DE102009050308A1 - New polyribonucleotide, having protein encoding sequence that comprises combination of unmodified and modified nucleotides and is obtained from mixture of ATP, guanosine-, cytidine- and uridine-triphosphate, useful e.g. for coating implant - Google Patents

Abstract

Polyribonucleotide (I), having a sequence encoding a protein or its fragments, is new, where (I) comprises a combination of unmodified and modified nucleotides and is obtained from a nucleotide mixture of ATP, guanosine triphosphate, cytidine triphosphate and uridine triphosphate and 5-50% of the uridine and cytidine nucleotides are modified. Independent claims are included for: (1) a composition (II) containing (I) with excipients; (2) an implant with a coating made of modified RNA or (I) in a delayed-release polymer, as a carrier; and (3) a method of screening nucleotide sequences in order to test the immunogenicity and expression quality, comprising bonding the RNA sequence with at least a receptor comprising toll-like receptor (TLR)3, TLR8 and helicase RIG-1 (retinoic acid-inducible gene-1) and measuring the binding capacity. ACTIVITY : Respiratory-Gen.; CNS-Gen.; Antibacterial; Immunostimulant; Hemostatic; Metabolic. MECHANISM OF ACTION : None given.

Description

The invention relates to a polyribonucleotide, in particular messenger RNA, containing a combination of unmodified and modified nucleotides, for protein expression and the use of such RNAs for the therapy of diseases and for diagnostic procedures.

Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are polymers made up of nucleoside-phosphate building blocks mainly containing adenosine, cytidine, uridine, and guanosine as nucleosides, which, as intermediates, bring the genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it translates into proteins becomes. They are thus suitable as an alternative to gene expression.

The study of biochemical processes in the cell and the study of the human genome have uncovered connections between deficient genes and diseases. Therefore, there has been a desire for a long time to cure diseases based on deficient genes by gene therapy. The expectations were high, but attempts to do so failed as a rule. A first approach to gene therapy has been to bring the intact DNA of a deficient or defective gene in a vector into the nucleus in order to achieve the expression of the intact gene and thus the provision of the missing or defective protein. These attempts were generally unsuccessful and the few successful trials were burdened with significant side effects, especially increased tumorigenesis.

Furthermore, there are diseases that are due to a lack of proteins or a protein defect, without this being due to a genetic defect. Also in such a case, it is considered to generate the corresponding proteins in vivo by administering DNA. Also, the provision of factors that play a role in metabolism and are disturbed or inhibited for pathological or non-pathological reasons could be treated by a side-effect-free or low-level nucleic acid therapy.

It has also been proposed to use mRNAs for the treatment of hereditary diseases to treat genetic defects that lead to disease. The advantage here is that the mRNA only has to be introduced into the cytoplasm of a cell, but does not have to be introduced into the nucleus. The introduction into the nucleus is difficult and inefficient, and there is a considerable risk that the chromosomal DNA will be altered when the vector or parts thereof are incorporated into the genome.

Although it has been shown that messenger RNA transcribed in vitro can actually be expressed in mammalian tissue, further obstacles have been raised in the attempt to use mRNA for the treatment of diseases. The lack of stability of the mRNA led to the fact that the desired protein could not be provided in sufficient quantity in the mammalian tissue. Another major disadvantage was the fact that mRNA triggers significant immunological reactions. These strong immune responses are thought to be due to binding to Toll-like receptors such as TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and helicase RIG-1.

In order to prevent an immunological reaction, in WO 2007/024708 proposed to use RNA in which one of the four ribonucleotides is replaced by a modified nucleotide. In particular, it was investigated how mRNA behaves, in which uridine is replaced by pseudouridine as a whole. It has been found that such an RNA molecule is significantly less immunogenic. However, the biological activity of these products was not yet sufficient for successful therapy.

In order to provide the body with necessary or helpful proteins and / or to treat a disease based on deficient or deficient proteins by nucleic acids, it is desirable to have a nucleic acid which can transfect cells that remain stable long enough in the cell and provides a sufficient amount of protein so that overly frequent dosing is avoided. At the same time, however, this nucleic acid must not cause any immunological reactions to any significant extent.

It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide an agent which is suitable for the therapy of diseases caused by deficient or defective genes or by diseases caused by deficient or defective proteins, or which is able to produce necessary or helpful proteins in vivo which do not or can not triggers a greatly reduced immune response, is stable in a physiological environment, ie is not degraded immediately after administration and is generally suitable as an agent for therapy. Was still It is an object of the invention to provide a means for the treatment of diseases that can be positively influenced by in vivo formation of proteins.

This object is achieved with a polyribonucleotide as defined in claim 1. Particularly suitable is mRNA encoding a protein or protein fragment whose defect or deficiency is detrimental to the body or whose expression is beneficial to the body. When the term "polyribonucleotide" or "mRNA" is used below, it is always to be understood that this is a polyribonucleotide or an mRNA encoding a protein or protein fragment that co-expresses with a suffering or defect as described above.

It has surprisingly been found that the above-mentioned problems with ribonucleic acid or polyribonucleotides (in the following also generally referred to as RNA), in particular with messenger RNA (mRNA) can be solved when an RNA is used which contains both unmodified and modified nucleotides It is essential that each of a predetermined proportion of uridine and Cytidinnucleotide is present in modified form.

Furthermore, it has surprisingly been found that RNA in which two kinds of nucleotides are partially replaced by respective modified nucleotides show a high translational and transfection efficiency, i. H. The RNA transfects more cells and generates more of the encoded protein per cell than was possible with known RNA. In addition, the RNA modified according to the invention is longer active than the RNA or unmodified RNA known from the prior art.

The advantages achieved with the RNA according to the invention are obtained neither with unmodified nor with completely modified RNA. It has been found that both a reduced immunogenicity and increased stability can be achieved if the proportion of modified uridine and Cytidinnucleotiden is set in the mRNA targeted and at least 5% but not more than 50%. When mRNA is used without modification, it is highly immunogenic, while when all uridine and cytidine nucleotides are in modified form, the biological activity is too low to be used for therapeutic purposes. In addition, it has been found that the nature of the modification is critical. The inventively modified mRNAs show low immunogenicity and have a long life.

It has been found that the stability of the RNA according to the invention over previously used nucleic acids is greatly increased. Thus, it was found that mRNA according to the invention 10 days after transfection in a 10-fold higher amount is detectable than unmodified mRNA. In addition to high transfection rates, above all, the increased lifetime allows the use of the mRNA according to the invention for therapeutic purposes, since the high stability and thus long life makes it possible to carry out a dosage at longer intervals, which are thus also acceptable to the patient.

According to the invention, a particularly advantageous means for therapeutic purposes is thus provided. The RNA according to the invention fulfills the requirements which are imposed on a product to be used in therapy: As RNA, it must be introduced into the cytoplasm and not into the cell nucleus for the purpose of unfolding the effect, there is no danger of its being integrated into the genome Modification of the invention largely prevents an immune reaction and the modification also protects the RNA from rapid degradation. This makes it possible with the RNA according to the invention to generate physiological functions in tissues or to regenerate, for. For example, functions that have been repaired by a deficient or defective gene can be restored in vivo to treat diseases caused by deficient or defective genes. Furthermore, it has surprisingly been found that polyribonucleotides according to the invention can positively influence diseases by forming in vivo proteins which can directly or indirectly influence the course of the disease. According to the invention therefore also polyribonucleotides can be provided, the factors, for. For example, they may encode growth factors, stimulators, inducers, enzymes, or other biologically active molecules to support appropriate activities.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the following description and the attached figures.

1 shows the influence of different nucleotide modifications on immunogenicity and stability of different mRNAs. 1A Figure 9 is a graph plotting TNF-α level after administration of different RNAs with differently modified nucleotides. Unmodified and 25% simply modified RNA leads to a high level of inflammatory markers and shows the high immunogenicity of this RNA, while for RNA according to the invention twice modified the inflammatory marker in tolerable amount available. The 1B and 1C show the biological activity (transfection efficiency and expression) of variously modified mRNA in human cells and mouse cells as a percentage of the red fluorescent protein (RFP) positive cells and the amount of RFP per cell. The diagrams show that the proteins coded by unmodified, simply modified and completely modified RNA can be detected only to a lesser percentage, while the invention partially doubly modified RNA provides significantly higher amounts of protein due to their higher stability.

