Therapeutic mRNA delivery to leukocytes

J Control Release. 2019 Jul 10:305:165-175. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.05.032. Epub 2019 May 21.

Abstract

In the past few years mRNA molecules have become an attractive class of new drugs with numerous opportunities. mRNA therapeutics holds great potential for the treatment of a variety of diseases and is an emerging field both in academia and in the pharma industry. Among the various mRNA-based therapeutic approaches, immunotherapy is one of the pioneering and most advanced therapy to date. Immune cells manipulation using mRNA is commonly used for vaccination purposes, but its potential is much broader. In this review, we discuss the promise of mRNA delivery to leukocytes. We aim to provide an overview of the main progress in this field, as well as the challenges in expanding the scope of mRNA therapy for different therapeutic applications. We also discuss the main technological developments for overcoming mRNA therapy limitations, including mRNA rational design and delivery platforms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Leukocytes / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / therapeutic use
  • Transfection / methods
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines / genetics
  • Vaccines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Vaccines