious diseases and is crucial in curtailing pandemic spread of emerging pathogens to which a population has limited immunity. In recent years, mRNA vaccines have been proposed as the new frontier in vaccination, owing to their facile and rapid development while providing a safer alternative to traditional vaccine technologies such as live or attenuated viruses. Recent breakthroughs in mRNA vaccination have been through formulation with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which provide both protection and enhanced delivery of mRNA vaccines in vivo. In this review, current paradigms and state-of-the-art in mRNA-LNP vaccine development are explored through first highlighting advantages posed by mRNA vaccines, establishing LNPs as a biocompatible delivery system, and finally exploring the use of mRNA-LNP vaccines in vivo against infectious disease towards translation to the clinic. Furthermore, we highlight the progress of mRNA-LNP vaccine candidates against COVID-19 currently in clinical trials, with the current status and approval timelines, before discussing their future outlook and challenges that need to be overcome towards establishing mRNA-LNPs as next-generation vaccines. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: With the recent success of mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and BioNTech/Pfizer against COVID-19, mRNA technology and lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have never received more attention. This manuscript timely reviews the most advanced mRNA-LNP vaccines that have just been approved for emergency use and are in clinical trials, with a focus on the remarkable development of several COVID-19 vaccines, faster than any other vaccine in history. We aim to give a comprehensive introduction of mRNA and LNP technology to the field of biomaterials science and increase accessibility to readers with a new interest in mRNA-LNP vaccines. We also highlight current limitations and future outlook of the mRNA vaccine technology that need further efforts of biomaterials scientists to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily H Pilkington
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Estelle J A Suys
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Natalie L Trevaskis
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Adam K Wheatley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Danijela Zukancic
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Azizah Algarni
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Hareth Al-Wassiti
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | - Colin W Pouton
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Stephen J Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Department of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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11
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Anand P, Stahel VP. Review the safety of Covid-19 mRNA vaccines: a review. Patient Saf Surg 2021; 15:20. [PMID: 33933145 PMCID: PMC8087878 DOI: 10.1186/s13037-021-00291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 100 million people globally within the first year of the pandemic. With a death toll surpassing 500,000 in the United States alone, containing the pandemic is predicated on achieving herd immunity on a global scale. This implies that at least 70-80 % of the population must achieve active immunity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), either as a result of a previous COVID-19 infection or by vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. In December 2020, the first two vaccines were approved by the FDA through emergency use authorization in the United States. These vaccines are based on the mRNA vaccine platform and were developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Published safety and efficacy trials reported high efficacy rates of 94-95 % after two interval doses, in conjunction with limited side effects and a low rate of adverse reactions. The rapid pace of vaccine development and the uncertainty of potential long-term adverse effects raised some level of hesitation against mRNA vaccines in the global community. A successful vaccination campaign is contingent on widespread access to the vaccine under appropriate storage conditions, deployment of a sufficient number of vaccinators, and the willingness of the population to be vaccinated. Thus, it is important to clarify the objective data related to vaccine safety, including known side effects and potential adverse reactions. The present review was designed to provide an update on the current state of science related to the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Anand
- University of Colorado (CU) School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Vincent P Stahel
- University of Colorado (CU) Boulder Undergraduate Program, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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12
