WO2024194153A1 - Rsv-f-encoding nucleic acids - Google Patents
Rsv-f-encoding nucleic acids Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2024194153A1 WO2024194153A1 PCT/EP2024/056893 EP2024056893W WO2024194153A1 WO 2024194153 A1 WO2024194153 A1 WO 2024194153A1 EP 2024056893 W EP2024056893 W EP 2024056893W WO 2024194153 A1 WO2024194153 A1 WO 2024194153A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- rna
- rsv
- seq
- protein
- optionally
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
- A61K39/12—Viral antigens
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
- A61P31/12—Antivirals
- A61P31/14—Antivirals for RNA viruses
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07K—PEPTIDES
- C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
- C07K14/005—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from viruses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
- A61K2039/51—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies comprising whole cells, viruses or DNA/RNA
- A61K2039/53—DNA (RNA) vaccination
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
- A61K2039/555—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies characterised by a specific combination antigen/adjuvant
- A61K2039/55511—Organic adjuvants
- A61K2039/55555—Liposomes; Vesicles, e.g. nanoparticles; Spheres, e.g. nanospheres; Polymers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N2760/00—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA ssRNA viruses negative-sense
- C12N2760/00011—Details
- C12N2760/18011—Paramyxoviridae
- C12N2760/18511—Pneumovirus, e.g. human respiratory syncytial virus
- C12N2760/18522—New viral proteins or individual genes, new structural or functional aspects of known viral proteins or genes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
- C12N2760/00—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA ssRNA viruses negative-sense
- C12N2760/00011—Details
- C12N2760/18011—Paramyxoviridae
- C12N2760/18511—Pneumovirus, e.g. human respiratory syncytial virus
- C12N2760/18534—Use of virus or viral component as vaccine, e.g. live-attenuated or inactivated virus, VLP, viral protein
Definitions
- RSV Respiratory syncytial virus
- RSV A and RSV B two antigenically distinct subgroups
- ribavirin is the only approved antiviral therapy for RSV treatment, but its use is restricted to severe hospitalized cases in infants and young children [3].
- palivizumab Synagis
- motavizumab two RSV-specific humanized monoclonal antibodies, palivizumab (Synagis) and motavizumab, are confirmed to be safe and effective in reducing RSV hospitalization rates and serious complications among high-risk children in multiple clinical settings [4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
- Available treatment for RSV in older adults is generally supportive in nature, consisting of supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids and bronchodilators.
- RSV-F The RSV fusion (“RSV-F”) protein in the viral envelope is the most effective target of neutralizing antibodies, such as motavizumab.
- RSV-F structural biology have revealed changes in its antigenic characteristics that occur during the fusion process between the viral envelope and host cell membrane.
- RSV-F adopts a metastable “pre-fusion” conformation in the viral envelope as a homotrimer, and then an irreversible and distinct “post-fusion” conformation during fusion with the host cell membrane (see Figure 2 of [9]).
- the trimeric pre-fusion conformation is more immunogenic, and is bound by most RSV-F-specific neutralising antibodies in human sera.
- RNA-based vaccine expressing an engineered RSV- F protein elicits potent neutralising antibody responses against RSV in vivo.
- the engineered RSV-F protein comprises mutations relative to wild-type RSV-F, such as the introduction of cysteine residues into the F2 and F1 domains of the protein, which form a disulphide bond when expressed. As detailed in e.g.
- the expressed protein elicits a potent neutralising antibody response against e.g. RSV of the A subtype (see construct F(i); see e.g. Figure 3). Said neutralising antibody response is likely to inhibit viral replication in the lungs and other respiratory sites, leading to protective efficacy in a subject.
- the engineered RSV-F protein may consistently retain the immunogenic pre-fusion conformation over time when expressed on the cell surface. Hence, the subject’s immune system may be exposed to pre- fusion RSV-F over longer periods in comparison to other RSV-F proteins (in which the pre-fusion conformation is less stable), thereby leading to the observed neutralising antibody responses. As detailed in e.g.
- Example 2 surprisingly, construct F(i) elicited an overall more potent neutralising antibody response in vivo than control constructs such as F(iii), in spite of F(iii) demonstrating greater in vitro expression levels (see e.g. Figure 1 for in vitro data; Figure 3 for in vivo data). Similar in vivo results were observed in e.g. Example 4, and furthermore construct F(i) elicited more potent cross- neutralising antibody responses (against both RSV-A subtype strains and RSV-B subtype strains) than control constructs (see e.g. Figure 4B).
- protein subunit-based RSV vaccines are being pursued, for at least the older adult population [10].
- the present disclosure provides a recombinant RNA encoding an RSV-F protein comprising an F2 and an F1 domain; wherein the RSV-F protein further comprises, relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence, the substitution of a residue for a C residue in both of the F2 and F1 domains.
- the present disclosure provides an RSV-F protein that is encoded by a nucleic acid of the present disclosure. Docket No: 70330WO01
- the present disclosure provides a host cell comprising an RNA of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure provides a carrier (preferably, a lipid nanoparticle) comprising an RNA of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an RNA, or carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure provides an RNA, carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure, for use in medicine.
- the present disclosure provides a method comprising administering an effective amount of the RNA, carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle), or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure to a subject.
- the present disclosure provides a method of inducing an immune response against RSV in a subject, the method comprising administering an effective amount of the RNA, carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure to a subject.
- the cell monolayers were fixed and RSV-F protein expression was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence coupled with high content imaging and image analysis.
- the mRNAs encode RSV-F variants including DS-CAV1, F(ii), F(iii) and F(i) proteins.
- RSV-F surface protein expression was quantified 1 day post infection by labelling cells using the anti-RSV F antibodies Motavizumab (A), D25 (E) or AM14 (I) or 3 days post transfection (Motavizumab (C), D25 (G) or AM14 (K)).
- the average cell count for three imaged wells is shown and corresponds to the RSV-F expression values for 1 day post infection (Motavizumab (B), D25 (F) or AM14 (J) or 3 days post transfection (motavizumab (D), D25 (H) or AM14 (L)).
- Each graph depicts the mean ( ⁇ ) +/- 1 standard deviation ( ⁇ ) from 3 biological replicates as calculated by GraphPad Prism software.
- Figure 5. (A) pre-F and (B) post-F IgG binding antibody titers on day 21 and day 35 for constructs in Example 4.
- RNA encoding an RSV-F protein comprising an F2 and an F1 domain; wherein the RSV-F protein further comprises, relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence, the substitution of a residue for a C residue in both of the F2 and F1 domains.
- Said wild-type RSV-F sequence may be SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.
- a further independent aspect of the present disclosure provides a recombinant RNA encoding an RSV-F protein comprising an F2 and an F1 domain; wherein the RSV-F protein further comprises, relative to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, the substitution of a residue for a C residue in both of the F2 and F1 domains.
- RSV-F protein(s) of the present disclosure and “RSV-F protein(s) of the present disclosure”.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure are not “RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure”, as referred to herein.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure and the mutations which they comprise (relative to a wild- type RSV-F protein), are “engineered”, in the sense that such mutations have been deliberately selected and introduced into the proteins, at least in part in order to enhance expression from RNA and consequently immunogenicity.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may also be considered “recombinant” (“engineered” and “recombinant” may be used interchangeably in this context).
- SEQ ID NO: 1 is an RSV-F sequence from a strain of human RSV of the A2 subtype that contains two mutations (K66E and Q101P) relative to GenBank Accession number KT992094 (said mutations resulting from in vitro passaging, see [11]).
- SEQ ID NO: 2 is the RSV-F sequence from B subtype Docket No: 70330WO01 strain 18537 (Uniprot ID: P13843).
- SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 2, and any wild-type RSV-F sequence are referred to herein as “wild-type”.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise mutations relative to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 found in RSV-F proteins from further strains and subtypes, both naturally-occurring and engineered (e.g. RSV- F proteins of further A subtype strains, or further B subtype strains). Hence, RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may be of the RSV-A or the RSV-B subtype. RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may also have a specific degree of sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, e.g. as detailed in the embodiments below. “Mutation” is used generally herein to encompasses substitution, insertion and deletion of residues.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure are preferably antigens when expressed (or, phrased differently, are antigenic).
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure preferably elicit an immune response when administered to a subject (e.g. via expression from RNA), namely against RSV.
- the immune response may comprise an antibody response (usually including IgG) and/or a cell- mediated immune response, in particular an antibody response.
- the immune response will typically recognise the three-dimensional structure of a wild-type pre-fusion RSV-F, in particular one or more epitopes present on the (solvent-exposed) surface of the protein when in the pre-fusion conformation.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may also be considered antigens (or, phrased differently, are antigenic) given their ability to be bound by antibodies AM14, D25 and motavizumab; in particular AM14 which recognises trimeric, pre-fusion RSV-F (heavy and light chain sequences of antibodies given below). Docket No: 70330WO01 Generally, RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may be considered as stabilised in the pre-fusion conformation, following expression from RNA. The pre-fusion conformation of RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may be confirmed via binding of pre-fusion RSV-F-specific monoclonal antibodies (“pre-fusion mAbs”).
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may be specifically bound by a pre-fusion mAb comprising a light chain and a heavy chain (LC and HC) selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 5 and 6 respectively, and SEQ ID NO: 7 and 8 respectively.
- LC and HC light chain and a heavy chain
- the foregoing are the LC and HC sequences of prefusion mAbs AM14 and D25 (see, e.g. [13, 14]), with AM14 being preferred for confirming pre-fusion conformation.
- Specific mutations relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence are present in RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure, which promote and/or stabilise the pre-fusion conformation, following expression from RNA.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise an F2 and an F1 domain, and the substitution relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2), of a residue for a C residue in both of the F2 and F1 domains.
- a wild-type RSV-F sequence e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2
- the C residues form a disulphide bond connecting the F2 and F1 domains.
- Said disulphide bond is not present in wild-type RSV-F, and so may be considered “artificial” or “engineered”.
- Said C residues, and the disulphide bond formed thereby generally promote and/or stabilise the pre-fusion conformation of RSV-F.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise a C residue at both of positions 55 and 188 (not present in wild-type).
- the C residue in the F1 domain may be within the fusion peptide of the RSV-F protein; optionally wherein the fusion peptide is the region corresponding to positions 137-157 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.
- the C residue may be within the region of the RSV-F protein corresponding to positions 143-153, 146-150 or 147-149 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2; and preferably at position 148 of the RSV-F protein.
- the C residue in the F2 domain may be within the region of the RSV-F protein corresponding to positions 99-105, 100-104 or 102-104 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2; and preferably at position 103 of the RSV-F protein.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise the substitution (relative to a wild- type RSV-F sequence, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2) of one or more small aliphatic or small polar residues that are buried in the pre-fusion conformation (in wild-type), for larger aliphatic or larger aromatic residues.
- Said small aliphatic or small polar residues may be, for example, a S, T, G, A, V, or R residue.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may, for example, comprise: (i) substitution at position 190, 55, 62, 155, or 290 for I, Y, L, H, or M; Docket No: 70330WO01 (ii) substitution at position 54, 58, 189, 219, or 397 for I, Y, L, H, or M; (iii) substitution at position 151 for A or H; (iv) substitution at position 147 or 298 for I, L, H, or M; (v) substitution at position 164, 187, 192, 207, 220, 296, 300, or 495 for I, Y, H; or (vi) substitution at position 106 for W; wherein substitutions at position 190 according to (i) are preferred; wherein substitutions at position 190 according to (i) are preferred; wherein substitutions at position 190 according to (i) are preferred; wherein substitutions at position 190 according to (i) are preferred; wherein substitutions at position 190 according to (i)
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise substitutions (relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2) which reduce inter-protomer repulsive ionic interactions or increase inter- protomer attractive ionic interactions with E487 and D489 on an adjacent RSV-F protomer (when the RSV-F protein is in trimeric form). Such substitutions generally further promote and/or stabilise the pre-fusion conformation.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise the substitution of a D or E residue for S, T, N, H, P, F, L or Q within the region of the RSV- F protein corresponding to positions 474-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 (a.k.a. the heptad repeat B (“HRB”) domain), such as D486S/H/N/T/P or E487Q/T/S/L/H.