2 shows for multi-modified mRNA higher stability and longer expression period. 2A and B respectively show diagrams plotting the expression duration of various modified and unmodified mRNAs. 2C shows data for RNA immunoprecipitation for unmodified RNA, single-modified RNA, and multi-modified RNA. 2D Figure 12 shows graphs depicting the immunogenicity of various mRNAs after intravenous in vivo administration. The data show that a double-modified RNA according to the invention has a combination of high stability and low immunogenicity.

3 shows various test results obtained after intratracheal aerosol application of modified SP-B mRNA into SP-B conditionally deficient mice. 3A shows luminescent bioluminescent images of mice treated with unmodified and multiply modified RNA. It can be clearly seen that only RNA modified according to the invention still expresses a sufficient amount of protein even after 5 days, whereas in the case of unmodified RNA the expression is already low after 3 hours. 3B shows a diagram in which the flux is plotted against the time after transfection. It can be clearly seen that the modification according to the invention prolongs the expression duration. 3C shows the dosing scheme for SP-B mRNA. 3D Figure 9 is a graph showing the survival rate for mice treated with modified mRNA as compared to mice treated with control mRNA, with significantly longer survival in mice treated with RNA of the present invention. 3E Figure 4 shows immunostaining showing that with RNA of the invention encoding SP-B, the SP-B could be reconstituted in SP-B deficient mice. 3F shows the distribution of proteins in the cell-free BALF supernatant as a result of a semi-quantitative Western blot analysis. The 3G and H show photographs of lung histology specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens of, respectively 3C treated mice. While lung and lavage preparations from mice receiving control RNA exhibited the lung damage common to SP-B deficiency, the preparations of mice treated with RNA of the invention were unremarkable. 3I shows a lung tolerance chart over time. Lung function was maintained for a long time when treated with RNA of the invention, while lung damage was found in control RNA treated animals.

4 Figure 11 is a graph plotting the fluorescence intensity of the formed RFP over time for unmodified and differently modified mRNAs. The modified mRNA is translated later and less strongly than the unmodified mRNA.

5 Figure 3 shows three plots plotting inflammation markers for mice treated with different mRNAs. It can be clearly seen that RNA modified according to the invention does not cause any inflammatory reactions, whereas unmodified RNA leads to a strong immune reaction.

6 shows diagrams in which different lung-typical parameters for treated with different mRNAs according to the invention mice are applied. The parameters are tissue elasticity (HL), tissue loss (GL), tissue inertia, airway resistance (Rn) and lung tissue composition Eta (GL / HL). For the RNAs according to the invention, none of the parameters was impaired over the positive control group.

7 shows the expression ability of differently modified mRNA in a diagram in which the percentage of RFP positive cells for mRNA is plotted with different proportion of modified nucleotides. The comparison shows that only modified mRNA according to the invention leads to long-lasting expression, whereas mRNA not modified according to the invention is expressed to a lesser extent both in human cells and in mouse cells.

8th shows the expression ability of differently modified mRNA in a diagram in which the percentage of RFP positive cells for mRNA with differently modified nucleotides is plotted. The comparison shows that only modified mRNA according to the invention leads to long-lasting expression, whereas mRNA not modified according to the invention is expressed to a lesser extent both in human cells and in mouse cells.

9 shows the stability of freeze-dried RNA according to the invention.

10A Figure 14 is a graph plotting transfection efficiency for various modified nucleotides. It can be clearly seen that the highest transfection efficiency is achieved with RNA in which 10% of the uridine nucleotides and 10% of the cytidine nucleotides and optionally 5% further nucleotides are modified. 10B Figure 9 is a graph plotting TNF-α production as a marker for the immunological reaction for RNA with differently modified nucleotides. It can be clearly seen that RNA with between 5 and 50% of the uridine nucleotides and cytidine nucleotides modified has a significantly reduced immunogenicity compared to unmodified RNA.

11 Figure 3 shows the results of various assays measuring the stability and immunogenicity of modified mRNA encoding EPO according to the present invention. Panel 11 (a) shows the proportion of erythropoietin detectable 14 days after administration of EPO-encoding mRNA modified in a different manner. It can be clearly seen that after 14 days the proportion of EPO in mice injected with modified mRNA according to the invention is 4.8 times higher than in untreated mice, but also 4.8 times higher than in mice treated with unmodified RNA and still 2.5-fold higher than mice treated with single-modified RNA.

Chart 11 (b) shows hematocrit values at 14 days and 28 days after administration of EPO-encoding mRNA with different modifications. The diagram clearly shows that mice treated with mRNA modified according to the invention have a considerably higher hematocrit value.

In the diagrams of 11 (c) the formation of the factors typical for an immunological reaction is plotted. It turns out that all four inflammation markers are increased in the administration of unmodified mRNA, while in accordance with the invention modified RNA, an immunological reaction is barely detectable.

The diagrams of 11 (d) show the corresponding values for IFN-α and IL-12, which are also inflammatory markers. Here, too, it appears that mRNA modified according to the invention causes virtually no immunological reaction, in contrast to unmodified mRNA.

According to the invention a polyribonucleotide molecule with partially multiply modified nucleotides, a partially multiply modified mRNA, an IVT mRNA, and the use of the RNA molecules for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of deficient or defective genes-based diseases or for the treatment of diseases by Provision of proteins in vivo, such as factors, stimulators, inducers or enzymes can be alleviated or cured. In a further embodiment, the mRNA according to the invention is combined with target binding sites, targeting sequences and / or with microRNA binding sites in order to allow an activity of the desired mRNA only in the appropriate cells. In a further embodiment, the RNA according to the invention is combined with microRNAs or shRNAs downstream of the 3'PolyA tail. In a further embodiment, RNA is made available whose duration of action has been set or lengthened by further targeted modifications.

An object of the invention is therefore an RNA with increased stability and reduced immunogenicity. The RNA according to the invention can be produced in a manner known per se. Typically, it is generated by transcription of a DNA encoding the intact or desired protein that can affect a condition or whose disease causes its deficiency or deficient form.

In the context of the present invention, RNA should be understood as meaning any polyribonucleotide molecule which, when it enters the cell, is suitable for expression of a protein or fragment thereof, or is translatable to a protein or fragment thereof. The term "protein" encompasses any type of amino acid sequence, d. H. Chains of two or more amino acids, each linked via peptide compounds, and including peptides and fusion proteins.

The RNA of the invention contains a ribonucleotide sequence encoding a protein or fragment thereof whose function is needed or useful in the cell, e.g. B is a protein whose absence or defective form is the cause of a disease or condition or the provision of which can alleviate or prevent a disease or condition. In general, the RNA according to the invention contains the sequence for the complete protein or a functional variant thereof. Furthermore, the ribonucleotide sequence may encode a protein which acts as a factor, inducer, regulator, stimulator or enzyme, or a functional fragment thereof, which protein is one whose function is necessary to disrupt, in particular To address metabolic disorder or to initiate processes such as the formation of new vessels, tissues etc. in vivo. A functional variant is here understood to mean a fragment which can take over the function of the protein in the cell, the function of which is needed in a cell or whose absence or defect is responsible for the disease. In addition, the RNA according to the invention may also have further functional regions and / or 3 'and 5' noncoding regions. The 3 'and / or 5' noncoding regions may be the regions naturally flanking the encoded protein or artificial sequences that contribute to the stabilization of the RNA. The person skilled in the art can find the respectively suitable sequences for this by routine experiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the RNA contains an m7GpppG cap, an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and / or a polyA tail at the 3 'end, particularly to enhance translation. The RNA may have further translation promoting regions. Essential for the RNA according to the invention is its proportion of modified nucleotides.

An RNA of the invention having increased stability and reduced immunogenicity is obtained by using for its production a nucleotide mixture in which the proportion of the modified cytidine nucleotides and the modified uridine nucleotides is adjusted. Preferably, the RNA of the invention is prepared with a nucleotide mixture containing both unmodified and modified nucleotides, with 5 to 50% of the cytidine nucleotides and 5 to 50% of the uridine nucleotides modified. The adenosine and guanosine containing nucleotides may be unmodified. A nucleotide mixture may also be used in which some of the ATPs and / or GTPs are also modified, the proportion of which should not exceed 20%, and preferably their proportion, if any, is in the range of 0.5 to 10% should.

In a preferred embodiment, therefore, an mRNA is provided having 5 to 50% modified cytidine nucleotides and 5 to 50% uridine nucleotides and 50 to 95% unmodified cytidine nucleotides, 50 to 95% unmodified uridine nucleotides, the adenosine and guanosine nucleotides unmodified or partial may be modified, wherein they are preferably present in unmodified form.