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Harizaj A, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I, Braeckmans K. Physical transfection technologies for macrophages and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 18:229-247. [PMID: 32985919 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1828340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, two important antigen presenting cells (APCs) of the innate immune system, are being explored for the use in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For this application, the therapeutic potential of patient-derived APCs is increased by delivering different types of functional macromolecules, such as mRNA and pDNA, into their cytosol. Compared to the use of viral and non-viral delivery vectors, physical intracellular delivery techniques are known to be more straightforward, more controllable, faster and generate high delivery efficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review starts with electroporation as the most traditional physical transfection method, before continuing with the more recent technologies such as sonoporation, nanowires and microfluidic cell squeezing. A description is provided of each of those intracellular delivery technologies with their strengths and weaknesses, especially paying attention to delivery efficiency and safety profile. EXPERT OPINION Given the common use of electroporation for the production of therapeutic APCs, it is recommended that more detailed studies are performed on the effect of electroporation on APC fitness, even down to the genetic level. Newer intracellular delivery technologies seem to have less impact on APC functionality but further work is needed to fully uncover their suitability to transfect APCs with different types of macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Van Hoecke L, Roose K, Ballegeer M, Zhong Z, Sanders NN, De Koker S, Saelens X, Van Lint S. The Opposing Effect of Type I IFN on the T Cell Response by Non-modified mRNA-Lipoplex Vaccines Is Determined by the Route of Administration. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:373-381. [PMID: 33230442 PMCID: PMC7533292 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
mRNA-lipoplex vaccines are currently being explored in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors. Mechanistically, these mRNA-lipoplex vaccines are characterized by the induction of type I interferon (IFN) centered innate responses. Earlier studies have identified type I IFNs as major regulators of the T cell response instigated by mRNA-lipoplex vaccines. However, stimulatory or, in contrast, profound inhibitory effects of type I IFNs were described depending on the study. In this mouse study, we demonstrated that the opposing roles of type I IFN signaling on the magnitude of the vaccine-evoked T cell responses is dependent on the route of mRNA-lipoplex administration and is regulated at the level of the T cells rather than indirectly through modulation of dendritic cell function. This study helps to understand the double-edged sword character of type I IFN induction upon mRNA-based vaccine treatment and may contribute to a more rational design of mRNA vaccination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Van Hoecke
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kenny Roose
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marlies Ballegeer
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zifu Zhong
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Ex vivo pulsed dendritic cell vaccination against cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:959-969. [PMID: 32366940 PMCID: PMC7470877 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most powerful antigen-presenting cell type, dendritic cells (DCs) can induce potent antigen-specific immune responses in vivo, hence becoming optimal cell population for vaccination purposes. DCs can be derived ex vivo in quantity and manipulated extensively to be endowed with adequate immune-stimulating capacity. After pulsing with cancer antigens in various ways, the matured DCs are administrated back into the patient. DCs home to lymphoid organs to present antigens to and activate specific lymphocytes that react to a given cancer. Ex vivo pulsed DC vaccines have been vigorously investigated for decades, registering encouraging results in relevant immunotherapeutic clinical trials, while facing some solid challenges. With more details in DC biology understood, new theory proposed, and novel technology introduced (featuring recently emerged mRNA vaccine technology), it is becoming increasingly likely that ex vivo pulsed DC vaccine will fulfill its potential in cancer immunotherapy.
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15
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Ribonucleic Acid Engineering of Dendritic Cells for Therapeutic Vaccination: Ready 'N Able to Improve Clinical Outcome? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020299. [PMID: 32012714 PMCID: PMC7072269 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting and exploiting the immune system has become a valid alternative to conventional options for treating cancer and infectious disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) take a central place given their role as key orchestrators of immunity. Therapeutic vaccination with autologous DCs aims to stimulate the patient's own immune system to specifically target his/her disease and has proven to be an effective form of immunotherapy with very little toxicity. A great amount of research in this field has concentrated on engineering these DCs through ribonucleic acid (RNA) to improve vaccine efficacy and thereby the historically low response rates. We reviewed in depth the 52 clinical trials that have been published on RNA-engineered DC vaccination, spanning from 2001 to date and reporting on 696 different vaccinated patients. While ambiguity prevents reliable quantification of effects, these trials do provide evidence that RNA-modified DC vaccination can induce objective clinical responses and survival benefit in cancer patients through stimulation of anti-cancer immunity, without significant toxicity. Succinct background knowledge of RNA engineering strategies and concise conclusions from available clinical and recent preclinical evidence will help guide future research in the larger domain of DC immunotherapy.