- HRB heptad repeat B
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may, for example, comprise: (vii) substitution at position 82, 92, or 487 for D, F, Q, T, S, L, or H; (viii) substitution at position 315, 394, or 399 for F, M, R, S, L, I, Q, or T; (ix) substitution at position 392, 486, or 489 for H, S, N, T, or P; and/or (x) substitution at position 106 or 339 for F, Q, N, or W; wherein substitutions at position 486 according to (ix) are preferred; wherein substitution at position 486 for S is a preferred substitution at said position.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure comprise the substitutions (relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2) 103C, 148C, 190I and 486S.
- RSV-F proteins may be of the RSV-A or RSV-B subtype. See, e.g. construct F(i) as tested in the examples (see, e.g., Example 2; Figures 2-3).
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of: (i) an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 3; or (ii) an amino acid sequence at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 99.5% identical thereto and comprising the 103C, 148C, 190I, and 486S substitutions (relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2).
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise of consist of: (i) a portion of SEQ ID NO: 3, such as a portion at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 99.5% the length thereof and comprising the 103C, 148C, 190I, and 486S substitutions (relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence, e.g.
- SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 an amino acid sequence at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 99.5% identical to such a portion which comprises the 103C, 148C, 190I, and 486S substitutions (relative to a wild- type RSV-F ectodomain, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2).
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise an ectodomain comprising or consisting of: (i) an amino acid sequence according to positions 26-109 and 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 3; or (ii) an amino acid sequence at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 99.5% identical thereto and comprising the 103C, 148C, 190I, and 486S substitutions (relative to a wild-type RSV-F ectodomain, e.g. positions 26-109 and 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2).
- RSV- F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise an ectodomain comprising or consisting of: (i) a portion of positions 26-109 and 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 3, such as a portion at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 99.5% the length thereof and comprising the 103C, 148C, 190I, and 486S substitutions (relative to a wild-type RSV-F ectodomain, e.g.
- positions 26-109 and 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 ); or (ii) an amino acid sequence at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 99.5% identical to such a portion which comprises the 103C, 148C, 190I, and 486S substitutions (relative to a wild- type RSV-F ectodomain, e.g. positions 26-109 and 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2).
- the region corresponding to positions 110-136 of SEQ ID NO 1 or 2 may be absent due to furin processing.
- RNA of the present disclosure will typically encode an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure comprising the region corresponding to positions 110-136 of SEQ ID NO 1 or 2 (which may be positions 110-136 of the RSV-F protein). All of the above mutations preferably promote and/or stabilise the pre-fusion conformation of RSV-F.
- the present disclosure furthermore provides, in a further independent aspect, a recombinant RNA encoding an RSV-F protein, wherein the RSV-F protein comprises: a C residue at position 103, a C residue at position 148, an I residue at position 190, and an S residue at position 486.
- RNA(s) of the present disclosure and “RSV-F protein(s) of the present disclosure”.
- RSV-F protein(s) of the present disclosure When expressed, the C residues Docket No: 70330WO01 generally form a disulphide bond which is not present in wild-type RSV-F. Said disulphide bond may be considered “artificial” or “engineered”. Said C residues, and the disulphide bond formed thereby, promote and/or stabilise the pre-fusion conformation of RSV-F.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may also be of the RSV-A or the RSV-B subtype.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or preferably at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, or 99.5% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.
- the F2 domain may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to positions 26-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, such as at least 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or preferably at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to positions 26-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2; and the F1 domain may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to positions 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, such as at least 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or preferably at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.2%, or 99.5% sequence identity to positions 137- 523 of SEQ ID NO:
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure comprise an E residue at position 66, and a P residue at position 101.
- the signal peptide (positions 1-25 of SEQ ID NO: 1 and 2) is not considered in the above sequence identity assessment.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to positions 26-574 SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, such as at least 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or preferably at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, or 99.5% sequence identity to positions 26-574 SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.
- RNA of the present disclosure may encode an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure in which the p27 peptide is artificially absent (i.e. there is an artificial deletion of the p27 peptide, e.g. through recombinant means, at the level of the encoding RNA).
- the fusion peptide e.g. positions 137-157 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 may also be artificially absent.
- the p27 peptide (and, optionally, also the fusion peptide) may be replaced by a linker sequence encoded by the RNA.
- the linker sequence may be glycine-serine rich (or consist of G and S residues), for example GSGSG (SEQ ID NO: 11), GSGSGRS (SEQ ID NO: 12), GS (SEQ ID NO: 13), or GSGSGR (SEQ ID NO: 14).
- the p27 peptide (or at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the residues thereof) is artificially absent and is replaced by a linker comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 11, 12, 13 or 14 (or a linker having at least 55%, 75% or 85% identity thereto).
- both the p27 and fusion peptides (or at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the residues thereof) are artificially absent and are replaced by a linker comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 13 (or either a G or an S residue).
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1; in particular at least 75% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 99.4% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 99.5% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 1, at least 75% sequence identity to
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2; in particular at least 75% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2, at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2, at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2, at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: Docket No: 70330WO01 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2, at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2, at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2, at least 99.4% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO: 2, at least 99.5% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over at least 80% of SEQ ID NO
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, such as at least 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or preferably at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, or 99.5% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 over 100% of SEQ ID NO 1.
- RSV-F proteins of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2, such as at least 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or preferably at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, or 99.5% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 over 100% of SEQ ID NO 2.
- RNA of the present disclosure preferably encodes an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure comprising a transmembrane domain, and, optionally, C-terminal to said transmembrane domain, a cytoplasmic tail.
- a cytoplasmic tail is absent in whole.
- a transmembrane domain comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence according to positions 524- 549 or 525-549 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 (or a sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% identical thereto).
- a cytoplasmic tail if present, comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence according to positions 550-574 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 (or a sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 95% identical thereto).
- RNA of the present disclosure, and the RSV-F proteins encoded thereby elicit a pre-fusion RSV-F-specific antibody response against RSV in vivo, e.g. an IgG antibody response (see, e.g. Example 2).
- RNA of the present disclosure, and the RSV-F proteins encoded thereby elicit a neutralising antibody response against RSV in vivo, e.g.
- Said neutralising antibody response may inhibit replication of RSV in the respiratory system of a subject (such as in the lungs).
- Said neutralising antibody response may yield protective immunity against RSV in a subject.
- RNA of the present disclosure, and the RSV-F proteins encoded thereby elicit a cross- neutralising antibody response against RSV in vivo, e.g. against strains of both RSV-A and RSV-B subtypes (see, e.g. Example 4).
- Said cross-neutralising antibody response may inhibit replication of RSV (e.g. strains of both RSV-A and RSV-B subtypes) in the respiratory system of a subject (such as in the lungs).
- RNA refers to a ribonucleic acid encoding an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure, which may be translated in a cell (i.e. mRNA).
- the RNA is neither, nor comprised within, a viral vector or virus-based vaccine (such as a live-attenuated virus vaccine).
- RNA molecules can have various lengths but are typically 500-20,000 ribonucleotides long e.g.1000- 20,000, 1000-15,000, 1000-10,000, 1000-5000, 1000-3000, 1000-2500, 1000-2500 or 1000-2000 ribonucleotides long.
- the RNA can be non-self-replicating (also referred to as “conventional” RNA), or self-replicating; preferably non-self-replicating.
- the RNA is self-replicating.
- Self-replicating RNA can be produced using replication elements derived from, e.g., alphaviruses, and substituting sequences encoding the structural viral proteins with that encoding at least an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure.
- a self- replicating RNA molecule is typically a positive-strand molecule which can be directly translated after delivery to a cell, and this translation provides an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase which then produces both antisense and sense transcripts from the delivered RNA.
- the delivered RNA leads to the production of multiple daughter RNAs.
- These daughter RNAs, as well as collinear subgenomic transcripts, may be translated themselves to provide in situ expression of the encoded protein (i.e. the Docket No: 70330WO01 RSV-F protein of the present disclosure); or may be transcribed to provide further transcripts with the same sense as the delivered RNA, which are translated to provide in situ expression of the encoded protein.
- the RNA may encode (i) an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase which can transcribe RNA from the self-replicating RNA and (ii) an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure.
- the polymerase can be an alphavirus replicase e.g. comprising one or more of alphavirus proteins nsP1, nsP2, nsP3 and nsP4.
- Such alphavirus-based self-replicating RNA can use a replicase from, for example, a Sindbis virus, a Semliki forest virus, an eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), or a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV).
- a self-replicating RNA encoding an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure may have two open reading frames. The first (5') open reading frame encodes a replicase, in particular an alphavirus replicase (e.g.
- the second (3') open reading frame encodes the RSV-F protein of the present disclosure. Further open reading frames may also be present, encoding (i) one or more further proteins (preferably one or more further antigens, e.g. as detailed above); and/or (ii) accessory polypeptides.
- the RNA comprises a 5’ cap, such as a 7-methylguanosine, which may be added via enzymatic means or a non-enzymatic reaction.
- the RNA may have the following exemplary 5’ caps: - a 7-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleotide by a triphosphate bridge (also referred to as “Cap O”); - a 7-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleotide by a triphosphate bridge, and wherein the first 5’ ribonucleotide comprises a 2’-methylated ribose (2’-O-Me) (also referred to as “Cap 1”); - a 7-methyl-3'-O-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleoside by a triphosphate bridge, and wherein the first 5’ ribonucleoside comprises a 2’-methylated ribose (2’-O-Me) (also referred to as “Cap 1”); - a 7-methylguanosine linked 5’-to
- the 5’ cap is a 7-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleoside by a triphosphate bridge, and wherein the first 5’ ribonucleoside comprises a 2’- methylated ribose (2’-O-Me), e.g. the 5’ end of the RNA has the structure m7G(5')ppp(5')(2'OMeA)pG.
- this cap is added non-enzymatically through the use of the following reagent: Said reagent is sold as CLEANCAP Reagent AG (TRILINK BIOTECHNOLOGIES).
- the 5’ cap is a 7-methyl-3'-O-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleoside by a triphosphate bridge, and wherein the first 5’ ribonucleoside comprises a 2’- methylated ribose (2’-O-Me), e.g. the 5’ end of the RNA has the structure m7(3'OMeG)(5')ppp(5')(2'OMeA)pG.
- RNA comprises a 3’ poly-adenosine (“poly-A”) tail, e.g. comprising 10-700 A ribonucleotides.
- poly-A poly-adenosine
- the poly-A tail may comprise (i) a (in particular, only one) contiguous stretch of A ribonucleotides; or preferably (ii) at least two non-contiguous stretches of A ribonucleotides (also referred to as a “split poly-A tail”), such as only two non-contiguous stretches of A ribonucleotides.
- the total number of A ribonucleotides (“As”) in at least two non-contiguous stretches may be, for example, 10-700, such as 10-600, 10-500, 20-500, 50-500, 70-500, 100-500, 20-400, 30-300, 40-200, 50-150, 70-120, 100-120, or, in particular, 100-120.
- the total number of As in a (in particular, only one) contiguous stretch may be, for example, 10-700; such as 10-600, 20-600 or in particular 40-600 (such as 50-600, 80-600, 80-550, 100-500; or 40-70, 50-65 or 55-65).
- a first stretch may be 10-150 As in length, such as 10-100, 10-50, 15-50, 20-50, 20-40, 25-40, or, in particular 25-35 As in length.
- a second stretch may be 10-150 As in length, such as 10-150, 20-120, 30-100, 40-90, 50-90, 60-90, 65-90, 70-90, or, in particular, 80-90 As in length.
- the first stretch may be located 5’ or 3’ relative to the second stretch. However, in a particular embodiment, the first stretch is located 5’ relative to the second stretch.
- the polyA tail comprises, in the 5’ to 3’ direction, a first and a second non-contiguous stretch of As, that are 25-35 and 80-90 As in length respectively.
- the polyA tail comprises, in the 5’-3’ direction, a first and a second non-contiguous stretch of As, that are 25-35 and 65-90 As in length respectively.