Preferably, 10 to 35% of the cytidine and uridine nucleotides are modified, and more preferably, the proportion of modified cytidine nucleotides is in the range of 7.5 to 25% and the proportion of modified uridine nucleotides is in the range of 7.5 to 25%.

The nature of the modification of the nucleosides has an influence on the stability and thus the lifetime and biological activity of the mRNA. Suitable modifications are listed in the following table: description Lawn modification (5-position) Sugar modification (2'-position) of course in mRNA uridine 5-Methyluridine-5'-triphosphates (m5U) CH ₃ - No 5-Idouridine 5'-triphosphates (I5U) J - No 5-bromouridine 5'-triphosphates (Br5U) br - No 2-thiouridine 5'-triphosphates (S4U) S (in 2 position) - No 4-thiouridine 5'-triphosphates (S2U) S (in 4 position) - No 2'-methyl-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphates (U2'm) - CH ₃ Yes 2'-amino-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphates (U2'NH2) - NH ₂ No 2'-azido-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphates (U2'N3) - N ₃ No 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphates (U2'F) - F No cytidine 5-methylcytidine-5'-triphosphates (m5C) CH ₃ - Yes 5-Idocytidine-5'-triphosphates (I5U) J - No 5-bromocytidine-5'-triphosphates (Br5U) br - No 2-thiocytidine 5'-triphosphates (S2C) S (in 2 position) - No 2'-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'm) - CH ₃ Yes 2'-amino-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'NH2) - NH ₂ No 2'-azido-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'N3) - N ₃ No 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'F) - F No adenosine N6-methyladenosine-5'-triphosphates (m6A) CH ₃ (in 6-position) - Yes N1-methyladenosine 5'-triphosphates (m1A) CH ₃ (in position 1) - No 2'-O-methyladenosine-5'-triphosphates (A2'm) - CH ₃ Yes 2'-amino-2'-deoxyadenosine-5'-triphosphates (A2'NH2) - NH ₂ No 2'-azido-2'-deoxyadenosine-5'-triphosphates (A2'N3) - N ₃ No 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine-5'-triphosphates (A2'F) - F No guanosine N1-methylguanosine-5'-triphosphates (m1G) CH ₃ (in position 1) - No 2'-O-methylguanosine-5'-triphosphates (G2'm) - CH ₃ Yes 2'-amino-2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-triphosphates (G2'NH2) - NH ₂ No 2'-azido-2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-triphosphates (G2'N3) - N ₃ No 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-triphosphates (G2'F) - F No

Either all uridine nucleotides or cytidine nucleotides can be modified in the same form for the RNA according to the invention, or a mixture of modified nucleotides can be used in each case. The modified nucleotides may have naturally or non-naturally occurring modifications. A mixture of differently modified nucleotides may be used. For example, one part of the modified nucleotides may have natural modifications, while another part may have non-naturally occurring modifications, or a mixture of naturally occurring modified and / or non-naturally occurring modified nucleotides may be used. One part of the modified nucleotides may also have a lawn modification and another part a sugar modification. Likewise, it is possible that all modifications are turf modifications or all modifications are sugar modifications or any suitable mixture thereof. By varying the modifications, the stability and / or duration of action of the RNA according to the invention can be adjusted in a targeted manner.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least two different modifications are used for one type of nucleotide, one type of modified nucleotides having a functional group via which further groups can be coupled. Nucleotides having different functional groups can also be used to provide binding sites for the coupling of different groups. For example, a portion of the modified nucleotides may carry an azido group, an amino group, a hydroxy group, a thiol group, or any other reactive group suitable for reaction under predetermined conditions. The functional group may also be one that can activate a naturally-occurring linkable group under certain conditions, so that molecules can be coupled with functions. Nucleotides modified to provide binding sites can also be introduced as adenosine or guanosine modifications. The choice of the appropriate modifications and the choice of the binding sites to be made available depends on which groups are to be introduced and in what frequency they are to be present. The proportion of nucleotides provided with functional and / or activating groups thus depends on how high the proportion of coupling groups should be and can be easily determined by the person skilled in the art. Typically, the proportion of functionalized and / or activating group-modified nucleotides, if present, is from 1 to 25% of the modified nucleotides. If necessary, the person skilled in the art can determine by routine experimentation the groups which are most suitable and their optimum proportion.

It has been found that particularly good results are achieved when the RNA according to the invention 2'-thiouridine as a modified uridine-containing nucleotide. Furthermore, it is preferred that the RNA according to the invention contains 5'-methylcytidine as a modified cytidine nucleotide. These two nucleotides are therefore preferred. Also preferred is a combination of these two modifications. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these two nucleotides are each present in a proportion of 10 to 30%. Optionally modified nucleotides may be added as long as the total amount of modified nucleotides does not exceed 50% of the respective nucleotide species.

Preferred is a polyribonucleotide in which 5 to 50%, more preferably 5 to 30% and especially 7.5 to 25% of the uridine nucleotides are 2'-thiouridine nucleotides, and 5 to 50%, more preferably 5 to 30% and especially 7, 5 to 25% of the cytidine nucleotides are 5'-methylcytidine nucleotides, where the adenosine and guanosine nucleotides may be unmodified or partially modified nucleotides. In a preferred embodiment, this mRNA according to the invention additionally has a 7'-methylguanosine cap and / or a poly (A) end. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the mRNA is in its mature form, i. H. made with a GppG cap, an IRES and / or a PolyA tail.

The optimal types and levels of modified uridine nucleotides or cytidine nucleotides for a specific RNA can be determined by routine experimentation. Optimal in this context, an mRNA is called, the immunogenicity is so low that it does not burden the treated organism and has a predetermined stability and thus predetermined expression period. Methods for checking and determining these properties are known to the person skilled in the art and are described below and in the examples.

The RNA according to the invention can be prepared in a manner known per se. Suitable is z. B. a method in which the mRNA according to the invention is prepared by in vitro transcription from a mixture of ATP, CTP, GTP and UTP, wherein 5 to 50%, preferably 5 to 30% and in particular 7.5 to 25%, the cytidine nucleotides and 5 to 50%, preferably 5 to 30% and especially 7.5 to 25%, of which uridine nucleotides are modified and the remainder are unmodified. Guanosine and adenosine nucleosides, in particular adenosine, may optionally also be modified. Essential for the invention, however, is the modification of UTP and CTP in the specified range. If the proportion of modified UTP and / or CTP is lower or higher, the advantageous properties are no longer achieved. Thus, it was found that outside the claimed areas, the mRNA is no longer so stable. With a lower level of modification immunological reactions are also to be feared. In order to adjust the appropriate ratio of unmodified and modified nucleotides, the RNA is conveniently generated using a nucleotide mixture whose nucleoside proportions are partially modified and partially unmodified according to the desired ratio, with at least 5% of the uridine nucleosides and at least 5% of the cytidine nucleosides modified according to the invention as a whole but not more than each 50% uridine nucleosides or cytidine nucleosides are modified. Other nucleosides, d. H. Adenosine and guanosines may be modified, but an upper limit of 50% modification, preferably 20%, should also not be exceeded for these nucleosides. Preferably, only the corresponding portions of the uridine nucleosides and cytidine nucleosides are modified.

The nucleosides to be modified may have modifications as also found in naturally occurring nucleosides, e.g. As methylations or binding variations or "synthetic", ie not occurring in nature or it can be used a mixture of nucleosides with natural and / or synthetic modifications. Thus, of course, modified nucleosides of at least one kind may be combined with synthetically modified nucleosides of the same species or another species, or naturally and synthetically modified nucleosides of one species may be combined with naturally, only synthetically or mixed naturally / synthetically modified nucleosides of another type, where "species" refers here to the type of nucleosides, ie ATP, GTP, CTP or UTP. In some cases, as stated above, it may be useful to combine modified nucleosides with functional groups that provide binding sites with non-functionally modified nucleosides to enhance immunogenicity and stability or to adjust properties. The most suitable type or combination, the expert with routine experiments, such as. B. also be given below, easy to find. Particularly preferred used as modified nucleosides 2-thiouridine and 5-methylcytidine. When functionally modified nucleosides are desired, preference is given to 2'-azido and 2'-amino nucleosides.

The length of the mRNA used according to the invention depends on the gene product or protein or protein fragment to be provided or supplemented. The mRNA can therefore be very short, z. B. only 20 or 30 nucleotides, or according to the length of the gene have several thousand nucleotides. The person skilled in the art can select the respectively suitable sequence in the usual way.

It is essential that the function of the disease-causing protein or a disease-alleviating or preventing protein for which the mRNA is to be used can be provided.