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16
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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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17
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de Jong W, Aerts J, Allard S, Brander C, Buyze J, Florence E, van Gorp E, Vanham G, Leal L, Mothe B, Thielemans K, Plana M, Garcia F, Gruters R. iHIVARNA phase IIa, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of iHIVARNA-01 in chronically HIV-infected patients under stable combined antiretroviral therapy. Trials 2019; 20:361. [PMID: 31208472 PMCID: PMC6580477 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3409-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV therapeutic vaccination aims to improve the immune responses against HIV in order to control viral replication without the need for combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). iHIVARNA-01 is a novel vaccine combining mRNA delivery and T-cell immunogen (HTI) based on conserved targets of effective antiviral T-cell responses. In addition, it holds adequate stimuli required for activating antigen presenting cells (APC)s and co-activating specific T-cells (TriMix), including human CD40L, constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4) and CD70. We propose that in-vivo targeting of dendritic cells (DCs) by direct administration of a HIV mRNA encoding these immune modulating proteins might be an attractive alternative to target DCs in vitro. METHODS/DESIGN This is a phase-IIa, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter study in chronically HIV-1 infected patients under stable cART. One of the three study arms is randomly allocated to subjects. Three vaccinations with either HIVACAT T-cell immunogen (HTI)-TriMix (iHIVARNA-01), TriMix or water for injection (WFI) (weeks 0, 2 and 4) are administered by intranodal injection in the inguinal region. Two weeks after the last immunization (week 6) cART is stopped for 12 weeks. The two primary endpoints are: (1) safety and tolerability of intranodal iHIVARNA-01 vaccination compared with TriMix or WFI and (2) induced immunogenicity, i.e., increase in the frequency of HIV-specific T-cell responses between baseline, week 6 and 12 weeks after treatment interruption in iHIVARNA-01-treated patients as compared to the control groups, immunized with TriMix-mRNA or WFI measured by an IFNγ ELISPOT assay. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of time to viral rebound, plasma viral load (pVL) at w18, the proportion of patients with control of viral load, induction of T-cell responses to new HIV epitopes, polyfunctionality of HIV-specific T-cells, CD8+ T-cell in-vitro HIV suppressive capacity, the effect on viral reservoir (measured by proviral DNA and cell-associated RNA), assessment of viral immune escape by mutation and mRNA expression profiles of host immune genes. DISCUSSION This trial aims to direct target DC in situ with mRNA encoding HTI and TriMix for co-stimulation. Intranodal injection circumvents laborious DC isolation and handling in the laboratory. The trial extends on the safety results of a phase-I dose-escalating trial. This candidate vaccine could complement or even replace cART for chronic HIV infection and could be applicable to improve the care and cost of HIV infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2016-002724-83 (22 September 2016); ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02888756 . Registered on 23 August 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley de Jong
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joeri Aerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabine Allard
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Brander
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,AELIX Therapeutics, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric Florence
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric van Gorp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Vanham
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lorna Leal
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Mothe
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.,University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Montse Plana
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Félipe Garcia
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rob Gruters
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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18
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Nenu I, Breaban I, Pascalau S, Bora CN, Stefanescu H. The future is now: beyond first line systemic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:S261-S274. [PMID: 35117106 PMCID: PMC8797356 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2018.11.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming a worldwide concern due to its rising incidence. Although for the incipient stages there are curative therapies, the advanced disease represents a major provocation for the clinicians. 2008 marked as an important year for the hepatology community with the administration of sorafenib for late stages of HCC. Six years after this major discovery, the multikinase inhibitor still represents an important pillar, the first line treatment for the advanced liver cancer. Lenvatinib may represent a new promising first line strategy, but it is still unavailable in many countries. The last years represented an explosion in the research of HCC. Beyond the first line treatments there are a plethora of new emerging therapies. By far immunotherapy represents the major revolution in oncology. While adoptive immunotherapy is still at the beginning, immune check-point inhibitors bursted in many clinical trials with very encouraging results. This review summarises the major discoveries in the field of HCC with an emphasis on immunotherapy. It also briefly describes the important aspects of primary liver cancer immunology and the major ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Nenu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Breaban
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sorana Pascalau
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina-Nelida Bora
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Horia Stefanescu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Liver Research Club, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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19
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De Scheerder L, Sparén A, Nilsson GA, Norrby PO, Örnskov E. Designing flexible low-viscous sieving media for capillary electrophoresis analysis of ribonucleic acids. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1562:108-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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20
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Iavarone C, O'hagan DT, Yu D, Delahaye NF, Ulmer JB. Mechanism of action of mRNA-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:871-881. [PMID: 28701102 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1355245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present review summarizes the growing body of work defining the mechanisms of action of this exciting new vaccine technology that should allow rational approaches in the design of next generation mRNA vaccines. Areas covered: Bio-distribution of mRNA, localization of antigen production, role of the innate immunity, priming of the adaptive immune response, route of administration and effects of mRNA delivery systems. Expert commentary: In the last few years, the development of RNA vaccines had a fast growth, the rising number of proof will enable rational approaches to improving the effectiveness and safety of this modern class of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong Yu