- the at least two non-contiguous stretches of As is from, or is part of, the 3’ untranslated region (UTR), e.g. as detailed below.
- the RNA preferably comprises (in addition to any 5' cap structure) one or more modified ribonucleotides, i.e.
- RNA does not comprise modified ribonucleotides, i.e. the RNA contains standard A, C, G or U ribonucleotides only (except for any 5’ cap structure, if present, e.g. as detailed above).
- said one or more modified ribonucleotides may be, or may comprise, N1-methylpseudouridine (“1m ⁇ ”); pseudouridine (“ ⁇ ”); N1-ethylpseudouridine; 2-methylthio-N6-(cis- hydroxyisopentenyl)adenosine; 2-methylthio-N6-methyladenosine; 2-methylthio-N6-threonyl carbamoyladenosine; N6-glycinylcarbamoyladenosine; N6-isopentenyladenosine; N6- methyladenosine (m6A); N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine; 1,2'-O-dimethyladenosine; 1- methyladenosine; 2'-O-methyladenosine; 2'-O-ribosyladenos
- the percentage of standard As substituted with A-substitutable modified nucleotide is at least: 0.1%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or at least 99.9%, or 100%.
- the percentage of standard As substituted with m6A may be 0.1-5%, in particular 0.5- 2%, in particular 0.8-1.2%, such as about 1% (or 1%); in these embodiments the RNA may be circular RNA.
- the percentage of standard Cs substituted with cytosine-substitutable modified nucleotide is at least: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or at least 99.9%, or 100%.
- the percentage of standard Gs substituted with G-substitutable modified nucleotide e.g.
- the percentage of standard Us substituted with U-substitutable modified nucleotide is at least: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or at least 99.9%, or 100%.
- the percentage of standard Us substituted with U-substitutable modified nucleotide is at least: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or at least 99.9%, or preferably 100%; more preferably with 1m ⁇ and/or ⁇ (even more preferably 1m ⁇ ) .
- the one or more modified ribonucleotides detailed above is, or comprise, 1m ⁇ and/or ⁇ , more preferably 1m ⁇ .
- the RNA may comprise 1m ⁇ and/or ⁇ , Docket No: 70330WO01 and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified U ribonucleotides (i.e. there are no standard U nucleotides, nor modified U ribonucleotides other than 1m ⁇ and/or ⁇ , in the RNA; i.e. 100% U substitution).
- the RNA may comprise 1m ⁇ and/or ⁇ , and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified ribonucleotides (i.e.
- RNA may comprise ⁇ , and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified U ribonucleotides (i.e. 100% U substitution with ⁇ ).
- the RNA may comprise ⁇ , and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified ribonucleotides (i.e. 100% U substitution with ⁇ with no other modified nucleotides being allowed).
- the RNA comprises 1m ⁇ , and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified U ribonucleotides (i.e.100% U substitution with 1m ⁇ ). In an even more preferred embodiment, the RNA comprises 1m ⁇ , and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified ribonucleotides (i.e.100% U substitution with 1m ⁇ with no other modified nucleotides being allowed).
- “[may] comprise[s]... and neither [X]...nor [Y]” may be used interchangeably with the wording “[may] comprise[s]... and does not comprise... [X] and/or [Y] ”.
- the RNA is codon-optimised.
- the RNA may be codon optimised for expression in human cells.
- Codon optimisation refers to the use of specific codons, which, while not altering the sequence of the expressed protein (given genetic code redundancy), may increase translation efficacy and/or half- life of the RNA. Codon optimisation may provide an elevated GC content, relative to non-codon optimised RNA encoding the same protein(s).
- the GC content (the percentage of all ribonucleotides (or, defined alternatively, all “nitrogenous bases”) in the RNA which are G or C) of the RNA may be at least 10%, such as at least 20%, 30%, 35% or at least 40%, preferably at least 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, or at least 50%.
- the GC content of the RNA may be 10-70%, such as 20-65%, 30-65% or 35-65%, preferably 40-60%, 45-55%, 46-53%, 47-51%, or 48-50%.
- the GC content of the RNA may be 30-70%, such as 40-70%, 45-70%, 50-70%, or 55-70%.
- Codon optimisation may provide an elevated C content relative to non-codon optimised RNA encoding the same protein(s).
- the percentage of C-optimisable codons in the RNA which have been substituted, as a result of codon optimisation, for a codon with greater C content (while encoding the same amino acid) may be least 30%, such as at least 40%, 50%, 55% or at least 60%, preferably at least 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72% or at least 72%;
- the percentage of C-optimisable codons in the RNA which have been substituted, as a result of codon optimisation, for a codon with greater C content (while encoding the same amino acid) may be 30-80%, such as 40-90%, 45-90%, 50-80%, 55-80% or 60-80%, preferably 65-75%, 66-75%, 67-75%, 68-75%, 69-75%, 70-74%, 71-74% or 72-74%.
- the RNA comprises both a 5’ and a 3’ untranslated region (UTR).
- the RNA comprises a 5’ and a 3’ UTR selected from: - SEQ ID NO: 18 and 19, respectively, and - SEQ ID NO: 20 and 21, respectively, - RNA sequences at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 18 or 20, (for the 5’ UTR) and RNA sequences at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or at least 99.5% identical to SEQ ID NO: 19 or 21, (for the 3’ UTR) (preferably, the pairing of 5’ and 3’ UTRs having such identity to SEQ ID NO: 18 and 19, or SEQ ID NO: 20 and 21, respectively); Both the 3’ and 5’ UTR may influence expression of the RSV-F protein of the present disclosure through
- the 5’ UTR may affect the expression of at least the RSV-F protein of the present disclosure e.g. via pre-initiation complex regulation, closed-loop regulation, upstream open reading frame regulations (i.e. reinitiation), provision of internal ribosome entry sites, and provision of microRNA binding sites.
- the 3’ UTR may affect the expression of at least the RSV-F protein of the present disclosure e.g. via providing regulation regions that post-transcriptionally influence expression; e.g. influencing translation efficiency, localisation of the RNA, stability of the RNA, polyadenylation, and circularization of the RNA.
- the RNA is circular RNA.
- the RNA fulfils at least two, at least three, at least four, or at least five of the following criteria (for example, (a), (b), (d) and (f); (a), (b), (c), (d) and (f); or (a), (b), (d), (e) and (f): (a) is non-self-replicating; (b) is single stranded; (c) comprises a 5’ cap, which is a 7-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleotide by a triphosphate bridge, and wherein the first 5’ ribonucleotide comprises a 2’-methylated ribose (2’-O-Me); (d) comprises a 3’poly-A tail; (e) comprises 1m ⁇ , and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified ribonucleotides; Docket No: 70330WO01 (f) comprises a 5’ and a
- the RNA fulfils all of criteria (a) – (f), above.
- the RNA will comprise, in the 5’ to 3’ direction: 5’ Cap, 5’ UTR, open reading frame encoding at least an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure, 3’UTR, and 3’ poly-A tail (in particular, the 5’ Caps; 5’ UTRs, 3’UTRs and 3’ poly-A tails as detailed above throughout this subsection).
- the RNA comprises or consists of (i) SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or at least 99.9% identical thereto; preferably wherein the RNA encodes an RSV-F protein comprising a C residue at position 103, a C residue at position 148, an I residue at position 190 and an S residue at position 486.
- the RNA comprises an open reading frame (ORF) comprising or consisting of the sequence of: (i) positions 32-1753 of SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or at least 99.9% identical thereto; preferably wherein the RNA encodes an RSV-F protein comprising a C residue at position 103, a C residue at position 148, an I residue at position 190 and an S residue at position 486.
- ORF open reading frame
- the present disclosure also provides, in a further independent aspect, a DNA construct (preferably a DNA plasmid) encoding an RNA sequence of the present disclosure.
- a DNA construct preferably a DNA plasmid
- the present disclosure also provides, in a further independent aspect, a vector comprising one or more RNAs of the present disclosure.
- a vector comprising a DNA construct encoding one or more RNAs of the present disclosure.
- RNA comprising or consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or at least 99.9% identical thereto.
- Said RNA / RNA sequence may have any of the features detailed throughout this subsection Docket No: 70330WO01 entitled “General features of RNA of the present disclosure”.
- the present disclosure also provides, in a further independent aspect, a DNA construct (preferably a DNA plasmid) encoding an RNA sequence comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, or any of the foregoing sequences having sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4.
- a DNA construct preferably a DNA plasmid
- RNA comprising an open reading frame (ORF) comprising or consisting of the sequence of: (i) positions 32-1753 of SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or at least 99.9% identical thereto.
- ORF open reading frame
- Said RNA / RNA sequence may have any of the features detailed throughout this subsection entitled “General features of RNA of the present disclosure”.
- the present disclosure also provides, in a further independent aspect, a DNA construct (preferably a DNA plasmid) encoding an RNA sequence comprising an ORF comprising or consisting of the sequence of: positions 32-1753 of SEQ ID NO: 4, or any of the foregoing sequences having sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4.
- the RNA may encode an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure only (i.e. the RNA encodes a single protein). Alternatively, the RNA may encode multiple proteins, of which one is the RSV-F protein of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the RNA encodes at least (i) an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure; and (ii) at least one further protein.
- the at least one further protein may be a nanoparticle, e.g.
- the at least one further protein is an antigen; and as such may comprise, or may be, a viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, tumour, or allergenic (i.e. from, or derived from, an allergen) antigen; typically encoded by a separate open reading frame to the RSV-F protein of the invention.
- the at least one further protein will typically be a pathogen antigen.
- the at least one further protein will typically be an antigen that is a surface polypeptide e.g.
- the at least one further protein is an antigen from, or derived from, a virus, in particular a virus causing respiratory disease, in particular a seasonal virus causing respiratory disease.
- the at least one further protein is an antigen from, or derived from, a virus
- examples of such viruses include: Coronavirus, Orthomyxovirus, Pneumoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Poxviridae, Picornavirus, Bunyavirus, Heparnavirus, Filovirus, Togavirus, Flavivirus, Pestivirus, Hepadnavirus, Rhabdovirus, Caliciviridae, Retrovirus, Reovirus, Parvovirus, Herpesvirus, Papovaviruses and Adenovirus.
- the at least one further protein detailed above is a further Pneumoviridae protein (in particular a Pneumoviridae antigen).
- Useful further Pneumoviridae proteins can be from an Orthopneumovirus or Metapneumovirus, in particular human RSV or human Metapneumovirus (hMPV).
- Useful further hMPV antigens include e.g. the F, N, P, M, M2-1, and M2 antigens (in particular, the F antigen).
- Such hMPV proteins may be from, or derived from, the A or B subtype.
- the RNA encodes an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure in addition to an hMPV antigen (in particular, the F antigen).
- a preferred patient group in which the RNA may be used in therapy, in particular vaccination
- infants see section entitled Medical uses and methods of treatment, below.
- Useful further human RSV antigens include e.g. the G, M1, M2-1, M2-2, P, L, N, NS1, NS2 and SH antigens, in addition to further RSV-F antigens, i.e. of distinct amino acid sequence to the RSV-F protein of the present disclosure encoded by the RNA.
- Such further human RSV proteins in particular, antigens
- the at least one further protein detailed above is a Coronavirus antigen.
- Useful Coronavirus antigens can be from a SARS coronavirus, in particular SARS-CoV2.
- Useful Coronavirus antigens include the spike, M, E, HE, Nuclocapsid, Plpro and 3CLPro proteins, in particular spike protein.
- the Coronavirus antigen is a SARS- CoV2 spike protein.
- Said SARS-CoV2 spike protein may be from any variant, e.g. Omicron (such as Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA3, BA.4 or BA.5), Alpha, Epsilon, Eta, Theta, Kappa, Iota, Zeta, Mu, Lambda, Beta, Gamma, or Delta.
- said SARS-CoV2 spike protein includes one or more mutations relative to the wild-type protein, in particular one or more (e.g. two) mutations to proline resides. Said one or more mutations may be introduced to stabilise said SARS-CoV2 spike protein in its pre-fusion conformation.
