Delivery of mRNA for regulating functions of immune cells
Jia Shi1, Meng-Wen Huang1, Zi-Dong Lu2
1School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, PR China.
Abstract:
Abnormal immune cell functions are commonly related to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy can regulate the functions of immune cells or assign new functions to immune cells, thereby generating therapeutic immune responses to treat these diseases. However, mRNA is unstable in physiological environments and can hardly enter the cytoplasm of target cells; thus, effective mRNA delivery systems are critical for developing mRNA therapy. The two mRNA vaccines of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have demonstrated that lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can deliver mRNA into dendritic cells (DCs) to induce immunization against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which opened the floodgates to the development of mRNA therapy. Apart from DCs, other immune cells are promising targets for mRNA therapy. This review summarized the barriers to mRNA delivery and advances in mRNA delivery for regulating the functions of different immune cells.
Insights
Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy shows promise for treating diseases by regulating immune cells. Effective delivery systems, like lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), are crucial for advancing this therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
- Therapeutics
Background:
- Abnormal immune cell function is linked to cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies offer a way to modulate immune cell functions for therapeutic benefit.
- Challenges in mRNA therapy include its instability and inefficient cellular entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the barriers hindering mRNA delivery into immune cells.
- To highlight advancements in mRNA delivery systems for immune cell regulation.
- To explore the potential of mRNA therapy targeting various immune cells beyond dendritic cells (DCs).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mRNA delivery systems and their application in immune cell therapy.
- Analysis of challenges associated with mRNA stability and cellular uptake.
- Examination of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology as a successful mRNA delivery vehicle.
Main Results:
- Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have proven effective in delivering mRNA to dendritic cells (DCs), as demonstrated by COVID-19 vaccines.
- Various immune cells are identified as potential targets for mRNA-based therapies.
- Significant progress has been made in overcoming delivery barriers for mRNA therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Effective mRNA delivery systems are essential for the success of mRNA-based immunotherapies.
- Targeting diverse immune cells with mRNA offers broad therapeutic potential for various diseases.
- Continued advancements in delivery technologies will accelerate the development of mRNA therapies.
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