- a GSK Vaccines , Rockville , MD , USA
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21
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Udhayakumar VK, De Beuckelaer A, McCaffrey J, McCrudden CM, Kirschman JL, Vanover D, Van Hoecke L, Roose K, Deswarte K, De Geest BG, Lienenklaus S, Santangelo PJ, Grooten J, McCarthy HO, De Koker S. Arginine-Rich Peptide-Based mRNA Nanocomplexes Efficiently Instigate Cytotoxic T Cell Immunity Dependent on the Amphipathic Organization of the Peptide. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6. [PMID: 28436620 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201601412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To date, the mRNA delivery field has been heavily dominated by lipid-based systems. Reports on the use of nonlipid carriers for mRNA delivery in contrast are rare in the context of mRNA vaccination. This paper describes the potential of a cell-penetrating peptide containing the amphipathic RALA motif to deliver antigen-encoding mRNA to the immune system. RALA condenses mRNA into nanocomplexes that display acidic pH-dependent membrane disruptive properties. RALA mRNA nanocomplexes enable mRNA escape from endosomes and thereby allow expression of mRNA inside the dendritic cell cytosol. Strikingly, RALA mRNA nanocomplexes containing pseudouridine and 5-methylcytidine modified mRNA elicit potent cytolytic T cell responses against the antigenic mRNA cargo and show superior efficacy in doing so when compared to RALA mRNA nanocomplexes containing unmodified mRNA. RALA's unique sequence and structural organization are vital to act as mRNA vaccine vehicle, as arginine-rich peptide variants that lack the RALA motif show reduced mRNA complexation, impaired cellular uptake and lose the ability to transfect dendritic cells in vitro and to evoke T cell immunity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ans De Beuckelaer
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
| | - Joanne McCaffrey
- School of Pharmacy Queen's University Belfast BT7 1NN Belfast Northern Ireland
| | - Cian M. McCrudden
- School of Pharmacy Queen's University Belfast BT7 1NN Belfast Northern Ireland
| | - Jonathan L. Kirschman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University Georgia Institute of Technology GA 30332 Atlanta USA
| | - Daryll Vanover
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University Georgia Institute of Technology GA 30332 Atlanta USA
| | - Lien Van Hoecke
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
- Medical Biotechnology Center VIB Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
| | - Kenny Roose
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
- Medical Biotechnology Center VIB Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
| | - Kim Deswarte
- Inflammation Research Center VIB Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine University Hospital Ghent 9052 Ghent Belgium
| | - Bruno G. De Geest
- Biopharmaceutical Technology Unit Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefan Lienenklaus
- Department of Molecular Immunology Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research 38124 Braunschweig Germany
| | - Philip J. Santangelo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University Georgia Institute of Technology GA 30332 Atlanta USA
| | - Johan Grooten
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
| | - Helen O. McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy Queen's University Belfast BT7 1NN Belfast Northern Ireland
| | - Stefaan De Koker
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
- Medical Biotechnology Center VIB Ghent University 9052 Ghent Belgium
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22
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Longo V, Gnoni A, Gardini AC, Pisconti S, Licchetta A, Scartozzi M, Memeo R, Palmieri VO, Aprile G, Santini D, Nardulli P, Silvestris N, Brunetti O. Immunotherapeutic approaches for hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:33897-33910. [PMID: 28420805 PMCID: PMC5464921 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer with a high mortality rate due to the fact that the diagnosis usually occurs at anadvanced stage. Even in case of curative surgical treatment, recurrence is common. Sorafenib and regorafenib are the only therapeutic agents that have been demonstrated to be effective in advanced HCC, thus novel curative approaches are urgently needed. Recent studies focus on the role of immune system in HCC. In fact, the unique immune response in the liver favors tolerance, which can represent a real challenge for conventional immunotherapy in these patients. Spontaneous immune responses against tumor antigens have been detected, and new immune therapies are under investigation: dendritic cell vaccination, immune-modulator strategy, and immune checkpoint inhibition. In recent years different clinical trials examining the use of immunotherapy to treat HCC have been conducted with initial promising results. This review article will summarize the literature data concerning the potential immunotherapeutic approaches in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Longo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Antonio Gnoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital of Gallipoli, Gallipoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei Gardini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Scartozzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Riccardo Memeo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ospedale Regionale “F.Miulli”, Strada Pr. Acquaviva - Santeramo, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Aprile
- Department of Oncology, San Bortolo Hospital ULSS 6, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nardulli
- Pharmacy Unit, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale Orazio Flacco, Bari, Italy
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale Orazio Flacco, Bari, Italy
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23
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Bialkowski L, Van der Jeught K, Renmans D, van Weijnen A, Heirman C, Keyaerts M, Breckpot K, Thielemans K. Adjuvant-Enhanced mRNA Vaccines. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1499:179-191. [PMID: 27987150 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6481-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular biology have led to dramatic enhancement of the stability of in vitro transcribed (IVT) messenger RNA (mRNA) and improvement in its translational efficacy. Nowadays, mRNA-based vaccines represent a promising approach in the field of anticancer immunotherapy, gaining attention over the earlier-established bacteria-, virus-, or cell-based vaccination approaches. Here, we present the experimental procedures employed in our laboratory to induce anticancer immune responses in different murine tumor models using IVT mRNA encoding for immune activation signals and antigens of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Bialkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dries Renmans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexia van Weijnen
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103K, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, Brussels, Belgium.