- a preferred patient group in which the RNA may be used in therapy, in particular vaccination
- the at least one further protein detailed above is an Orthomyxovirus antigen.
- Useful Orthomyxovirus antigens can be from an influenza A, B or C virus.
- Useful Orthomyxovirus antigens include the haemagglutinin, neuraminidase and matrix M2 proteins, in particular haemagglutinin.
- the Orthomyxovirus antigen is an influenza A virus haemagglutinin.
- Said influenza A virus hemagglutinin may be from any subtype e.g. H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, H13, H14, H15 or H16.
- the RNA may encode (i) an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure, (ii) a Coronavirus antigen, e.g.
- RNA can conveniently be prepared by in vitro transcription (IVT). IVT can use a (DNA) template created and propagated in plasmid form in bacteria, or created synthetically (for example by gene synthesis and/or polymerase chain-reaction (PCR) engineering methods).
- IVT in vitro transcription
- RNA-dependent RNA polymerase such as the bacteriophage T7, T3 or SP6 RNA polymerases
- a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase can be used to transcribe the replicating RNA from a DNA template.
- Appropriate capping and poly-A addition reactions can be used as required (although the poly-A tail is usually encoded within the DNA template).
- a plurality of RNA molecules of the present disclosure is, in particular, provided in purified or substantially purified form; that is, substantially free from other nucleic acids or RNAs (e.g. free or substantially free from naturally-occurring nucleic acids or RNAs, such as further nucleic acids or RNAs expressed by a host cell).
- RNA molecules is generally at least 50% pure (by weight), such as at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% pure (by weight).
- the RNA may be delivered naked, or preferably in conjunction with a carrier (e.g. as detailed in the section entitled Carriers, below).
- Carriers comprising an RNA of the present disclosure RNA molecules by themselves and unprotected, may be degraded by the subject’s nucleases and may require a carrier to facilitate target cell entry.
- the present disclosure also provides a carrier comprising an RNA molecule encoding an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure.
- the carrier may be lipid-based (e.g. a lipid nanoparticle or cationic nanoemulsion), polymer-based (e.g.
- lipid-based carriers provide a means to protect the RNA, e.g. through encapsulation, and deliver it to target cells for protein expression.
- the lipid-based carrier is, or comprises, a cationic nano-emulsion (“CNE”).
- CNEs and methods for their preparation are described in, for example, [19].
- the RNA which encodes the RSV-F protein of the present disclosure is complexed with a CNE particle, in particular comprising an oil core and a cationic lipid.
- the cationic lipid can interact with the negatively charged molecule, thereby anchoring the molecule to the emulsion particles.
- a lipid-based carrier is a lipid inorganic nanoparticle (“LION”).
- LNPs In a preferred embodiment, RNA molecules are encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP).
- the present disclosure also provides an LNP encapsulating an RNA molecule which encodes an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure.
- a plurality of such LNPs will be part of a composition (e.g. a pharmaceutical composition as detailed in the section entitled Pharmaceutical compositions below) comprising free and/or encapsulated RNA, and in some embodiments the LNPs encapsulate at least: 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97.0%, 97.1%, 97.2%, 97.3%, 97.4%, 97.5%, 97.6%, 97.7%, 97.8%, 97.9%, 98.0%, 98.1%, 98.2%, 98.3%, 98.4%, 98.5%, 98.6%, 98.7%, 98.8%, 98.9%, 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99
- At least 80% of the LNPs in the composition may be 20-200 nm, 40- 190 nm, 60-180 nm or, in particular, 80-160 nm in diameter.
- substantially all, or all, LNPs in the composition are 20-200 nm, 40-190 nm, 60-180 nm or, in particular, 80-160 nm in diameter.
- the LNP can comprise multilamellar vesicles (MLV), small uniflagellar vesicles (SUV), or large unilamellar vesicles (LUV).
- MLV multilamellar vesicles
- SUV small uniflagellar vesicles
- LUV large unilamellar vesicles
- the amount of RNA per LNP can vary, and the number of individual RNA molecules per LNP can depend on the characteristics of the particle being used.
- an LNP may include 1-500 RNA molecules, e.g. ⁇ 200, ⁇ 100, ⁇ 50, ⁇ 20, ⁇ 10, ⁇ 5, or 1-4. Generally, an LNP includes fewer than 10 different species of RNA e.g. fewer than 5, 4, 3, or 2 different species. Preferably the LNP includes a single RNA species (i.e. all RNA molecules in the particle have the same sequence). LNPs according to the present disclosure may be formed from a single lipid (e.g. a cationic lipid) or, in particular, from a mixture of lipids.
- the mixture comprises various classes of lipids, such as: (a) a mixture of cationic lipids and sterols, Docket No: 70330WO01 (b) a mixture of cationic lipids and neutral lipids, (c) a mixture of cationic lipids and polymer-conjugated lipids, (d) a mixture of cationic lipids, sterols and polymer-conjugated lipids, or (e) a mixture of cationic lipids, neutral lipids and polymer-conjugated lipids; or preferably: (f) a mixture of cationic lipids, sterols and neutral lipids; or more preferably: (g) a mixture of cationic lipids, neutral lipids, sterols and polymer-conjugated lipids.
- lipids such as: (a) a mixture of cationic lipids and sterols, Docket No: 70330WO01 (b)
- lipids such as anionic lipids
- the cationic lipid may have a pKa of 5.0-10.0, 5.0-9.0, 5.0-8.5, preferably 5.0-8.0, 5.0-7.9, or 5.0-7.8, 5.0-7.7, or more preferably 5.0-7.6.
- the pKa of the cationic lipid is distinct to the pKa of the LNP as a whole (sometimes called “apparent pKa”).
- pKa may be determined via any well-known method, such as via a toluene nitrosulphonic acid (TNS) fluorescence assay or acid base titration; preferably a TNS fluorescence assay; more preferably performed according to Example 3.
- the cationic lipid preferably comprises a tertiary or quaternary amine group, more preferably a tertiary amine group.
- Exemplary cationic lipids comprising tertiary amine groups include: 1,2-dilinoleyoxy- 3-(dimethylamino)acetoxypropane (DLin-DAC), 1,2-dilinoleyoxy-3morpholinopropane (DLin-MA), 1,2-dilinoleoyl-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDAP), 1,2-dilinoleylthio-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-S-DMA), 1-linoleoyl-2-linoleyloxy-3dimethylaminopropane (DLin-2-DMAP), 1,2- dilinoleyloxy-3-trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TMA.Cl), 1,2-dilinoleoyl-3- trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TAP.Cl), 1,2-dilinoleyloxy-3-(N- methylpiperazino)propane (DL
- the cationic lipid has the structure of lipid RV28, RV31, RV33, RV37, RV39 RV42, RV44, RV73, RV75, RV81, RV84, RV85, RV86, RV88, RV91, RV92, RV93, RV94, RV95, Docket No: 70330WO01 RV96, RV97, RV99 or RV101, as disclosed in [21].
- the cationic lipid has the structure:
- the cationic lipid has the structure: (also referred to as lipid RV39).
- the cationic lipid has the structure: In another preferred embodiment, the cationic lipid has the structure: Docket No: 70330WO01
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) 20-80, 25-75, 30-70, or 35-65%, preferably 30-60, 40-55 or 40-50% cationic lipid; such as about 40% (or 40%), about 42% (or 42%), about 44% (or 44%), about 46% (or 46%) or about 48% (or 48%) cationic lipid.
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) at least 20, 25 or at least 35%, or preferably at least 40% cationic lipid.
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) no more than 80, 70 or no more than 60% or preferably no more than 50% cationic lipid.
- the molar ratio of protonatable nitrogen atoms in the LNP’s cationic lipids to phosphates in the RNA (a.k.a “N:P” ratio), may be in the range of (including the endpoints) 1:1-20:1, 2:1-10:1, 3:1-9:1, or 4:1- 8:1; preferably 4.5:1-7.5:1, 4.5:1-6.5:1 or 5.0:1-6.5:1.
- the polymer-conjugated lipid is preferably a PEGylated lipid.
- the PEGs of such PEGylated lipids may have a weight average molecular weight of 0.5-11.0 kDa; such as 0.5-8.0, 0.8-8.0, 0.8-7.0, 0.8-6.0, 0.8-5.0, 0.8-4.0, 1.0-4.0 or 1.0-3.5 kDa, preferably 1.0-3.0, 1.2-2.8, 1.4-2.6, 1.5-2.5, 1.6-2.4, or 1.7-2.3 kDa, or more preferably 1.8-2.2, 1.9-2.1, about 2.0 (or 2.0 kDa).
- 0.5-11.0 kDa such as 0.5-8.0, 0.8-8.0, 0.8-7.0, 0.8-6.0, 0.8-5.0, 0.8-4.0, 1.0-4.0 or 1.0-3.5 kDa, preferably 1.0-3.0, 1.2-2.8, 1.4-2.6, 1.5-2.5, 1.6-2.4, or 1.7-2.3 kDa, or more preferably 1.8-2.2, 1.9-2.1, about 2.0 (or 2.0
- the PEGs of such PEGylated lipids may have a number average molecular weight of 0.5-11.0 kDa; such as 0.5-8.0, 0.8-8.0, 0.8-7.0, 0.8-6.0, 0.8-5.0, 0.8-4.0, 1.0-4.0 or 1.0-3.5 kDa, preferably 1.0-3.0, 1.2-2.8, 1.4-2.6, 1.5-2.5, 1.6-2.4, or 1.7-2.3 kDa, or more preferably 1.8-2.2, 1.9-2.1, about 2.0 (or 2.0 kDa).
- 0.5-11.0 kDa such as 0.5-8.0, 0.8-8.0, 0.8-7.0, 0.8-6.0, 0.8-5.0, 0.8-4.0, 1.0-4.0 or 1.0-3.5 kDa, preferably 1.0-3.0, 1.2-2.8, 1.4-2.6, 1.5-2.5, 1.6-2.4, or 1.7-2.3 kDa, or more preferably 1.8-2.2, 1.9-2.1, about 2.0 (or 2.0
- the PEGylated lipid may have the structure: Docket No: 70330WO01
- Exemplary PEGylated lipids include 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide and 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycero-3-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-2- phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)] and 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycerol-3- methoxypolyethylene glycol.
- the PEGylated lipid is 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N- ditetradecylacetamide or 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycero-3-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000.
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) 0.1-8.0, 0.4-7.0, 0.6-6.0, 0.8-4.0 or 0.8-3.5%, preferably 1.0-3.0% polymer-conjugated lipid (preferably PEGylated lipid); such as about 1.0 (or 1.0%), about 1.5% (or 1.5%), about 2.0% (or 2.0%) or about 2.5% (or 2.5%) polymer-conjugated lipid (preferably PEGylated lipid).
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) at least 0.1, 0.5 or at least 0.8%, or preferably at least 1% polymer-conjugated lipid (preferably PEGylated lipid).
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) no more than 8.0, 6.0 or 4.0% or preferably no more than 3.0% polymer-conjugated lipid (preferably PEGylated lipid).
- the neutral lipid is 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) or 1,2-dioleoyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), although other neutral lipids available to the skilled person may also be used.
- DSPC 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
- DOPE 1,2-dioleoyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) 0-15.0, 0.1-15.0, 2.0-14.0, 5.0-13.0, 6.0-12.0 or 7.0- 11.0%, preferably 8.0-11.0% or 9.0-11.0% neutral lipid; such as about 9.4% (or 9.4%), about 9.6% (or 9.6%), about 9.8% (or 9.8%) or about 10.0% (or 10%) neutral lipid.
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) at least 0.1, 5.0 or at least 7.0%, or preferably at least 8.0% or at least 9.0% neutral lipid.
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) no more than 15.0, 13.0 or no more than 12.0%, or preferably no more than 11.0% neutral lipid.