Preferably, 2'-thiouridine is used as the modified uridine-containing nucleotide for the preparation of the RNA according to the invention. Furthermore, it is preferable to use 5'-methylcytidine as a modified cytidine nucleotide. Preferably, therefore, a nucleotide mixture is used to prepare the RNA according to the invention, which contains in addition to ATP and GTP 95 to 50% unmodified CTP and 95 to 50% unmodified UTP and 5 to 50% 2'-thiouridine nucleotides and 5 to 50% methylcytidine nucleotides. Therefore, particularly preferred is a polyribonucleotide in which 5 to 50, preferably 5 to 30 and especially 7.5 to 25% of the uridine nucleotides are 2'-thiouridine nucleotides, 5 to 50%, preferably 5 to 30% and especially 7.5 to 25 % of the cytidine nucleotides are 5'-methylcytidine nucleotides, with the adenosine and guanosine nucleotides being unmodified nucleotides. Such a combination leads to the production of a partially modified RNA, which is characterized by particularly high stability. It was shown that RNA prepared with a nucleotide mixture containing respectively 5 to 50% 2-thiouridine and 5-methylcytidine nucleotides as CTP and UTP, respectively, is particularly stable; H. a up to 10-fold increased viability as compared to unmodified or well-modified RNA.

In another preferred embodiment, of the 5 to 50% modified uridine and cytidine nucleotides, respectively, 1 to 50%, preferably 2 to 25%, are such nucleotides which have binding sites that produce or activate binding sites, d. H. in each case 0.5 to 20%, preferably 1 to 10% of the cytidine nucleotides and / or the uridine nucleotides may have a modification which creates a binding site, such as. As azido, NH, SH or OH groups. This combination provides both a particularly stable and versatile RNA.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the polyribonucleotide molecule constructed from unmodified and modified nucleotides has a 7'-methylguanosine cap and / or a poly (A) end. In addition, the RNA may have additional sequences, for. Non-translated regions and functional nucleic acids, as well known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, the RNA according to the invention is provided as in vitro transcribed RNA (IVT-RNA). The materials necessary for carrying out the in vitro transcription are known to the person skilled in the art and commercially available, in particular buffers, enzymes and nucleotide mixtures. The nature of the DNA used to produce the RNA of the invention is likewise not critical, as a rule it is cloned DNA.

As stated above, an RNA, in particular mRNA, is provided which has modified uridine nucleosides and modified cytidine nucleosides in a predetermined proportion. The optimal proportion of modified uridine nucleosides or cytidine nucleosides for a specific mRNA can be determined by routine experiments which are well known to the person skilled in the art.

The RNA according to the invention is preferably used for the therapy of diseases and preferably has the in vitro transcript for a protein or protein fragment whose defect or deficiency leads to a pathological state or the provision of which leads to the alleviation of a disease. For the preparation of the RNA according to the invention, preference is given to using a DNA which codes for a protein or protein fragment whose defect or deficiency is related to a disease or a disease. In one embodiment, the DNA of a gene whose defect or deficiency leads to a disease or a disease is used to produce the RNA according to the invention. In another embodiment, to produce the RNA according to the invention, a DNA is used which encodes a protein whose presence, if appropriate temporary, is useful or beneficial for an organism. As a disease or suffering, every condition is considered in which subjectively and / or objectively physical and / or mental-emotional disorders or changes are present, or in which the abnormal course of physical, emotional or mental life necessitates nursing and, if necessary, inability to work May have consequences.

By a protein or protein fragment whose presence can alleviate a condition, those proteins or protein fragments are understood which, without the presence of a genetic defect, are completely or temporarily absent from the organism due to any disturbances or due to natural conditions. These include altered forms of proteins or protein fragments, ie forms of proteins that change in the course of the metabolism, eg. B. matured forms of a protein, etc. can also be provided proteins that play a role in growth processes and angiogenesis, the z. B. in a controlled regeneration are necessary and can then arise specifically by introducing the mRNA according to the invention. This can be z. B. useful in growth processes or for the treatment of bone defects, tissue defects and in the context of transplants.

For the purposes of the present invention, a deficient or defective gene or deficiency or deficiency are understood as meaning those genes which are not expressed, are not expressed correctly or are not sufficiently expressed and thus cause diseases or suffering, eg. As by causing metabolic disorders.

The RNA according to the invention can be suitably used in any case in which a protein which would naturally be present in the organism but is not present in deficient form or in too small amount due to genetic defects or diseases is to be made available to the organism. Proteins or the genes encoding them whose deficiency or defect is associated with a disease are known. In the following, different proteins and genes are listed, in the absence of which the RNA according to the invention can be used. Table 2 Diseases for which the application of mRNA according to the invention can be indicated: organ malfunction lung Surfactant Protein B Deficiency lung ABCA3 deficiency lung Cystic fibrosis lung Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency plasma proteins Coagulation defects such as hemophilia A u. B plasma proteins Complement defects such as protein C deficiency plasma proteins Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP, ADAMTS 13 deficiency) plasma proteins Congenital hemochromatosis (eg hepcidin deficiency) Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID) (T, B and NK cells) X-linked inherited combined immunodeficiencies (X-SCID) ADA-SCID (SCID due to lack of adenosine deaminase) SCID with RAG1 mutation SCID with RAG2 mutation SCID with JAK3 mutation SCID with IL7R mutation SCID with CD45 mutation SCID with CD3δ mutation SCID with CD3ε mutation SCID with purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency (PNP deficiency) Septic Granulomatosis (Graulocytes) illness Defect or mutation X-linked recessive CGD Mutation of the gp91 phox gene CGD cytochrome b positive type 1 Mutation of the p47-phox gene CGD cytochrome b positive type 2 Mutation of the p67-phox gene CGD cytochrome b negative Mutation of the p22-phox gene other storage facilities Mutation in the glucocerebrosidase gene Gaucher's disease Mutation in the GALC gene Crab disease lysosomal storage diseases mucopolysaccharidosis glycogen storage diseases Type malfunction proper noun I (ad) Ia: Glucose-6-phosphatase Ib, Ic, Id: Glucose-6-phosphate translocase Gierke's disease II Lysosomal α-glucosidase Pompe disease III Glycogen debranching enzyme Cori's disease IV 1,4-α-glucan branching enzyme Andersen's disease V Glycogen phosphorylase of the muscle McArdle's disease VI Glycogen phosphorylase / phosphorylase kinase system (liver and muscle) Hers disease VII Phosphofructokinase (muscle) Tarui's disease VIII Phosphorylase of the liver IX (ac) Phosphorylase of the liver X cAMP act. phosphorylase XI GLUT-2-defect Glycogen storage disease type XI 0 UDP-glycogen synthase other storage facilities Mutation in the glucocerebrosidase gene Gaucher's disease Mutation in the GALC gene Crab disease lysosomal storage diseases mucopolysaccharidosis Other diseases based on defective genes are indicated below: Type variant Clinical features Defective enzyme IH Hurler's syndrome Pfaundler Dysmorphism (gargoylism), cognitive retardation, skeletal malformation (dysostosis), corneal opacity, short stature, hernias, hepatomegaly α-L-iduronidase IS Scheie disease Mentally unrestricted, skeletal malformation (dysostosis), corneal clouding, heart valve defects α-L-iduronidase IH / S Hurler / Scheie variant mentally between IH and IS α-L-iduronidase II Hunter Syndrome moderate cognitive retardation, skeletal malformation (dysostosis), significant somatic changes, early deafness Iduronatsulfatsilfatase III Sanfilippo syndrome Type A Cognitive retardation, dysmorphism, corneal clouding may be absent, often deafness, rapid progression Heparansulfatsulfamidase Type B α-N-Acetylglukoseamidase Type C Acetyl-CoA: α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase Type D N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase IV Morquio syndrome Type A usual cognitive development, skeletal malformation (dysostosis) very pronounced, corneal opacity absent N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase Type B mild form of type A β-galactosidase V now: Type IS, so VI Maroteaux-Lasny syndrome usual cognitive development, severe skeletal malformation (dysostosis), corneal clouding, short stature N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase VII Sly syndrome moderate dysmorphism and skeletal malformations, corneal opacity, common to limited intelligence β-glucuronidase

The above table thus shows examples of genes whose defect leads to a disease that can be treated by transcriptional replacement therapy with the RNA according to the invention. In particular, hereditary diseases can be mentioned here, the z. Pertaining to the lung, such as SPB deficiency, ABCA3 deficiency, cystic fibrosis and α1-antitrypsin deficiency; affecting the plasma proteins and producing coagulation defects and complement defects; Immunodeficiencies, such. Eg SCID; septic granulomatosis and storage diseases. In all of these diseases is a protein, eg. An enzyme which may be treated by treatment with the RNA of the invention which provides the protein encoded by the defective gene or a functional fragment thereof.