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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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25
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Tam YK, Madden TD, Hope MJ. Pieter Cullis’ quest for a lipid-based, fusogenic delivery system for nucleic acid therapeutics: success with siRNA so what about mRNA? J Drug Target 2016; 24:774-779. [DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2016.1221955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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26
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Pereira P, Barreira M, Queiroz JA, Veiga F, Sousa F, Figueiras A. Smart micelleplexes as a new therapeutic approach for RNA delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 14:353-371. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1214567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Broos K, Van der Jeught K, Puttemans J, Goyvaerts C, Heirman C, Dewitte H, Verbeke R, Lentacker I, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. Particle-mediated Intravenous Delivery of Antigen mRNA Results in Strong Antigen-specific T-cell Responses Despite the Induction of Type I Interferon. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e326. [PMID: 27327138 PMCID: PMC5022130 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines based on mRNA are extensively studied. The fragile nature of mRNA has instigated research into carriers that can protect it from ribonucleases and as such enable its systemic use. However, carrier-mediated delivery of mRNA has been linked to production of type I interferon (IFN) that was reported to compromise the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines. In this study, we evaluated a cationic lipid for encapsulation of mRNA. The nanometer-sized, negatively charged lipid mRNA particles (LMPs) efficiently transfected dendritic cells and macrophages in vitro. Furthermore, i.v. delivery of LMPs resulted in rapid expression of the mRNA-encoded protein in spleen and liver, predominantly in CD11c(+) cells and to a minor extent in CD11b(+) cells. Intravenous immunization of mice with LMPs containing ovalbumin, human papilloma virus E7, and tyrosinase-related protein-2 mRNA, either combined or separately, elicited strong antigen-specific T-cell responses. We further showed the production of type I IFNs upon i.v. LMP delivery. Although this decreased the expression of the mRNA-encoded protein, it supported the induction of antigen-specific T-cell responses. These data question the current notion that type I IFNs hamper particle-mediated mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrijn Broos
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Janik Puttemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heleen Dewitte
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Ramanathan A, Robb GB, Chan SH. mRNA capping: biological functions and applications. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:7511-26. [PMID: 27317694 PMCID: PMC5027499 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The 5′ m7G cap is an evolutionarily conserved modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Decades of research have established that the m7G cap serves as a unique molecular module that recruits cellular proteins and mediates cap-related biological functions such as pre-mRNA processing, nuclear export and cap-dependent protein synthesis. Only recently has the role of the cap 2′O methylation as an identifier of self RNA in the innate immune system against foreign RNA has become clear. The discovery of the cytoplasmic capping machinery suggests a novel level of control network. These new findings underscore the importance of a proper cap structure in the synthesis of functional messenger RNA. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the biological roles of mRNA caps in eukaryotic cells. We will also discuss different means that viruses and their host cells use to cap their RNA and the application of these capping machineries to synthesize functional mRNA. Novel applications of RNA capping enzymes in the discovery of new RNA species and sequencing the microbiome transcriptome will also be discussed. We will end with a summary of novel findings in RNA capping and the questions these findings pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Ramanathan
- New England Biolabs, Inc. 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - G Brett Robb
- New England Biolabs, Inc. 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
| | - Siu-Hong Chan
- New England Biolabs, Inc. 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
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Abstract
Intranodal immunization with antigen-encoding naked mRNA has proven to be an efficacious and safe approach to induce antitumor immunity. Thanks to its unique characteristics, mRNA can act not only as a source for antigen but also as an adjuvant for activation of the immune system. The search for additional adjuvants that can be combined with mRNA to further improve the potency of the immunization revealed Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) ligand as a potent candidate. Systemic administration of the dendritic cell-activating FLT3 ligand prior to or along with mRNA immunization-enhanced priming and expansion of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells in lymphoid organs, T-cell homing into melanoma tumors, and therapeutic activity of the intranodally administered mRNA. Both compounds demonstrate a successful combination in terms of boosting the immune response. This chapter describes methods for intranodal immunization with naked mRNA by co-administration of FLT3 ligand, which leads to strong synergistic effects.
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A novel delivery platform based on Bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles. Virus Res 2015; 211:9-16. [PMID: 26415756 PMCID: PMC7114531 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Here we reviewed Bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles, including introduction to their structure, their potential as a delivery platform, and their expected use in medicine and other fields. Bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles represent the novel delivery platform. Bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles possess promising application prospect.