- Exemplary sterols include cholesterol, cholesterol sulfate, desmosterol, stigmasterol, lanosterol, 7- dehydrocholesterol, dihydrolanosterol, symosterol, lathosteriol, 14-demethyl-lanosterol, 8(9)- dehydrocholesterol, 8(14)-dehydrocholesterol, 14-demethyl-14-dehydrolanosterol (FF-MAS), diosgenin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA sulfate), dehydroepiandrosterone, sitosterol, lanosterol-95, 4,4-dimethyl(d6)-cholest-8(9), 14-dien-3 ⁇ -ol (dihydro-FF-MAS-d6), 4,4-dimethyl(d6)- cholest-8(9)-en-3 ⁇ -ol (dihydro T-MAS-d6), zymostenol, sitostanol, campestan
- the sterol is cholesterol or a cholesterol-based lipid (e.g. any of those provided in the foregoing paragraph).
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) 20-80, 25-80, 30-70, 30-60, 35-60 or 40-60%, preferably 40-50% or 41-49% sterol; such as about 42% (or 42%), about 43% (or 43%), about 44% (or 44%), about 46% (or 46%), or about 48% (or 48%) sterol.
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) at least 20, 30 or at least 35%, or preferably at least 40% or at least 41% sterol.
- the lipids in the LNP may comprise (in mole %) no more than 80, 70 or no more than 60%, or preferably no more than 50% sterol.
- the lipids in the LNP may have the following mole % in combination: 30-60% cationic lipid (such as 35-55%, or preferably 40-50%), 35-70% sterol (such as 40-55%, or preferably 41-49%), 0.8-4.0% polymer-conjugated lipid (such as 0.8-3.5%, or preferably 1.0-3.0%), and 0-15% neutral lipid (such as 6.0-12.0% or preferably 8.0-11.0%).
- Such LNPs encapsulating RNA may be formed by admixing a first solution comprising the RNA with a second solution comprising lipids which form the LNP.
- the admixing may be performed by any suitable means available to the skilled person, e.g. a T-mixer, microfluidics, or an impinging jet mixer. Admixing may be followed by filtration to obtain a desirable LNP size distribution (e.g. those as detailed above in this subsection).
- the filtration may be performed by any suitable means available to the skilled person, e.g. tangential-flow filtration or cross-flow filtration.
- the present disclosure provides a method of preparing an LNP encapsulating an RNA of the present disclosure, comprising admixing a first solution comprising the RNA and a second solution comprising lipids which form the LNP (e.g using the means as set out in the foregoing paragraph); and optionally filtering the obtained admixture (e.g using the means as set out in the foregoing paragraph).
- Pharmaceutical compositions also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an RNA and/or carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) of the present disclosure. Such compositions typically further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are well-known in the art, see, e.g. [22].
- compositions of the present disclosure are generally for immunising subjects against disease, preferably against RSV. Accordingly, pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure are generally considered vaccine compositions or immunogenic compositions.
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may comprise the RNA and/or carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) in plain water (e.g. water for injection “w.f.i.”) or in a buffer e.g. a phosphate buffer, a Tris buffer, a borate buffer, a succinate buffer, a histidine buffer, or a citrate buffer. Buffer salts will typically be included in the 5-20mM range.
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may have a pH between 5.0 and 9.5 e.g. between 6.0 and 8.0.
- compositions of the present disclosure compositions may include sodium salts (e.g. sodium chloride) to give tonicity.
- a concentration of 10 ⁇ 2 mg/mL NaCl is typical, e.g. about 9 mg/mL (or 9 mg/mL).
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may include metal ion. These can prolong RNA stability by removing ions which can accelerate phosphodiester hydrolysis.
- such compositions may include one or more of EDTA, EGTA, BAPTA, pentetic acid, etc..
- Such chelators are typically Docket No: 70330WO01 present at between 10-500 ⁇ e.g. 0.1 mM.
- a citrate salt such as sodium citrate, can also act as a chelator, while advantageously also providing buffering activity.
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may have an osmolality of between 200 mOsm/kg and 400 mOsm/kg, e.g. between 240-360 mOsm/kg, or between 290-310 mOsm/kg.
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may include one or more preservatives, such as thiomersal or 2-phenoxyethanol.
- Mercury-free compositions are preferred, and preservative-free vaccines can be prepared.
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be aseptic or sterile.
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be non-pyrogenic e.g.
- compositions of the present disclosure may be gluten free.
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be prepared in unit dose form. In some embodiments a unit dose may have a volume of between 0.1 -1.0 mL e.g. about 0.5mL (or 0.5mL).
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be prepared as injectables, either as solutions or suspensions.
- the composition may be prepared for pulmonary administration e.g. by an inhaler, using a fine spray.
- the composition may be prepared for nasal, aural or ocular administration e.g. as spray or drops. Injectables for intramuscular administration are typical.
- compositions of the present disclosure comprise an immunologically effective amount of the RNA and/or carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle), as well as any other components, as needed.
- effective amount and “immunologically effective amount” are used interchangeably.
- immunologically effective amount it is meant that the administration of that amount to an individual, either in a single dose or as part of a series, is effective for treatment or prevention, preferably prevention of RSV. This amount varies depending upon the health and physical condition of the individual to be treated, age, the taxonomic group of individual to be treated (e.g.
- RNA content will generally be expressed in terms of the amount of RNA per dose.
- a preferred dose has ⁇ 120 ⁇ g RNA e.g. ⁇ 100 ⁇ g (e.g.
- compositions of the present disclosure may further comprise an adjuvant (i.e. an agent that enhances an immune response in a non-specific manner).
- Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure (preferably when comprising a lipid nanoparticle comprising an RNA of the present disclosure) may be lyophilised.
- compositions of the present disclosure comprise (i) an RNA encoding an RSV-F protein of the present disclosure, and (ii) a further RNA encoding at least one further protein.
- the RNA of (i) and (ii) may be comprised within the same carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle), or within separate carriers (preferably lipid nanoparticles).
- the at least one further protein is an antigen; and as such may comprise, or may be, a viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, tumour, or allergenic (i.e. from, or derived from, an allergen) antigen.
- the at least one further protein will typically be a pathogen antigen.
- the at least one further protein will typically be an antigen that is a surface polypeptide e.g. a spike glycoprotein, a haemagglutinin, an adhesin or an envelope glycoprotein.
- the at least one further protein is an antigen from, or derived from, a virus, in particular a virus causing respiratory disease, in particular a seasonal virus causing respiratory disease.
- the at least one further protein is an antigen from, or derived from, a virus
- examples of such viruses include: Coronavirus, Orthomyxovirus, Pneumoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Poxviridae, Picornavirus, Bunyavirus, Heparnavirus, Filovirus, Togavirus, Flavivirus, Pestivirus, Hepadnavirus, Rhabdovirus, Caliciviridae, Retrovirus, Reovirus, Parvovirus, Herpesvirus, Papovaviruses and Adenovirus.
- the at least one further protein encoded by the RNA of (ii) is a further Pneumoviridae protein (in particular a Pneumoviridae antigen).
- a further Pneumoviridae protein in particular a Pneumoviridae antigen.
- Useful further Pneumoviridae proteins can be from an Orthopneumovirus or Metapneumovirus, in particular human RSV or human Metapneumovirus (hMPV).
- Useful further hMPV antigens include e.g. the F, N, P, M, M2-1, and M2 antigens (in particular, the F antigen).
- Such hMPV proteins (in particular, antigens) may be from, or derived from, the A or B subtype.
- the RNA of (ii) encodes an hMPV antigen (in particular, the F antigen).
- a preferred patient group in which the pharmaceutical composition may be used in therapy, in particular vaccination
- infants see section entitled Medical uses and methods of treatment, below.
- Useful further human RSV antigens encoded by the RNA of (ii) include e.g. the G, M1, M2-1, M2-2, P, L, N, NS1, NS2 and SH antigens, in addition to further RSV-F antigens, i.e. of distinct amino acid sequence to the RSV-F protein of the Docket No: 70330WO01 present disclosure.
- Such further human RSV proteins may be from, or derived from, the A or B subtype, in particular the B subtype.
- the at least one further protein encoded by the RNA of (ii) is a Coronavirus antigen.
- Useful Coronavirus antigens can be from a SARS coronavirus, in particular SARS-CoV2.
- Useful Coronavirus antigens include the spike, M, E, HE, Nuclocapsid, Plpro and 3CLPro proteins, in particular spike protein.
- the Coronavirus antigen is a SARS-CoV2 spike protein.
- Said SARS-CoV2 spike protein may be from any variant, e.g. Omicron (such as Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA3, BA.4 or BA.5), Alpha, Epsilon, Eta, Theta, Kappa, Iota, Zeta, Mu, Lambda, Beta, Gamma, or Delta.
- said SARS-CoV2 spike protein includes one or more mutations relative to the wild-type protein, in particular one or more (e.g. two) mutations to proline resides. Said one or more mutations may be introduced to stabilise said SARS-CoV2 spike protein in its pre-fusion conformation.
- the RNA (ii) encodes a Coronavirus antigen, e.g. as detailed above.
- a preferred patient group in which the pharmaceutical composition may be used in therapy, in particular vaccination
- the at least one further protein encoded by the RNA of (ii) is an Orthomyxovirus antigen.
- Useful Orthomyxovirus antigens can be from an influenza A, B or C virus.
- Useful Orthomyxovirus antigens include the haemagglutinin, neuraminidase and matrix M2 proteins, in particular haemagglutinin.
- the Orthomyxovirus antigen is an influenza A virus haemagglutinin.
- Said influenza A virus hemagglutinin may be from any subtype e.g. H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, H13, H14, H15 or H16.
- the RNA of (ii) encodes an Orthomyxovirus antigen, e.g. as detailed above.
- a preferred patient group in which the pharmaceutical composition may be used in therapy, in particular vaccination
- is older adults see section entitled Medical uses and methods of treatment, below).
- the RNA of (ii) may encode an Orthomyxovirus antigen, e.g. as detailed above, and (iii) a third RNA may be present in the pharmaceutical composition which may encode a Coronavirus antigen, e.g. as detailed above in the preceding paragraph.
- a delivery device e.g. syringe, nebuliser, sprayer, inhaler, dermal patch, etc.
- This device can be used to administer the composition to a vertebrate subject.
- the present disclosure also provides a method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition, comprising formulating an RNA and/or carrier of the present disclosure Docket No: 70330WO01 with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, to produce said composition.
- said pharmaceutical composition has the features as detailed above throughout this section.
- the present disclosure also provides a kit comprising an RNA and/or carrier, pharmaceutical composition or delivery device of the present disclosure, and instructions for use. Medical uses and methods of treatment
- the present disclosure also provides, in a further independent aspect, an RNA, carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure, for use in medicine. Said use will generally be in a method for raising an immune response in a subject.
- the present disclosure also provides, in a further independent aspect, the use of an RNA, carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure, in the manufacture of a medicament. Said medicament will generally be for raising an immune response in a subject.
- the present disclosure also provides, in a further independent aspect, a therapeutic method comprising the step of administering an effective amount of an RNA, carrier (preferably lipid nanoparticle) or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure to a subject (preferably a subject in need of such administration). Said method will generally be for raising an immune response in the subject.
- the present disclosure provides a method of treatment of a subject comprising the step of administering an effective amount of the RNA of the present disclosure to the subject.
- the present disclosure disclosed a method of treatment of a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.
- the pharmaceutical composition comprises an adjuvant.
- the immune response is preferably protective and, preferably involves antibodies and/or cell-mediated immunity.
- the subject is a vertebrate, preferably a mammal, more preferably a human or large veterinary mammal (e.g. horses, cattle, deer, goats, pigs), even more preferably a human.
- the RNA, carriers (preferably lipid nanoparticle) or pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be for use in the prevention, reduction or treatment of infection or disease.
- the RNA, carriers (preferably lipid nanoparticle) or pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be for use in the prevention, reduction or treatment of symptoms associated with infection or disease.
- the infection is generally one by, and said disease is generally one associated with, a Pneumoviridae virus.
- the Pneumoviridae virus is an Docket No: 70330WO01 Orthopneumovirus, which is more preferably RSV, and even more preferable human RSV (including both the A and B subtypes thereof).
- the present disclosure also provides an RNA, carrier or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure; for use in treating or preventing RSV (preferably a method of vaccination against RSV).