Examples of proteins that can be encoded by the RNA of the invention are therefore erythropoietin (EPO), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), growth factors such as GM-SCF, G-CSF, MPS, protein C, hepcidin, ABCA3 and surfactant protein B. Further examples of diseases that can be treated with the RNA of the invention are haemophilia A / B, Fabry disease, CGD, ADAMTS13, Hurler's disease, X-chromosome mediated A-γ-globulinemia, adenosine deaminase-related immunodeficiency and Respiratory Distress Syndrome in neonates related to SP-B. The mRNA according to the invention particularly preferably contains the sequence for surfactant protein B (SP-B) or for erythropoietin.

Another application of the RNA of the invention results for those diseases or conditions in which proteins are no longer or not formed in the organism, z. Due to organ failure. Currently, in such diseases, a recombinant protein is administered for substitution. According to the invention, RNA is now provided for this purpose so that the substitution of the missing protein can take place at the level of the transcript. This has several advantages. If the protein has glycosylations, then the substitution at the transcript level ensures that the typical human glycosylation occurs in the organism. In recombinant, ie normally produced in microorganisms proteins glycosylation is usually different than in the organism to be substituted. This can lead to side effects. In general, it can be assumed that the protein expressed by the RNA according to the invention is identical to the body's own reference to structure and glycosylation, which as a rule is not the case with recombinant proteins.

Examples of proteins whose substitution may be desirable are functional proteins such as erythropoietin, growth factors such as G-CSF, GM-CSF and thrombopoietin.

Another area in which the RNA according to the invention can be used is the field of regenerative medicine. Disease processes or aging lead to degenerative diseases, which can be treated and alleviated or even cured by the supply of insufficient or unproduced proteins due to the disease or aging process. By supplying the corresponding RNA encoding these proteins, the degeneration process can be stopped or even a regeneration initiated. Examples include growth factors for tissue regeneration, the z. B. in growth disorders, in degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis or disturbed wound healing can be used. The RNA according to the invention not only offers the advantage here that the missing protein can be made available in a targeted and correct dosage, but it is also possible to provide the protein in a time window. Thus, for example, in the case of disturbed wound healing, the corresponding therapeutic factor or growth factor can be provided for a limited time by metered administration of the RNA. In addition, it can be ensured by means of mechanisms to be explained later that the RNA is specifically brought to the site of its desired effect.

Examples of factors which can be expressed with the RNA of the invention to be regenerative are Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), e.g. B. FGF-1-23; Transforming Growth Factor (TGF), eg. TGF-α, TGF-β, BMPs (bone morphogenetic protein), e.g. B. BMP1 to 7, 8a, b, 10, 15; Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), e.g. PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C and PDGF-D; epidermal growth factor (EGF), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF); Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF-A to F and PIGF); insulin-like growth factors, e.g. For example, IgF1 and IgF2; Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF); Interleukins, e.g. Interleukin-1B, IL-8, IL-1 to 31; Nerve growth factor (NGF) and other factors that stimulate the formation of erythrocytes, neutrophils, vessels, etc.

Also in the field of cancer, the RNA of the invention can be used selectively. By expressing tailor-made T cell receptors in T lymphocytes that recognize specific tumor-associated tumor antigens, they can become even more effective. It has already been shown that, in principle, mRNA can be successfully used in this field. However, their use has hitherto been hindered by the immunogenic effects already described above. With the little immunogenic and highly stable RNA provided according to the invention, it is now possible to express T cell receptors accordingly.

RNA of the present invention can also be used to express transcription factors that cause somatic cells to be reprogrammed into embryonic stem cells. Examples are O-cp3 / 4, Sox2, KLF4 and c-MYC. Stable RNA according to the invention, in particular mRNA which codes for these transcription factors, can therefore lead to the production of stem cells without producing the side effects which may occur in the hitherto considered gene transfer via viral or non-viral vectors.

An advantage of using the RNA according to the invention is that, in contrast to the use of DNA vectors, the duration of the treatment is adjustable. In the case of induction of stem cells, it is generally desirable that the transcription factors be only transiently active in order to reprogram somatic cells into stem cells. By dosed administration of the corresponding RNA encoding the transcription factors, the activity is temporally controllable. In contrast, in the previously known methods, the risk of integration of the applied genes is present, leading to complications such. As tumorigenesis leads, and also prevents the duration can be controlled.

Also in the field of vaccines, the RNA according to the invention offers new possibilities. Classical vaccine development relies on killed or attenuated pathogens. More recently, DNA encoding a protein of the pathogen has also been considered. The production of these vaccines is complex and takes a long time. Often, side effects occur that result in the avoidance of vaccinations. With the mRNA according to the invention, it is possible to provide a vaccine that with the pathogens or DNA-related problems does not have. In addition, such a vaccine can be provided very quickly as soon as the antigenic sequences of a pathogen are present. This is especially beneficial in the case of impending pandemics. In one embodiment of the present invention, therefore, there is provided an RNA encoding an antigenic portion of a pathogen, e.g. B. a surface antigen. It is also possible to provide an mRNA encoding an amino acid sequence having a combination of multiple epitopes, optionally joined by spacer segments. Combination with immunomodulating substances is also possible, either in that the RNA encodes a fusion protein or as a combination of nucleic acids.

Furthermore, the RNA according to the invention can also encode those proteins which, as factors, stimulators, inducers, etc., have an influence on the course of the disease. Examples are diseases that are not directly attributable to a gene defect, but in which with the help of mRNA expression, the disease can be positively influenced. Examples are: erythropoietin for stimulating the formation of erythrocytes, G-CSF or GM-SCF for the formation of neutrophils, growth factors for the formation of new vessels, bone and wound healing as factors for tissue engineering, treatment of tumors by induction of apoptosis or by formation of proteinaceous cell poisons z. As diphtheria toxin A, by induction of pluripotent stem cells (iPS) etc.

It has been found that only a polyribonucleotide of the invention having a predetermined proportion of modified and unmodified nucleotides has low immunogenicity and high stability. In order to be able to determine the optimal combination of modified and unmodified nucleotides for a particular polyribonucleotide, immunogenicity and stability can be determined in a manner known per se. Various methods well known to those skilled in the art can be used to determine the immunogenicity of an RNA. A well-suited method is the determination of inflammatory markers in cells in response to the administration of RNA. Such a method is described in the examples. Usually measured are cytokines that are associated with inflammation, such as. As TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-8, IL-6, IL-12, or other known in the art cytokines. Expression of DC activation markers can also be used to assess immunogenicity. Another indication of an immunological reaction is evidence of binding to the Toll-like receptors TLR-3, TLR-7 and TLR-8 as well as to helicase RIG-1.

Immunogenicity is usually determined in relation to a control. In a conventional method, cells are administered either the RNA of the invention or an unmodified or otherwise modified RNA and the secretion of inflammatory markers is measured at a certain time interval in response to the administration of the RNA. When Standard, compared with that either unmodified RNA can serve, in which case the immune response should be lower, or RNA which is known to cause little or no immune response, in which case the immune response of the RNA according to the invention should be in the same range and should not be increased , With the RNA according to the invention, it is possible to reduce or even completely prevent the immune response to unmodified RNA by at least 30%, generally at least 50% or even 75%.

The immunogenicity can be determined by measuring the factors mentioned above, in particular the measurement of TNF-α and IL-8 levels and the binding ability to TLR-3, TLR-7, TLR-8 and helicase RIG1 , Thus, to determine if an mRNA has the desired low immunogenicity, the amount of one or more of the above factors may be measured after administration of the particular polyribonucleotide. So z. B. mice via the tail vein or i. p. an amount of mRNA to be tested is administered and then one or more of the above-mentioned factors in the blood after a predetermined period of time, e.g. B. after 7 or 14 days to be determined. The amount of factor is then related to the amount of factor present in the blood of untreated animals. It has proved to be very valuable for the determination of immunogenicity to determine the binding ability to TLR-3, TLR-7, TLR-8 and / or helicase RIG-1. Very good indications are also provided by the TNF-α levels and IL-8 levels. With the mRNA according to the invention, it is possible to reduce the binding ability of TLR-3, TLR-7, TLR-8 and RIG-1 by at least 50% compared to unmodified RNA. As a rule, it is possible to reduce the binding to the mentioned factors by at least 75% or even by 80%. In preferred embodiments, the binding ability of TLR-3, TLR-7, TLR-8, and RIG-1 is in the same range for the mRNA of the invention and for animals lacking mRNA. In other words, the mRNA according to the invention causes virtually no inflammatory or immunological reactions.