Our objective here is to review the novel delivery platform based on Bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles (VLPs), including introduction to their structure, their potential as a delivery platform, and their expected use in medicine and other fields. Bacteriophage MS2 VLPs are nanoparticles devoid of viral genetic material and can self-assemble from the coat protein into an icosahedral capsid. As a novel delivery platform, they possess numerous features that make them suitable and attractive for targeted delivery of RNAs or DNAs, epitope peptides, and drugs within the protein capsid. In short, as a novel delivery platform, MS2 VLPs are suitable for delivery of targeted agents and hold promise for use in diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic modalities.
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Dewitte H, Verbeke R, Breckpot K, Vandenbroucke RE, Libert C, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I. Choose your models wisely: How different murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cell protocols influence the success of nanoparticulate vaccines in vitro. J Control Release 2014; 195:138-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
mRNA is the central molecule of all forms of life. It is generally accepted that current life on Earth descended from an RNA world. mRNA, after its first therapeutic description in 1992, has recently come into increased focus as a method to deliver genetic information. The recent solution to the two main difficulties in using mRNA as a therapeutic, immune stimulation and potency, has provided the basis for a wide range of applications. While mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies have been in clinical trials for a few years, novel approaches; including, in vivo delivery of mRNA to replace or supplement proteins, mRNA-based generation of pluripotent stem cells, or genome engineering using mRNA-encoded meganucleases are beginning to be realized. This review presents the current state of mRNA drug technologies and potential applications, as well as discussing the challenges and prospects in mRNA development and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Van Lint S, Renmans D, Broos K, Dewitte H, Lentacker I, Heirman C, Breckpot K, Thielemans K. The ReNAissanCe of mRNA-based cancer therapy. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:235-51. [PMID: 25263094 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.957685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
About 25 years ago, mRNA became a tool of interest in anticancer vaccination approaches. However, due to its rapid degradation in situ, direct application of mRNA was confronted with considerable skepticism during its early use. Consequently, mRNA was for a long time mainly used for the ex vivo transfection of dendritic cells, professional antigen-presenting cells known to stimulate immunity. The interest in direct application of mRNA experienced a revival, as researchers became aware of the many advantages mRNA offers. Today, mRNA is considered to be an ideal vehicle for the induction of strong immune responses against cancer. The growing numbers of preclinical trials and as a consequence the increasing clinical application of mRNA as an off-the-shelf anticancer vaccine signifies a renaissance for transcript-based antitumor therapy. In this review, we highlight this renaissance using a timeline providing all milestones in the application of mRNA for anticancer vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Jette, Belgium
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Sahin U, Karikó K, Türeci Ö. mRNA-based therapeutics--developing a new class of drugs. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2014; 13:759-80. [PMID: 25233993 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1310] [Impact Index Per Article: 131.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA has recently come into focus as a potential new drug class to deliver genetic information. Such synthetic mRNA can be engineered to transiently express proteins by structurally resembling natural mRNA. Advances in addressing the inherent challenges of this drug class, particularly related to controlling the translational efficacy and immunogenicity of the IVTmRNA, provide the basis for a broad range of potential applications. mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines have entered clinical development. Meanwhile, emerging novel approaches include in vivo delivery of IVT mRNA to replace or supplement proteins, IVT mRNA-based generation of pluripotent stem cells and genome engineering using IVT mRNA-encoded designer nucleases. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of mRNA-based drug technologies and their applications, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities in developing these into a new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Sahin
- 1] TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katalin Karikó
- 1] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Özlem Türeci
- TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Abstract
RNA-based approaches have provided novel alternatives for modern drug discovery. The application of RNA as therapeutic agents has, until recently, been hampered by issues related to poor delivery and stability, but chemical modifications and new delivery approaches have increased progress. Moreover, the discovery of the importance of RNA in gene regulation and gene silencing has revealed new drug targets, especially related to treatment of cancer and other diseases. Recent engineering of small molecules designed from RNA sequences to target miRNAs opens up new possibilities in drug development. Furthermore, RNA-based vaccines have been engineered applying RNA virus vectors and non-viral delivery for vaccine development.