- the present disclosure also provides the use of an RNA, carrier or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing RSV (preferably wherein the medicament is a vaccine).
- the present disclosure also provides a method of inducing an immune response against RSV in a subject (preferably a method of vaccinating a subject against RSV), comprising administering to the subject an immunologically effective amount of the RNA, carrier or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure to the subject.
- Vaccination according to the present disclosure may either be prophylactic (i.e. to prevent infection) or therapeutic (i.e. to treat infection), but will typically be prophylactic.
- Such methods of vaccination may comprise administration of a single dose.
- such methods of vaccination may comprise a vaccination regimen (i.e.
- Such regimens may involve the repeated administration of an immunologically identical protein antigen (delivered in at least one administration via an RNA of the present disclosure), in particular in a prime-boost regimen.
- the first administration (“prime”) may induce proliferation and maturation of B and/or T cell precursors specific to one or more immunogenic epitopes present on the delivered antigen (induction phase).
- the second (and in some cases subsequent) administration (“boost”), may further stimulate and potentially select an anamnestic response of cells elicited by the prior administration(s).
- the different administrations may be given by the same or different routes e.g.
- prime administration a parenteral prime and mucosal boost, a mucosal prime and parenteral boost, etc.
- the prime administration(s) and boost administration(s) will be temporally separated, e.g. by at least: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or more months.
- two prime administrations may be administered 3- 9 weeks apart (e.g.4-9, 5-9, 6-9, 7-9 or 7-8 weeks apart, or about two months apart), followed by one or more boost administrations 4-14 months after the second prime administration (e.g. 5-13, 6-13, 7- 13, 8-13, 9-13, 10-13 or 11-13 months, or about one year).
- prime administration is to a na ⁇ ve subject.
- the antigen may be delivered in the prime and boost administrations as, or via, different formats.
- the antigen may be delivered as a protein for the prime administration(s), and via an RNA of the present disclosure (in particular via a carrier comprising RNA) for the boost administration(s), or vice versa.
- different nucleic acid formats may be used, e.g. the protein antigen may be delivered via an RNA of the present disclosure (in particular via a carrier comprising RNA) for the prime administration(s), and a via a viral vector (e.g. an adenoviral vector) for the boost administration(s), or vice versa.
- RNA, carriers, or pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure will generally be administered directly to the subject.
- Direct delivery may be accomplished by parenteral injection (e.g. subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intradermally, or to the interstitial space of a tissue).
- Alternative delivery routes include rectal, oral (e.g. tablet, spray), buccal, sublingual, vaginal, topical, transdermal or transcutaneous, intranasal, ocular, aural, pulmonary or other mucosal administration.
- the RNA, carriers, or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure will be administered intramuscularly or intradermally (in particular via a needle such as a hypodermic needle), more preferably intramuscularly.
- the RNA, carriers, or pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be used to elicit systemic and/or mucosal immunity.
- the subject of a method of vaccination according to the present disclosure may be a child (preferably an infant) or adult (preferably an older adult or pregnant female). Immunocompromised individuals may also be the subject of such vaccination (whether children or adults).
- infant vaccination the RNA, carriers, or pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure are administered to infants (preferably human infants), as the subject of vaccination.
- infant vaccination may prevent lower respiratory tract infection (in particular, bronchiolitis and (broncho-)pneumonia).
- the infant may be 0-12 months old.
- the infant may be less than one year old, such as less than: 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or less than 3 months old.
- the infant may be ⁇ one month old, such as ⁇ : 2, 3, 4, 5 or ⁇ 6 months old.
- the infant is 2-6 months old (i.e. within and including the ages of 2 and 6 months), more preferably 2-4 months old.
- the infant was born from a female to whom an RSV vaccine (RNA, carrier, or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure) was administered, preferably while pregnant with said infant.
- the combination of maternal and infant vaccination may advantageously provide passive transfer of maternal antibodies (i.e. via the placenta and/or breast milk) to, in addition to active immunity generated by, the infant.
- Older adult vaccination In another preferred embodiment, RNA, carriers, or pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure are administered to older adults (preferably human older adults), as the subject of vaccination. Older adults may suffer from age-related immunosenescence (reviewed in, e.g. [24]), Docket No: 70330WO01 hence this population is also susceptible to RSV infection and resulting disease.
- Older adult vaccination may prevent lower respiratory tract infection (in particular, pneumonia).
- the older adult may be ⁇ 50 years old, such as ⁇ : 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or ⁇ 100 years old.
- the older adult is ⁇ 60 or ⁇ 65 years old (such as 60-120 or 65-120 years old).
- Pregnant female vaccination In another preferred embodiment, RNA, carriers, or pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure are administered to pregnant females (preferably pregnant human females), as the subject of vaccination.
- the primary object of maternal vaccination is to protect the infant from RSV infection when born, e.g. through passive transfer of antibodies via the placenta and/or breast milk.
- the pregnant female may be in her first, second or third trimester of pregnancy, preferably third trimester.
- the pregnant female may be ⁇ 20 weeks pregnant, such as ⁇ : 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 or ⁇ 38 weeks pregnant.
- the pregnant female is ⁇ 28 , ⁇ 29 or ⁇ 30 weeks pregnant (such as 28-43, 29-43 or 30-43 weeks pregnant).
- General The practice of the present disclosure will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional methods of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and pharmacology.
- the singular terms "a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise.
- the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
- the term “plurality” refers to two or more.
- the term “at least one” refers to one or more. Unless specified otherwise, where a numerical range is provided, it is inclusive, i.e., the endpoints are included.
- the terms “at least”, “no more than” and other such terms preceding a list of values are applicable to all members of said list (not merely the first member thereof), unless otherwise stated.
- the term “comprising” encompasses “including” as well as “consisting” e.g. a composition “comprising” X may consist exclusively of X or may include something additional e.g. X + Y.
- the term “about” in relation to a numerical value x is optional and means, for example, x+10%.
- RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the F2 domain is the region of the RSV-F protein corresponding to positions 26-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, and wherein the F1 domain is the region of the RSV-F protein corresponding to positions 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. 5.
- the RSV-F protein comprises a disulphide bond formed by the C residues in the F2 and F1 domains. 6.
- the C residue in the F1 domain is within the fusion peptide, optionally wherein the fusion peptide is the region corresponding to positions 137- 157 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. 7.
- RNA of embodiment 6 wherein the C residue in the F1 domain is within the region of the RSV-F protein corresponding to positions 143-153, 146-150 or 147-149 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.
- RNA of embodiment 7 wherein the C residue in the F1 domain is at position 148 of the RSV- F protein.
- the RNA of any preceding embodiment, wherein the C residue in the F2 domain is within the region of the RSV-F protein corresponding to positions 99-105, 100-104 or 102-104 of SEQ ID NO: 1.
- RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the RSV-F protein comprises, relative to a wild- type RSV-F sequence such as according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, the substitutions T103C and I148C. 12.
- RNA of embodiment 12 wherein the RSV-F protein comprises the substitution D486S/H/N/T/P or the substitution E487Q/T/S/L/H; optionally D486S/T/N/P. 14.
- the RSV-F protein further comprises, relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence such as according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, the substitution of a S, T, G, A, V, or R residue that is buried in the pre-fusion conformation for a I, Y, L, H, M or W residue. 16.
- the RSV-F protein further comprises, relative to a wild-type RSV-F sequence such as according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, the substitution of an S residue at position 190, 55, 62, 155, or 290 of the RSV-F protein for I, Y, L, H, or M; optionally said substitutions at position 190. 17.
- the RSV-F protein comprises the substitution S190I.
- the RSV-F protein comprises, relative to a wild- type RSV-F sequence such as according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, the substitutions T103C, I148C, S190I and D486S. 19.
- a recombinant RNA encoding an RSV-F protein wherein the RSV-F protein comprises: a C residue at position 103, a C residue at position 148, an I residue at position 190, and an S residue at position 486.
- the RSV-F protein comprises: a C residue at position 103, a C residue at position 148, an I residue at position 190, and an S residue at position 486.
- the RSV-F protein comprises a disulphide bond formed by the C residues. Docket No: 70330WO01 21.
- RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the RSV-F protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 99.3% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. 23.
- the RSV-F protein comprises an F2 domain comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to positions 1-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1; and an F1 domain comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 99.5%, sequence identity to positions 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1.
- RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the RSV-F protein comprises an F2 domain comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to positions 26-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1; and an F1 domain comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 99.5%, sequence identity to positions 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 1.
- RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the RSV-F protein is of the A subtype.
- the RSV-F protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.
- RNA of any of embodiments 1-21 or 26, wherein the RSV-F protein comprises an F2 domain comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to positions 1-109 of SEQ ID NO: 2; and an F1 domain comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 81% 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 99.5%, sequence identity to positions 137-523 of SEQ ID NO: 2.
- RNA of any of preceding embodiment comprising, in the 5’ to 3’ direction: a 5’ Cap, a 5’ UTR, an open reading frame encoding the RSV-F protein, a 3’UTR, and a 3’ poly-A tail.
- a 5’ Cap comprises a 7-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleoside by a triphosphate bridge, and wherein the first 5’ ribonucleoside comprises a 2’-methylated ribose (2’-O-Me).
- RNA of embodiment 34 wherein the 5’ cap comprises a 7-methyl-3'-O-methylguanosine linked 5’-to-5’ to the 5’ first ribonucleoside by a triphosphate bridge, and wherein the first 5’ ribonucleoside comprises a 2’-methylated ribose (2’-O-Me).
- the 3’ poly-A tail comprises a contiguous stretch of 100-500 A ribonucleotides. 38.
- RNA of any of embodiments 34-36, wherein the 3’ poly-A tail comprises at least two non- contiguous stretches of A ribonucleotides; optionally 25-35 and 65-90 ribonucleotides in length respectively; optionally orientated in the 5’ to 3’ direction.
- 39. The RNA of any preceding embodiment, comprising a modified ribonucleotide.
- 40. The RNA of embodiment 39, wherein the modified ribonucleotide is 1m ⁇ Docket No: 70330WO01 41.
- RNA of embodiment 40 wherein the RNA comprises 1m ⁇ and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified U ribonucleotides; optionally wherein the RNA comprises 1m ⁇ and neither standard U ribonucleotides nor other modified ribonucleotides.
- 42. The RNA of any preceding embodiment, wherein the RNA has a GC content of 30-70%, 40-60%, 45-55%, 46-53%, 47-51%, or 48-50%.
- 43. The RNA of any of embodiments 1-41, wherein the RNA has a GC content of 30-70%, 40-70%, 45-70%, 50-70%, or 55-70%. 44.
- RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the 5’ UTR comprises (i) an RNA sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 18 or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or at least 97% identical to SEQ ID NO: 18.
- the 3’ UTR comprises (i) an RNA sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 19 or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97% or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 19. 46.
- RNA of any of any preceding embodiment wherein the RNA comprises of consists of (i) SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or at least 99.9% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4. 47.
- RNA of any of embodiments 1-42 or 46, wherein the 5’ UTR comprises (i) an RNA sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 20 or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97% or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 20.
- the 3’ UTR comprises (i) an RNA sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 21 or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or at least 99.5% identical to SEQ ID NO: 21. 49.
- RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the RNA comprises an open reading frame comprising or consisting of: (i) positions 32-1753 of SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) an RNA sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or at least 99.9% identical to positions 32-1753 of SEQ ID NO: 4. 50.
- the RNA of any preceding embodiment, wherein the RNA is able to elicit a pre-fusion RSV-F- specific antibody response in vivo. 51.
- RNA of embodiment 50 wherein the antibody response is an IgG response. Docket No: 70330WO01 52.
- the RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the RNA is able to elicit a neutralising antibody response against RSV in vivo.
- the RNA of any preceding embodiment wherein the RNA is able to elicit a cross-neutralising antibody response against strains of both RSV-A and RSV-B subtypes in vivo.
- An RNA vaccine comprising the RNA of any preceding embodiment.
- a carrier comprising the RNA or RNA vaccine of any of embodiments 1-55. 57.
- the carrier of embodiment 56 which is a lipid nanoparticle.