In any case, the RNA according to the invention has such low immunogenicity that the general health of the patient is not affected. Therefore, a small increase in the above-mentioned factors can be tolerated as long as the general condition does not deteriorate. Further Properties of the mRNA according to the invention are its efficiency and stability. For this purpose, transcription efficiency, transfection efficiency, translation efficiency and duration of protein expression are important and can be determined by methods known per se.

The transcription efficiency indicates how efficiently RNA can be generated from DNA. This can lead to problems when using a high proportion of modified nucleotides. The RNA modified according to the invention can be prepared with high transcription efficiency.

In order to obtain stable and sufficient expression of the proteins encoded by the RNA, it is important that sufficient RNA reaches the desired cells. This can be determined by determining, after administration of labeled RNA, the proportion of RNA which has reached the cells by measuring the label. Flow cytometry can be used to determine the label. If labeled with a fluorescent molecule, the transfection efficiency may be e.g. Calculated as a percentage of the cell population at which the fluorescence intensity is higher than control cells treated with PBS alone. It has been found that the transfection efficiency for RNA according to the invention, in which only a part of the nucleotides is modified, is higher than in the case of RNA, in which one type of nucleotides is modified in each case to 100%.

Translation efficiency refers to the efficiency with which the RNA is translated into the protein. The higher the translation efficiency, the lower the dose of RNA can be, which then has to be used for treatment. The translation efficiency can be determined by comparing the proportion of translation for RNA modified according to the invention with the translation ratio of unmodified RNA. The translation efficiency is generally slightly lower for the RNA according to the invention than for unmodified RNA. However, this is more than offset by the much higher stability expressed in the duration of protein expression.

In particular, the RNA according to the invention ensures high stability, which leads to long-lasting protein expression. In particular, when the RNA modified according to the invention is intended for the treatment of diseases based on gene defects, the longer it remains in the cell, the more valuable it is. The faster the RNA is degraded, the faster the protein expression ends and the more often the RNA has to be administered. Conversely, the dose rate can be greatly reduced with a stable RNA that remains in the cell for a long time. It has been found that RNA modified according to the invention is stably expressed for up to 4 weeks.

For other embodiments, d. H. If RNA is intended only for temporary expression, the duration of protein expression can be adjusted by influencing the stability.

Another valuable feature of the RNA according to the invention is therefore that the duration of action can be adjusted specifically via the stability, so that the duration of the protein expression can be tailored so that it takes place in a desired time window. On the other hand, a very long-acting RNA can be used where necessary. The RNA modified according to the invention, whose expression can last up to 4 weeks, is therefore ideally suited for the treatment of chronic diseases, since it is only necessary to dose it every 4 weeks. Also, for embodiments in which the RNA encodes factors to be delivered to the organism over a prolonged period of time to alleviate or prevent disease, the high stability and long term protein expression is advantageous, e.g. B. coding for the use of erythropoietin RNA. Particularly advantageously, the RNA according to the invention can also be used for the treatment of hemophilia. So far, it has been necessary to administer the missing factor on a weekly basis. With the provision of the RNA of the invention, the frequency of administration can be lowered, so that the factor encoding RNA only needs to be administered every 2 or even every 4 weeks.

The stability of the mRNA according to the invention can be determined by methods known per se. Particularly suitable are methods for determining the viability of cells containing modified RNA according to the invention compared to cells containing unmodified or fully modified RNA, z. B. compared to unmodified or modified in a known manner RNA. It can also track the production of the encoded protein over time. Stability of an RNA is understood here to mean that the RNA, when it has been introduced into the cell, can express the desired protein or is translatable into the protein or a functional fragment thereof, remains capable of expression for a prolonged period of time, is not immediately degraded and does not become inactivated.

Thus, a method to test the stability and survival of RNA in a cell is to determine how long a protein encoded by the RNA is detectable or exerting its function in the cell. Methods for this are described in the examples. Thus, for example, an mRNA having a sequence coding for a reporter molecule can be introduced into the cell, if appropriate together with a RNA coding for a desired protein and then, after predetermined periods of time, the presence of reporter molecule and possibly protein being determined. Suitable reporter molecules are well known in the art and those commonly used can also be used here. In a preferred embodiment, RFP, red fluorescent protein, is used as the reporter molecule.

As stated above, the RNA according to the invention can be used for therapy, so that in the cell into which the RNA is brought, a protein can be formed which is naturally not expressed or not expressed to the desired extent. The RNA of the invention can be used both when the protein is not formed due to a deficiency of a gene, as well as in cases where a protein is not formed due to a disease or in those cases where the supply of the protein for the organism is beneficial. The RNA can also be used to supplement an insufficiently expressed protein. The dose used depends on the function that the RNA is to fulfill. As stated above, the duration of action of the RNA according to the invention can be adjusted in a targeted manner. The duration of treatment depends on the respective indication. If the RNA is used for the chronic treatment of a disease based on a deficient gene, the duration of action will be as long as possible, while in other indications it may be targeted to a time window.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the RNA used is an IVT mRNA which codes for the surfactant protein B. If this protein is deficient in mammals, the respiratory distress syndrome of premature and neonatal infants, also known as respiratory distress syndrome, occurs. This syndrome often causes death in newborns due to lung disease. The use of a multi-modified in vitro transcribed SP-B-encoding mRNA in which 5 to 50% of the uridine nucleosides and 5 to 50% of the cytidine nucleosides are modified results in the formation of the protein and the alleviation or cure of the disease.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the RNA used is an IVT mRNA which codes for erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a very important for the organism protein, z. B. in kidney disease is no longer available in sufficient quantities and must therefore be supplied. At present recombinant erythropoietin is used for this, which was produced in microorganisms or animal cells and therefore has a non-naturally occurring glycosylation. When using the recombinant EPOs, serious side effects have occurred in rare cases, e.g. B. an erythrocyte aplasia.

The IVT mRNA provided by the present invention contains a ribonucleic acid encoding erythropoietin with 5 to 50% of the uridine nucleotides and 5 to 50% of the cytidine nucleotides modified. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an EPO-encoding mRNA is provided in which 15 to 25% of the uridine nucleotides and 15 to 25% of the cytidine nucleotides are modified. It has been found that this mRNA has a greatly reduced immunogenicity compared to unmodified RNA. At the same time it shows a transfection efficiency of over 90% and such a stability that the hematocrit value is still increased after 14 days. Since the EPO formed by the RNA according to the invention in the organism has the correct glycosylation, side effects are not to be feared.

According to the present invention, there is provided a non-immunogenic stable RNA which is applicable in vivo in mammals and which provides the necessary protein in a form very similar, if not identical, to the naturally occurring endogenous protein and in particular having the body's glycosylation.

The mRNA according to the invention can be used directly as it is. However, it is also possible to further modify the mRNA to introduce additional useful properties. On the one hand, the mRNA can be modified by adding further coding or noncoding sequences to the coding strand. On the other hand, it can also be modified by attaching further molecules to functional groups provided in the modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the mRNA of the invention may be combined with targeting ligands that bind to surface cell receptors specific for the target cell, such that a receptor-mediated Transfection of the target cell is possible. For this purpose, on the one hand, vehicles which are suitable for introducing mRNA into cells or else the mRNA itself can be modified with a ligand. Examples of suitable vehicles for introducing mRNA into cells are cationic agents. These include cationic lipids, cationic polymers or even nanoparticles, nanocapsules, magnetic nanoparticles and nanoemulsions. Suitable vehicles are known in the art and described in the literature. Also suitable ligands are well known to those skilled in the art and described and available in the literature. As ligands z. For example, transferrin, lactoferrin, clenbuterol, sugars, uronic acids, antibodies, aptamers, etc.

The mRNA can also be modified with a ligand itself. For this mRNAs are preferably suitable with modified nucleosides which carry a primary amino group or an azido group in the 2'-position of the ribose. Examples can be found in the table above. Such modifications are particularly preferred because they contribute to biological activity. These modifications can be easily incorporated by amide formation or "click" chemistry of the ligand, z. B. Bioconjugate Techniques.