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Benteyn D, Heirman C, Bonehill A, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. mRNA-based dendritic cell vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:161-76. [PMID: 25196947 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.957684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been proposed as a powerful treatment modality. Active immunotherapy aspires to stimulate the patient's immune system, particularly T cells. These cells can recognize and kill cancer cells and can form an immunological memory. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the professional antigen-presenting cells of our immune system. They take up and process antigens to present them to T cells. Consequently, DCs have been investigated as a means to stimulate cancer-specific T-cell responses. An efficient strategy to program DCs is the use of mRNA, a well-defined and safe molecule that can be easily generated at high purity. Importantly, vaccines consisting of mRNA-modified DCs showed promising results in clinical trials. Therefore, we will introduce cancer immunotherapy and DCs and give a detailed overview on the application of mRNA to generate cancer-fighting DC vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Benteyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Jette, Belgium
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Van Lint S, Wilgenhof S, Heirman C, Corthals J, Breckpot K, Bonehill A, Neyns B, Thielemans K. Optimized dendritic cell-based immunotherapy for melanoma: the TriMix-formula. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:959-67. [PMID: 24878889 PMCID: PMC11029216 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since decades, the main goal of tumor immunologists has been to increase the capacity of the immune system to mediate tumor regression. In this regard, one of the major focuses of cancer immunotherapy has been the design of vaccines promoting strong tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in cancer patients. Here, dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role as they are regarded as nature's adjuvant and as such have become the natural agents for antigen delivery in order to finally elicit strong T cell responses (Villadangos and Schnorrer in Nat Rev Immunol 7:543-555, 2007; Melief in Immunity 29:372-383, 2008; Palucka and Banchereau in Nat Rev Cancer 12:265-277, 2012; Vacchelli et al. in Oncoimmunology 2:e25771, 2013; Galluzzi et al. in Oncoimmunology 1:1111-1134, 2012). Therefore, many investigators are actively pursuing the use of DCs as an efficient way of inducing anticancer immune responses. Nowadays, DCs can be generated at a large scale in closed systems, yielding sufficient numbers of cells for clinical application. In addition, with the identification of tumor-associated antigens, which are either selectively or preferentially expressed by tumors, a whole range of strategies using DCs for immunotherapy have been designed and tested in clinical studies. Despite the evidence that DCs loaded with tumor-associated antigens can elicit immune responses in vivo, clinical responses remained disappointingly low. Therefore, optimization of the cellular product and route of administration was urgently needed. Here, we review the path we have followed in the development of TriMixDC-MEL, a potent DC-based cellular therapy, discussing its development as well as further modifications and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy & Dendritic Cell-bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium,
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Dewitte H, Van Lint S, Heirman C, Thielemans K, De Smedt SC, Breckpot K, Lentacker I. The potential of antigen and TriMix sonoporation using mRNA-loaded microbubbles for ultrasound-triggered cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2014; 194:28-36. [PMID: 25151979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines, where the patient's own immune system is harnessed to target and destroy tumor tissue, have emerged as a potent therapeutic strategy. In the development of such DC vaccines, it is crucial to load the DCs with tumor antigens, and to simultaneously activate them to become more potent antigen-presenting cells. For this, we report on microbubbles, loaded with both antigen mRNA as well as immunomodulating TriMix mRNA, which can be used for the ultrasound-triggered transfection of DCs. In vivo experiments with in vitro sonoporated DCs show the effective induction of antigen-specific T cells, resulting in specific lysis of antigen-expressing cells. Especially in a therapeutic setting, sonoporation with TriMix has an important added value, resulting in a significant reduction of tumor outgrowth and a marked increase in overall survival. What is more, complete tumor regression was observed in 30% of the antigen+TriMix DC vaccinated animals, which also displayed long-term antigen-specific immunological memory. As a result, DC sonoporation using microbubbles loaded with a combination of antigen and TriMix mRNA can elicit powerful immune responses in vivo, and might serve as a potential tool for further in vivo DC vaccination applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Dewitte
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Kallen KJ, Theß A. A development that may evolve into a revolution in medicine: mRNA as the basis for novel, nucleotide-based vaccines and drugs. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN VACCINES 2014; 2:10-31. [PMID: 24757523 DOI: 10.1177/2051013613508729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances strongly suggest that mRNA rather than DNA will be the nucleotide basis for a new class of vaccines and drugs. Therapeutic cancer vaccines against a variety of targets have been developed on this basis and initial clinical experience suggests that preclinical activity can be successfully translated to human application. Likewise, prophylactic vaccines against viral pathogens and allergens have demonstrated their activity in animal models. These successes could be extended preclinically to mRNA protein and gene replacement therapy as well as the induction of pluripotent stem cells by mRNA encoded transcription factors. The production of mRNA-based vaccines and drugs is highly flexible, scalable and cost competitive, and eliminates the requirement of a cold chain. mRNA-based drugs and vaccines offer all the advantages of a nucleotide-based approach at reduced costs and represent a truly disruptive technology that may start a revolution in medicine.