- the lipid nanoparticle of embodiment 57 comprising a mixture of cationic lipids, neutral lipids, sterols and polymer-conjugated lipids.
- the lipid nanoparticle of embodiment 58 or 59, wherein the cationic lipid comprises a tertiary amine group. 61.
- the lipid nanoparticle of any of embodiments 58-62 comprising (in mole %) 30-60% cationic lipid, 35-70% sterol, 0.8-4.0% polymer-conjugated lipid, and 0-15% neutral lipid; optionally 40-50% cationic lipid, 41-49% sterol, 1.0-3.0% polymer-conjugated lipid and 8.0-11.0% neutral lipid.
- the lipid nanoparticle of any of embodiments 58-63, wherein the molar ratio of protonatable nitrogen atoms in the cationic lipid to phosphates in the RNA (“N:P ratio”) is 5.0-8.0, 5.5-7.0, 5.5- 6.5, 5.0-6.0 or 5.5-6.0. 65.
- a pharmaceutical composition comprising the RNA or RNA vaccine of any of embodiments 1-55, or carrier of any of embodiments 56-64; optionally comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; optionally further comprising an adjuvant.
- a vaccine composition comprising the RNA or RNA vaccine of any of embodiments 1-55, or carrier of any of embodiments 56-64; optionally comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; optionally further comprising an adjuvant 67.
- the composition of embodiment 65 or 66 for use in medicine.
- the composition for use of embodiment 67 for use in a method of raising an immune response in a subject; optionally a protective immune response in a subject. 69.
- 71. The composition for use of any of embodiments 68-70, wherein the subject is a human infant; optionally 2-6 months old.
- 72. The composition for use of any of embodiments 68-70, wherein the subject is a human older adult; optionally ⁇ 50 years old, optionally ⁇ 60 years old.
- the composition for use of any of embodiments 68-70, wherein the subject is a pregnant human female; optionally ⁇ 28 weeks pregnant. 74.
- a method of inducing an immune response against RSV in a subject comprising administering to the subject an immunologically effective amount of the RNA or RNA vaccine of any of embodiments 1-55, carrier of any of embodiments 56-64, pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 65, or vaccine composition of embodiment 66.
- 75. Use of the RNA or RNA vaccine of any of embodiments 1-55, or carrier of any of embodiments 56-64, in the manufacture of a medicament.
- 76. Use according to embodiment 75, wherein the medicament is for treating or preventing RSV.
- the medicament is a vaccine; optionally a prophylactic vaccine. 78.
- kits comprising the RNA or RNA vaccine of any of embodiments 1-55, carrier of any of embodiments 56-64, pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 65, or vaccine composition of embodiment 66, and instructions for use.
- Docket No: 70330WO01 EXAMPLES Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, a skilled person in the art would recognise that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. The illustrative embodiments and examples should not be construed as limiting the invention.
- RSV-F monoclonal antibodies Plasmids encoding RSV-F antibodies, AM14, D25 and Motavizumab were transiently transfected in Expi293F cells (THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC) according to manufacturer’s instructions and media was harvested 6-7 days post transfection.
- the cell harvest media was passed over a MABSELECT SURE COLUMN (CYTIVA) and eluted with 0.1 M citrate pH 3 into 1 M Tris pH 9; buffer exchanged into 20 mM HEPES pH 7, 150 mM NaCl; followed by a final size exclusion chromatography step on a HILOAD 16/600 Superdex 30 pg column (CYTIVA) in 20 mM Hepes pH 7, 150 mM NaCl.
- CYTIVA MABSELECT SURE COLUMN
- the DNA gBLOCKS (INTEGRATED DNA TECHNOLOGIES) were amplified by PCR, and ligation into a vector with a polyA tail. Amino acid substitutions N67I and S215P (also known as design F(ii) were incorporated in DNA constructs and encoded in the eventual mRNA and protein. The additional variations (also known as DS-Cav1, F(iii), and F(i) and their amino acid substitutions are shown in the Table 1.
- the PCR reaction was heated to 98 °C for 30 seconds, followed by 16 cycles at 98 °C for 10 seconds, 69 °C for 30 seconds, 72 °C for 30 seconds. and a final extension of 72 °C for 2 min.
- the PCR products were treated with KLD enzyme (NEB E0554) at room temperature for 5 minutes. Transformation with competent cells (NEB C3040H) was carried out by following manufacture instructions. 24 hours after, colonies were picked and screened to identify correct sequences. In the DNA sequences, the T7 promotor region and the UTRs were appended to 5’ and 3’ of the coding regions (5’ and 3’ “UTR4”) and a polyA tail is after 3’ UTR region. The final plasmids were validated by Sanger sequencing and purified for mRNA production.
- mRNAs were produced by in vitro transcription with capping analogue (TRILINK CLEANCAP A/G) and 100% uridine replacement (with 1m ⁇ ), followed with DNase I, phosphatase treatments (NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS) and silica column purification (QIAGEN). Newly synthesized mRNAs were validated by Tapestation (Agilent) and denaturing RNA gels.
- Example 1 Primary BJ cells (ATCC, CRL-2522) were maintained by routine passaging in growth media (DMEM (LONZA 12-614F) supplemented with 10% FBS (CORNING 35-016-CV), antibiotic (GIBCO 15140- 122) and glutamine (GIBCO 25030-081) and grown at 37°C, 5% CO 2 . Forward transfection of candidate mRNAs (Example 1) BJ cells were seeded in growth media at 1.5x105 cells/mL onto 96-well, clear-bottom, black-walled imaging microwell plates (PERKIN ELMER 6055302).
- target mRNAs were complexed with TRANSIT mRNA transfection reagent (MIRUS mir2250) in OPTIMEM (GIBCO 31985-070). Each target mRNA was forward transfected into BJ cell monolayers using 0.35% transfection reagent (final concentration) with mRNAs diluted to 0.454ng/uL (final concentration), or water-only negative control. The transfected BJ cells were incubated according to the time-course assay.
- TRANSIT mRNA transfection reagent MIRUS mir2250
- OPTIMEM OPTIMEM
- Example 1 Indirect immunofluorescent labelling and detection of surface-expressed RSV F (Example 1)
- the cell media was removed from cells in 96-well format and cell monolayers were rinsed once with PBS with calcium and magnesium (THERMOFISHER 14080055).
- the cell monolayers were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (THERMOFISHERSCIENTIFIC J19943-K2) for 15min. Fixed cells were stored in PBS at 4C until cells can be immunolabeled as a batch. Docket No: 70330WO01 The fixed cell monolayers were rinsed twice with PBS (VWR 02-0119-1000).
- Nonspecific antibody- binding for fixed cells was blocked using 1% Normal Horse Serum (GIBCO 16050-130) in PBS (1%NHS-PBS).
- RSV F protein was labelled by incubating cell monolayers with the respective human anti-RSV F monoclonal antibodies: AM14, D25, motavizumab. Each well was incubated with 331ng of the respective antibody in blocking media overnight at 4C. Cell monolayers are rinsed 3 times with 1%NHS-PBS. Indirect immunofluorescent detection of RSV F expression was completed by incubating cell monolayers with goat anti-human antibody with ALEXA647 (THERMOFISHER A- 21445) diluted 1:2000 in 1%NHS-PBS.
- cell nuclei were co-labelled with DYECYCLE Violet (THERMOFISHER V35003) following manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Cell monolayers are rinsed 3 times with 1% NHS-PBS then cells are stored in PBS for imaging.
- 9 fields per well were imaged in the DYECYCLE Violet and Alexa647 fluorescent channels using the 10x objective on the THERMOSCIENTIFIC Cell Insight CX7 automated imaging system.
- Image analysis is completed using the Target Activation protocol associated with the CELLOMICS (HCS NAVIGATOR Ver 6.6.2 Build 8533) image analysis system.
- Data analysis was completed using MICROSOFT EXCEL and PRISM GRAPHPAD.
- RNA immunisation In vivo RNA immunisation (Example 2) All recombinant RNA molecules were produced by in vitro transcription using N1-methyl pseudouridine to replace all uridines. All recombinant RNA molecules comprised a cap-1 5’ cap (TRILINK CLEANCAP) and a 3’ poly(A) tail. The mRNAs were purified and evaluated for mRNA integrity (by capillary and glyoxal denaturing gel electrophoresis).
- RV39 LNP mRNA constructs were then formulated in LNPs comprising 40 mol% cationic lipid RV39; 2 mol% PEG-conjugated lipid; 48 mol% cholesterol; and 10 mol% 1,2-diastearoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphocholine (DSPC).
- DSPC 1,2-diastearoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphocholine
- An insulin syringe with a permanently attached needle was used to administer 50 ⁇ L (25 ⁇ L in each hindleg thigh muscle) of either saline or a high (2 ⁇ g) or low (0.2 ⁇ g) dose of F(iii) F(i), F(ii) or DS-Cav1 (high dose only) into each mouse on day 0 and day 21 (mRNA constructs KM126, KM173, KM135 and XW02 – SEQ ID NOs: 24, 4, 22 and 25 respectively).
- mice were anesthetized under isoflurane and terminally exsanguinated by cardiac stick to obtain an estimated 200 ⁇ L to 500 ⁇ L of whole blood, (100 ⁇ L of serum).
- RSV pre-F IgG binding antibody titres and RSV A neutralizing antibody titres were measured on day 21 and day 35 using the following assays.
- IgG Binding Assay The LUMINEX assay was designed to measure the levels of RSV Pre-Fusion protein specific IgG binding antibodies from immunized mice.
- LUMINEX microspheres MAGPLEX microspheres, LUMINEX CORP from Austin, TX
- microspheres/well Docket No: 70330WO01 are added in a volume of 50 ⁇ l PBS with 1% BSA + 0.05% Na Azide (assay buffer) to 100 ⁇ l of mouse serum serial diluted. After incubation of the microspheres and serum on an orbital shaker, covered, at RT for 60 minutes, the microspheres are washed 2 times with 200 ⁇ l/well of PBS, 0.05% Tween-20 (wash buffer) on a plate washer using a magnet to allow settling of beads between washes.
- r-PE r-Phycoerythrin conjugated anti-mouse IgG
- JACKSON IMMUNORESEARCH r-Phycoerythrin conjugated anti-mouse IgG
- Serum anti-RSV preF IgG binding was calculated in terms of Assay Units (AU) using a reference standard assigned to a concentration of 100 AU.
- RSV A neutralizing antibody titre assay Heat-inactivated sera (incubated for 30 min at 56°C) were diluted 3-fold starting at 1/8 (for a final dilution of 1/16).
- a control serum WYETH Human Reference Sera from WHO/NIBSC was included at a starting dilution of 1/64 (1/128 final).
- RSV media Biorich DMEM supplemented with 3%-fetal bovine serum (FBS; MOREGATE, FBSAE1000), 2 mM L-Glutamine, and 50 ⁇ g/mL Gentamicin.
- RSV lab-adapted A-Long virus was diluted to approximately 50-150 foci- forming units per 25 ⁇ L. 60 ⁇ L of virus was added into the wells with the same volume of serum dilutions and incubated for 2 hours at 35°C 5% CO2.
- RNA immunisation (Example 4) All recombinant RNA molecules were produced by in vitro transcription using N1-methyl pseudouridine to replace all uridines.
- RNA molecules comprised a cap-1 5’ cap (TRILINK CLEANCAP) and a 3’ poly(A) tail.
- the mRNAs were purified and evaluated for mRNA integrity (by capillary and glyoxal denaturing gel electrophoresis).
- the RV39 LNP mRNA constructs were then formulated in LNPs comprising 40 mol% cationic lipid RV39; 2 mol% PEG-conjugated lipid; 48 mol% cholesterol; and 10 mol% 1,2-diastearoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphocholine (DSPC).
- DSPC 1,2-diastearoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphocholine
- An insulin syringe with a permanently attached needle was used to administer 50 ⁇ L (25 ⁇ L in each hindleg thigh muscle) of either saline or 0.5 ⁇ g dose of F(i), F(ii), F(iii) or DS-Cav1 into each mouse on day 0 and day 21.