In another embodiment, an RNA sequence attached to proteins, e.g. As receptors, can bind (aptamers), inserted at the 5 'end of the mRNA. This procedure has the advantage that the ligand can already be inserted directly into the template at the DNA level and can be cloned and inserted into the mRNA by the IVT. It is therefore no longer necessary to modify the mRNA with the ligand.

In a further embodiment, the mRNA is modified by additional modification with inert polymers z. As polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified. Methods for this purpose are well known to the person skilled in the art, and methods as known for ligands can be used. Thus, for example, in a small portion of the modified nucleotides used for the mRNA according to the invention, a binding site for polyethylene glycol can be provided, to which the PEG is bound after transcription. The polyethylene glycol is used for extracellular stabilization of the mRNA, d. H. it protects the polyribonucleotide molecule until it has arrived in the cell. Upon entry into the cell, the PEG is split off. The binding between PEG and RNA is therefore preferably designed so that the cleavage on entry into the cell is facilitated. For this purpose, z. B. a functional group can be provided, which is cleaved pH-dependent. Other RNA stabilizing molecules can also be provided via appropriate active sites on the modified nucleotides. In this way, steric stabilization can protect the mRNA from enzymatic degradation and prevent interaction with constituents of biofluids. The modified mRNA can be called "stealth" mRNA.

In a further embodiment, the mRNA according to the invention is combined with a target or a binding site for at least one microRNA, which is present only in healthy cells but not in the cells affected by the disease. In this way it is achieved that the protein encoded by the mRNA is only produced in the cells that need the protein. The selection of suitable targets is made by routine methods well known to those skilled in the art. A common procedure that is carried out at the DNA level is the cloning of a microRNA binding site into the 3'UTR ( Gu et al, Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2009 Feb; 16 (2): 144-50 ., Brown et al, Nat Biotechnol. 2007 Dec; 25 (12): 1457-67 ., Brown et al, Nat Med. 2006 May; 12 (5): 585-91 ., WO 2007000668 ). In a preferred embodiment, a RNA provided with a microRNA binding site is used when the RNA encodes a cytotoxin. In this case, it is particularly desirable to carry the cell-toxic protein only where it is to be effective. For this embodiment, it may also be advantageous to adjust the duration of action of the RNA by specifically modifying the RNA such that its stability lies within a predetermined time window.

Furthermore, the RNA according to the invention can be combined with microRNAs or shRNAs downstream of the 3 'polyA tail. This has the advantage that the mRNA-microRNA / shRNA hybrid can be cleaved intracellularly by Dicer, thus releasing two active molecules that intervene in different cascades of disease genesis. Such a hybrid can be provided for the treatment of diseases such as cancer or asthma. The RNA according to the invention is therefore suitable for simultaneously complementing a deficient mRNA and intervening in a defective microRNA cascade.

Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided an RNA having advantageous properties which can be tested by a screening method wherein one for a reporter protein, e.g. As the red fluorescent protein (RFP) coding sequence is used. If the toxicity and stability of sequences of a reporter gene with unmodified, singly or multiply modified nucleotides with different modifications are examined for their immunogenicity and transfection efficiency, it is found that only the mRNA according to the invention, ie multiply modified mRNA, in each case at least 5% of the uridine nucleosides or Cytidine nucleosides are replaced by modified nucleosides, resulting in a greatly diminished Immunogenicity to human primary monocytes in the blood, and at the same time can deliver high transfection rates of more than 80%. This can be tested, for example, in human or mouse alveolar epithelial cells type II. In addition, the duration of RNA expression for inventively modified RNAs is significantly longer than in known RNA. It was found that the expression lasted longer, mainly due to the higher stability and lower immunogenicity of the multi-modified mRNA according to the invention than in the case of known preparations. In quantitative evaluation, a modified derivative according to the invention showed a 10-fold higher amount of expression product than non-modified or only single-modified RNA 10 days after transfection.

Another object of the invention is a method for screening nucleotide sequences to test the immunogenicity and expression quality, in which the mRNA sequence is associated with at least one receptor selected from TLR3, TLR3, TLR8 and helicase RIG-1 and the Binding ability is measured in comparison to a control sequence. The control sequence used is a sequence whose binding capacity is known. The weaker the binding to at least one of these receptors, the more promising is the sequence.

The properties of mRNA according to the invention, in particular IVT mRNA, can be tested by a screening method on an RNA expressing a reporter protein. As a reporter protein, the red fluorescent protein (RFP) is preferred. These protein coding sequences, which have nucleotides with different modifications, can be tested for their immunogenicity and transfection efficiency. Thus, various modifications of mRNA can be used for assays, e.g. B. uridine nucleosides partially replaced by 2-thiouridine nucleosides (hereinafter also referred to as s2U) and cytidine nucleosides partially replaced by 5-Methylcytidinnucleoside (hereinafter also referred to as m5C).

The 1A . 1B . 1C and 2A and 2 B show the results obtained by performing such a screening method. Further details can be found in the examples. The results presented in the figures are based on experiments carried out for RFP RNA and show that only multiply modified mRNA, in which in each case at least 5% of the uridine nucleosides and in each case at least 5% of the cytidine nucleosides are modified, results in greatly reduced immunogenicity human primary monocytes in the blood, both ex vivo and in vivo, and at the same time can provide high transfection rates of more than 80% in both human and mouse alveolar epithelial cells. In addition, the duration of expression for mRNAs modified according to the invention is significantly longer than for unmodified mRNA.

In another embodiment, a method is provided to test whether a subject RNA is suitable for therapy using an mRNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. A suitable RIP test is described in more detail in the examples. Studies have shown that immune system cells are activated by unmodified reporter mRNA via RNA binding to Tolllike receptor (TLR) 3, TLR7, TLR8 and helicase RIG-1. If the results show that the binding of a tested mRNA to TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and / or RIG-1 is greatly reduced compared to unmodified mRNA, this is an indication of reduced immunogenicity. It has been shown that in this regard multiple modifications used according to the invention are significantly more effective than individual s2U modifications. In the examples, the influence of RNA on the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IFN-α was examined after the RNA mice were intravenously injected. It was shown that multiply modified s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) RFPmRNA prevented an immune response. Taken together, the results obtained in the examples show that multiply modified mRNA significantly reduces TLR and RIG-1 binding and thus lowers the immune response with increased and prolonged expression. A multi-modified RNA, especially IVT mRNA, is therefore a suitable candidate for the in vivo treatment of a deficient gene-based disease. A particularly promising candidate is briefly explained below and described in more detail in the examples.

To test whether it is possible to use modified RNA according to the invention for treatment in the lung, multiple-modified mRNA coding for an Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein and Luciferase (EGFPLuc) fusion protein was introduced directly into the lung of a mouse and tested, whether luciferase was expressed compared to unmodified EGFPLuc RNA. Luciferase expression peaked after three hours in the lung, although the total luminescent flux rapidly decreased after 24 hours to very low levels 5 days after treatment. In contrast, high levels of expression were observed in mice treated with multiply modified EGFPLuc mRNA until 5 days after treatment.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an RNA is provided whose therapeutic potential permits the treatment of the disease attributable to SP-B deficiency, namely s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) B mRNA. SP-B is a relatively small amphipathic peptide encoded by a single gene and produces by proteolytic processing a precursor of 381 amino acids in type II alveolar epithelial cells lining the alveoli. It improves the distribution, adsorption and stability of the surfactant lipids required to reduce the surface tension in the alveoli. Lack of SP-B causes symptoms such as thickened alveolar walls, cellular infiltration and interstitial edema. This lung injury is accompanied by congestion, ie an increased number of erythrocytes, and an increased number of macrophages, neutrophils, and corresponding levels of inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Hereditary deficiency in humans and studies on transgenic mice have proven that SP-B plays an essential role in postpartum survival. Hereditary SP-B deficiency, which results from mutations in the SP-B gene, is essential for the replacement of surfactant and leads to a fatal respiratory tract failure in newborns during the first few months of life. Lung transplantation is therefore the only therapeutic intervention currently available. Therefore, mRNA therapy for SP-B deficiency made possible with the RNA of the invention is an important alternative treatment.

The RNA according to the invention can be used for the treatment of this disease, preferably with perfluorocarbon as the carrier. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, there is provided a pharmaceutical preparation comprising perfluorocarbon and s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) SP-B mRNA. This combination allows SP-B to be reconstituted in the lungs of patients with SP-B deficiency, thus increasing the chances of survival. For this purpose, due to the high stability of the RNA according to the invention a dosage at regular intervals, for. B. 1 to 3 times a week sufficient. For this purpose, the SP-B mRNA is preferably administered as an aerosol intratracheally by spraying at high pressure. It has been found that the mRNA according to the invention can improve the symptoms described above and thus the lung function, which can be shown by checking the lung parameters, as detailed in the examples.