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Intranasal mRNA nanoparticle vaccination induces prophylactic and therapeutic anti-tumor immunity. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5128. [PMID: 24894817 PMCID: PMC4044635 DOI: 10.1038/srep05128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct in vivo administration of messenger RNA (mRNA) delivered in both naked and nanoparticle formats are actively investigated because the use of dendritic cells transfected ex vivo with mRNA for cancer therapy is expensive and needs significant infrastructure. Notably, intravenous and subcutaneous injections are the only routes of administration tested for mRNA nanoparticle tumor vaccination. In this report, we demonstrate that tumor immunity can be achieved via nasal administration of mRNA. Mice nasally immunized with mRNA delivered in nanoparticle format demonstrate delayed tumor progression in both prophylactic and therapeutic immunization models. The observed tumor immunity correlates with splenic antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and is achieved only when mRNA is delivered in nanoparticle but not in naked format. In conclusion, we demonstrate, as a proof-of-concept, a non-invasive approach to mRNA tumor vaccination, increasing its potential as a broadly applicable and off-the-shelf therapy for cancer treatment.
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CCL21 Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:1098-110. [PMID: 24810425 PMCID: PMC4074818 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6021098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a major health problem, affects 12 million people worldwide every year. With surgery and chemo-radiation the long term survival rate for the majority of cancer patients is dismal. Thus novel treatments are urgently needed. Immunotherapy, the harnessing of the immune system to destroy cancer cells is an attractive option with potential for long term anti-tumor benefit. Cytokines are biological response modifiers that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the anti-tumor efficacy of the chemotactic cytokine CCL21 and its pre-clinical and clinical application in cancer.
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Deering RP, Kommareddy S, Ulmer JB, Brito LA, Geall AJ. Nucleic acid vaccines: prospects for non-viral delivery of mRNA vaccines. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2014; 11:885-99. [PMID: 24665982 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2014.901308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleic acid-based vaccines are being developed as a means to combine the positive attributes of both live-attenuated and subunit vaccines. Viral vectors and plasmid DNA vaccines have been extensively evaluated in human clinical trials and have been shown to be safe and immunogenic, although none have been licensed for human use. More recently, mRNA-based vaccine alternatives have emerged and might offer certain advantages over their DNA-based counterparts. AREAS COVERED This review describes the two main categories of mRNA vaccines: conventional non-amplifying and self-amplifying mRNA. It summarizes the initial clinical proof-of-concept studies and outlines the preclinical testing of the next wave of innovations for the technology. Finally, this review highlights the versatile functionality of the mRNA molecule and introduces opportunities for future improvements in vaccine design. EXPERT OPINION The prospects for mRNA vaccines are very promising. Like other types of nucleic acid vaccines, mRNA vaccines have the potential to combine the positive attributes of live attenuated vaccines while obviating many potential safety limitations. Although data from initial clinical trials appear encouraging, mRNA vaccines are far from a commercial product. These initial approaches have spurred innovations in vector design, non-viral delivery, large-scale production and purification of mRNA to quickly move the technology forward. Some improvements have already been tested in preclinical models for both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine targets and have demonstrated their ability to elicit potent and broad immune responses, including functional antibodies, type 1 T helper cells-type T cell responses and cytotoxic T cells. Though the initial barriers for this nucleic acid vaccine approach seem to be overcome, in our opinion, the future and continued success of this approach lies in a more extensive evaluation of the many non-viral delivery systems described in the literature and gaining a better understanding of the mechanism of action to allow rational design of next generation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel P Deering
- Novartis Vaccines, Inc. , 350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 , USA +1 617 871 3745 ;
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43
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Wayteck L, Breckpot K, Demeester J, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. A personalized view on cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2013; 352:113-25. [PMID: 24051308 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy has resulted in complete responses in patients refractory to current standard cancer therapies. However, due to tumor heterogeneity and inter-individual variations in anti-tumor immunity, only subsets of patients experience clinical benefit. This review highlights the implementation of a personalized approach to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce side effects, including the identification of tumor-specific antigens for cancer vaccination and adoptive T cell therapies. Furthermore, together with the current advances and promising clinical outcomes of combination cancer (immuno-)therapies, the screening for predictive biomarkers in a patient-specific manner is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wayteck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology and Physiology, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo Demeester
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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