- mice were anesthetized under isoflurane and terminally exsanguinated by cardiac stick to obtain an estimated 200 ⁇ L to 500 ⁇ L of whole blood, (minimum 100 ⁇ L of serum).
- RSV pre-F and post-F IgG binding antibody titres and RSV neutralising antibody titres were measured on day 21 and day 35 using the following methods.
- RSV A neutralising antibody titre assay (against RSV A and B strains): Heat-inactivated sera (incubated for 30 min at 56°C) were diluted 3-fold starting at 1/8 (for a final dilution of 1/16).
- a control serum (WYETH Human Reference Sera from WHO/NIBSC) was included at a starting dilution of 1/64 (1/128 final).
- 30 ⁇ L of diluted serum was added on top of 60 ⁇ L of RSV media (BIORICH DMEM supplemented with 3%-fetal bovine serum (FBS; MOREGATE, FBSAE1000), 2 mM L-Glutamine, and 50 ⁇ g/mL Gentamicin).
- RSV A and B strain viruses were diluted to approximately 50-150 foci-forming units per 25 ⁇ L.60 ⁇ L of virus was added into the wells with the same volume of serum dilutions and incubated for 2 hours at 35°C 5% CO2.
- RSV F IgG Binding A multiplex assay was performed to evaluate titers of RSV pre-F- and post-F- specific antibodies in the serum of the mice immunized with new non replicating RSV mRNA vaccines.
- LUMINEX microspheres MAGPLEX microspheres, LUMINEX from Austin, TX
- RSV post-F and pre-F antigen by chemical coupling according to manufacturer instructions.
- 2000 microspheres/ well were added in a volume of 50 ⁇ L 1X PBS with 1% BSA + 0.05% Na Azide (assay buffer) to five-fold serial dilutions of mouse serum down each column.
- the microspheres were washed two times with 200 ⁇ L/well of PBS with 0.05% Tween-20 (wash buffer) on a plate washer using a magnet to allow settling of beads between washes.
- 50 ⁇ L/well of r-Phycoerythrin (r-PE) conjugated anti-mouse IgG JACKSON IMMUNORESEARCH was added at a 1:50 dilution, and plates were incubated (covered) on an orbital shaker at room temperature (RT) for 60 minutes.
- Example 1 The RSV F protein variants F(i), F(ii), F(iii) and DS-Cav1, having the substitutions relative to wild- type set out in in Table 1, were all encoded into mRNA and expressed in BJ cells as set out in the Materials and Methods. While the level of RSV-F expression measured varied across a broad range ( Figures 1A, C, E, G, I & K), transfection of diverse mRNAs and the expressed cognate proteins did Docket No: 70330WO01 not meaningfully impact the integrity of the cell monolayers at either 24 ( Figure 1B, F & J) or 67 hours post transfection ( Figure 1D, H & L) and were not acutely toxic in primary cells.
- RNA encoding F(iii), F(i), F(ii) and DS-Cav1 was administered to mice as set out in the Materials and Methods section.
- Figure 2 displays the RSV pre-F IgG binding antibody geometric mean titres on day 21 (3wp1) and day 35 (2wp2) in animals immunized with either 2 ⁇ g ( Figure 2A) or 0.2 ⁇ g ( Figure 2B) of RNA encoding F(iii), F(ii), F(i) or DS-Cav1 (where each point represents an individual animal). There were no binding antibody responses in the saline control group (data not shown).
- Figure 3 displays the RSV A neutralizing antibody titres (ED60) on day 21 (3wp1) and day 35 (2wp2) in animals immunized with either ( Figure 3A) 2 ⁇ g or ( Figure 3B) 0.2 ⁇ g of RNA encoding F(iii), F(i), F(ii), or DS-Cav1 (where each point represents an individual animal).
- the saline group did not generate a measurable neutralization response to RSV A (data not shown).
- one vaccination generated measurable neutralization to RSV A.
- DS-Cav1 vaccination generated the lowest neutralization titres with one dose ( Figure 3B). All neutralization titres were boosted with a second vaccination.
- F(i) elicited the highest neutralization titres at both doses, compared to the other constructs.
- Example 3 Toluene nitrosulphonic acid (TNS) fluorescence assay for determining pKa Steps (1) – (14): (1) admixing 400 ⁇ L of 2 mM of the cationic lipid that is in 100 volume % ethanol and 800 ⁇ L of 0.3 mM of fluorescent probe TNS, which is in 90 volume % ethanol and 10 volume % methanol, thereby obtaining a lipid/TNS mixture; (2) admixing 7.5 ⁇ L of the lipid/TNS mixture and 242.5 ⁇ L of a first buffer comprising a sodium salt buffer comprising 20 mM sodium phosphate, 25 mM sodium citrate, 20 mM sodium acetate, and 150 mM sodium chloride, wherein the first buffer has a first pH from 4.44 to 4.52, thereby obtaining a first mixture, and dispensing 100 ⁇ L of the first mixture in a first well of a 96-well plate, which has a clear bottom; Docket No: 70
- Example 4 RNA encoding F(i), F(ii), F(iii) or DS-Cav1 was administered to mice as set out in the Materials and Methods section.
- Figure 4A presents the RSV A neutralising antibody titres (ED60) on day 21 (3wp1) and day 35 (2wp2) in animals immunized with 0.5 ⁇ g of F(i), F(ii), F(iii) or DS-Cav1 (where each point represents an individual animal).
- the saline group did not generate a measurable neutralisation response to RSV A (data not shown).
- the neutralisation titres elicited from F(i) were higher than F(ii), F(iii) and DS-Cav1, at both day 21 and day 35..
- Figure 4B presents the RSV A and B day 35 (2wp2) cross-neutralisation titres to lab-adapted (RSV A-long and RSV B-18537) and clinical RSV strains (RSV A-Clinical 2015, RSV B-Clinical 2015 and 2017).
- Cross-neutralising antibody titres elicited from F(i) were generally higher than F(ii), F(iii) and DS-Cav1.
- Figure 5A presents the pre-F IgG binding antibody titres on day 21 and day 35.
- SEQ ID NO: 1 Amino acid (AA) sequence of wild-type RSV-F (A2 strain) containing substitutions K66E and Q101P relative to GenBank Accession number KT992094 with full cytoplasmic tail. SEQ ID NO: 1 is herein referred to as “wild-type”.
- SEQ ID NO: 2 is herein referred to as “wild-type”.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Virology (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Communicable Diseases (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Oncology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
- Proteomics, Peptides & Aminoacids (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Mycology (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US202363452734P | 2023-03-17 | 2023-03-17 | |
| US63/452,734 | 2023-03-17 | ||
| EP23190949 | 2023-08-10 | ||
| EP23190949.0 | 2023-08-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2024194153A1 true WO2024194153A1 (en) | 2024-09-26 |
Family
ID=90365499
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2024/056893 Pending WO2024194153A1 (en) | 2023-03-17 | 2024-03-15 | Rsv-f-encoding nucleic acids |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2024194153A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20170182151A1 (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2017-06-29 | Pfizer Inc. | RSV F Protein Mutants |
| US20180271970A1 (en) * | 2015-10-22 | 2018-09-27 | Modernatx, Inc. | Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine |
| US20200172600A1 (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2020-06-04 | Glaxosmithkline Biologicals, Sa | Rsv f protein compositions and method for making same |
| US20210128474A1 (en) * | 2017-05-30 | 2021-05-06 | Glaxosmithkline Biologicals S.A. | Methods for manufacturing a liposome encapsulated rna |
-
2024
- 2024-03-15 WO PCT/EP2024/056893 patent/WO2024194153A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20200172600A1 (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2020-06-04 | Glaxosmithkline Biologicals, Sa | Rsv f protein compositions and method for making same |
| US20180271970A1 (en) * | 2015-10-22 | 2018-09-27 | Modernatx, Inc. | Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine |
| US20170182151A1 (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2017-06-29 | Pfizer Inc. | RSV F Protein Mutants |
| US20210128474A1 (en) * | 2017-05-30 | 2021-05-06 | Glaxosmithkline Biologicals S.A. | Methods for manufacturing a liposome encapsulated rna |
Non-Patent Citations (20)
| Title |
|---|
| "GenBank", Database accession no. KT992094 |
| AW ET AL., IMMUNOLOGY, vol. 120, no. 4, 2007, pages 435 - 46 |
| CARBONELL-ESTRANY ET AL., PEDIATRICS, vol. 125, 2010, pages e35 - 51 |
| CHEN ET AL., MOL CELL, vol. 76, no. 1, 2019, pages 96 - 109 |
| EDGAR ET AL., BIORXIV. 2021. 06.20.449169 |
| EDGAR, BMC BIOINFORMATICS, vol. 5, 2004, pages 113 |
| FALSEY ET AL., N ENGL J MED, vol. 352, no. 17, 28 April 2005 (2005-04-28), pages 1749 - 59 |
| FALSEYWALSH, CLIN MICROBIOL REV., vol. 13, 2000, pages 371 - 84 |
| FELTES ET AL., PEDIATR RES, vol. 70, 2011, pages 186 - 91 |
| GENNARO: "Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy", 2000 |
| GILMAN ET AL., PLOSPATHOGENS, vol. 11, no. 7, 2015, pages el005035 |
| GROOTHUIS ET AL., ADV THER, vol. 28, 2011, pages 110 - 25 |
| KRARUP ET AL., NAT COMMUN, vol. 6, 3 September 2015 (2015-09-03), pages 8143 |
| MCLELLAN ET AL., SCIENCE, vol. 340, no. 6136, 2013, pages 1113 - 7 |
| O'BRIEN ET AL., LANCET INFECT DIS, vol. 15, 2015, pages 1398 - 408 |
| RHA ET AL., PEDIATRICS, vol. 146, no. l, July 2020 (2020-07-01), pages e20193611 |
| SIEVERS ET AL., METHODS MOL BIOL, vol. 1079, 2014, pages 105 - 16 |
| THE IMPACT-RSV STUDY GROUP, PEDIATRICS, vol. 102, 1998, pages 531 - 537 |
| VAN DRUNNEN LITTLE-VAN DEN HURK ET AL., REV MED VIROL, vol. 17, no. 1, 2007, pages 5 - 34 |
| WHITEHEAD ET AL., JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY, vol. 72, no. 5, 1998 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US20240100145A1 (en) | Vlp enteroviral vaccines | |
| US20230338506A1 (en) | Respiratory virus immunizing compositions | |
| EP4147717A1 (en) | Coronavirus vaccine | |
| KR20230164648A (en) | RNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants | |
| WO2019148101A1 (en) | Rsv rna vaccines | |
| EP4554617A1 (en) | Norovirus mrna vaccines | |
| TW201729835A (en) | Respiratory virus vaccines | |
| WO2024256637A1 (en) | Cysteine-substituted rsv-f proteins | |
| US20240181038A1 (en) | Immunogenic compositions | |
| KR20250075664A (en) | Influenza virus vaccine | |
| WO2024041772A1 (en) | Rsv-f proteins | |
| WO2024194153A1 (en) | Rsv-f-encoding nucleic acids | |
| WO2024193965A1 (en) | Rsv-f-encoding nucleic acids | |
| US11730804B1 (en) | Compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of rabies virus infection | |
| CN117679501A (en) | Banda virus vaccine and preparation method thereof | |
| EP4577556A1 (en) | Rsv-f proteins | |
| EP4577557A1 (en) | Rsv-f proteins | |
| WO2025029700A1 (en) | Vlp enteroviral vaccines | |
| WO2025022327A1 (en) | Lyophilised composition | |
| WO2025027492A1 (en) | Coronavirus antigen variants | |
| WO2024223724A1 (en) | Influenza virus vaccines | |
| HK40090415A (en) | Coronavirus vaccine |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 24712046 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
| WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2024712046 Country of ref document: EP |
|
| NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
| ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2024712046 Country of ref document: EP Effective date: 20251017 |
|
| ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2024712046 Country of ref document: EP Effective date: 20251017 |
|
| ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2024712046 Country of ref document: EP Effective date: 20251017 |
|
| ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2024712046 Country of ref document: EP Effective date: 20251017 |
|
| ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2024712046 Country of ref document: EP Effective date: 20251017 |