The mRNA according to the invention can be used effectively in therapeutic methods and makes it possible to treat diseases based on defective or defective proteins. Systemic administration of the multiply modified mRNA is possible. There may be instances when mRNA translation in cells not affected by the gene defect is undesirable, e.g. B. because of unwanted side effects. In order to have the mRNA selectively translated only in the cells that require the encoded protein, eg. B. in cells where there is a gene defect, either the corresponding vector can be supplemented by sequences that allow addressing the affected tissue, z. B. via ligands. In another embodiment, the vector containing the mRNA may be added to sequences to which endogenous microRNAs that are not expressed in the target cells are added so that the mRNA will be present in all cells containing the corresponding endogenous microRNAs , are degraded while remaining in the target cells. This can minimize side effects.

The RNA according to the invention can be administered in a manner known per se to patients who need the protein or protein fragment encoded by RNA, eg. Because they have a disease based on a deficient gene. For this purpose, the RNA is formulated as a pharmaceutical preparation with customary pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The form of the preparation depends on the location and the mode of administration. Since the RNA according to the invention is distinguished by particularly high stability, it can be formulated in a variety of ways, depending on where and in what form it is to be used. It has been found that the RNA according to the invention is so stable that it can be freeze-dried, processed in this form, for. B. crushed or ground, and can be stored, and then reconstituted if necessary and retains its biological activity.

When administered systemically, RNA is usually formulated as an injectable liquid with conventional excipients, such as tonicity adjusting agents and stabilizing agents, preferably as a unit dosage form. As a stabilizer, the commonly known are used, such as. Lipids, polymers and nanosystems or liposomes. In a preferred embodiment, a composition suitable for parenteral administration is provided which contains modified RNA according to the invention which encodes EPO.

In a preferred embodiment, in particular when the RNA encodes SP-B protein, the RNA according to the invention is in an uptake via the lung, z. By inhalation, appropriate form. Suitable formulations for this are known in the art. The preparation is in this case in a form that can be introduced via conventional nebulizers or inhalers in the respiratory tract, z. B. as too atomizing liquid or as a powder. Devices for administration as a liquid are known, ultrasound nebulizers or nebulizers having a perforated oscillating membrane which operate with low shear forces in comparison to jet nebulizers are suitable. Also suitable are powder aerosols. Both cationic-lipid-complexed mRNA and naked mRNA are available after freeze-drying with the sucrose sugar as a powder, which can then be minced to a respirable size and continue to exhibit biological activity.

In a preferred embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition intended for pulmonary administration is combined with perfluorocarbon which is administered before or simultaneously with the pharmaceutical composition in order to increase the transfection efficiency.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

example 1

In order to assess the therapeutic applicability of an IVT mRNA, it was evaluated whether non-immunogenic IVT mRNA could be obtained for in vivo use. In a first step, therefore, in vitro transcribed mRNA for the red fluorescent protein (RFP) with modified nucleosides was investigated for immunogenicity and transfection efficiency. The results show that multiply modified mRNA in which 25% of uridine is replaced by 2-thiouridine (s2U) and 25% of cytidine by 5-methylcytidine (m5C) (s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) ) IVT mRNA provides that has a greatly reduced immunogenicity to human primary mononuclear blood cells, as in 1A and a high transfection rate of more than 80% in epithelial cells of the alveolar type II both in humans ( 1B ) as well as the mouse ( 1C ). Furthermore, the duration of mRNA expression was significantly prolonged ( 2A ). The results show that this prolonged expression is mainly due to the higher stability of the multi-modified mRNA according to the invention. An absolute quantitative evaluation showed an approximately 10-fold greater amount of s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) RFP mRNA 7 days after transfection ( 2 B ). The translation efficiency was somewhat reduced for the modified RFP mRNA and therefore could not contribute to a higher and longer activity ( 4 ).

In the next step, the mechanism underlying the diminished immune response was investigated using a modified RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP assay). Studies have shown that cells of the immune system are activated by unmodified reporter mRNA (1) by RNA binding to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 (2), TLR7 (3), TLR8 (4) and helicase RIG-1 (TLR). 5). The results show that the binding of the multi-modified RFP mRNA according to the invention to TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and RIG-1 was greatly reduced compared to unmodified RFP mRNA. In this regard, the multiple modifications were much more effective than a single s2U modification ( 2C ). As expected from the binding studies, unmodified RFP mRNA increased IFN-γ, IL-12 and IFN-α to a significant extent when injected intravenously into mice, while multi-modified s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) RFP mRNA prevented an immune response ( 2D ). Overall, these results show that the multi-modified mRNA according to the invention greatly reduced TLR and RIG-1 binding and thus the immune response, and at the same time increased and prolonged expression, making such an mRNA a promising candidate for in vivo tests.

It was therefore tested whether an s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) mRNA encoding a fusion protein of enhanced green fluorescent protein and luciferase (EGFPLuc) introduced directly into the lungs of the mouse, luciferase expression in vivo could amplify and extend compared to unmodified EGFPLuc mRNA. For this purpose, a known high-pressure spraying device for intratracheal administration was used, as z. As described in (6), wherein perfluorocarbon (Fluorinert FC-77) was previously administered (7) to increase transfection efficiency. Luciferase expression reached a maximum after 3 hours in the lungs in vivo, although the total luminescence rapidly decreased after 24 hours to a low level 5 days after treatment ( 3A and B). In contrast, high levels of expression were observed in mice treated with s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) EGFPLuc mRNA until the 5th day after treatment ( 3A and B).

This shows that the therapeutic potential of the multiply modified mRNA according to the invention for therapy is very promising. Therefore, an inventively multi-modified s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) SP-B mRNA was tested for the treatment of SP-B deficient mice. SP-B is a relatively small amphipathic peptide encoded by a single gene and converted by proteolytic processing into a precursor of 381 amino acids in alveolar type II epithelial cells containing the Alveoli lining (8, 9). It improves the spreading, adsorption and stability of the surface active lipids required to reduce the surface tension in the alveolus. If the gene is deficient for this protein, it causes respiratory disorders after birth, which can quickly lead to death. It has been observed that hereditary deficiency plays an important role in postmortem survival in humans and in transgenic mice (10). Hereditary SP-B deficiency, which results from mutations in the SP-B gene, prevents the formation of surface-active lipids, leading to respiratory failure during the first months after birth (11). Lung transplantation is the only therapeutic intervention currently possible (12). Therefore, mRNA therapy for SP-B deficiency would be an alternative treatment to ensure viability in this deficiency.

Therefore, a knockout mouse model for SP-B deficiency was selected to test gene therapy with multi-modified mRNA of SP-B according to the invention. For this purpose, a mouse model was selected in which the mouse SP-B cDNA was expressed under the control of exogenous doxycycline in SP-B ^{- / -} knockout mice. Withdrawal of doxycycline in adult SP-B ^{- / -} mice resulted in a decreased content of SP-B in the lungs resulting in respiratory failure when the SP-B concentration fell below 25% of normal levels. Conditioned transgenic mice receiving doxycycline survived normally (13, 14). The therapeutic strategy employed included: (i) pretreating the mice with perfluorocarbon prior to delivery of SP-B mRNA to increase expression; (ii) repeated application of SP-B mRNA twice weekly every third or fourth day four For weeks ( 3C ). In an attempt to demonstrate this principle, s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) SP-B mRNA was intratracheally aerosolized to conditional SP-B ^{- / -} mice via a high pressure nebulizer. This treatment saved the mice from respiratory failure and prolonged their average lifespan to 28.8 ± 1.1 days ( 3D ), to the defined endpoint of the study. In contrast, after withdrawal of the doxycycline, untreated SP-B ^{- / -} mice showed symptoms of an acute respiratory problem within 3 to 4 days. This was also observed after administration of perfluorocarbon alone or perfluorocarbon with s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) EGFPLuc mRNA as control, which mice then died within 3.8 ± 0.4 days (Fig. 3D , and data not shown). Further, successful reconstitution of SP-B in the lungs of mice treated with s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) SP-B mRNA by immunostaining ( 3E ) and semi-quantitative Western blot analysis ( 3F ) for SP-B confirmed. Lung histology was normal in mice treated with s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) SP-B mRNA for 4 weeks, while the lungs of mice receiving s2U _(0.25) m5C _{(0, 25) had received} EGFPLuc control mRNA, thickened alveolar walls, cellular infiltration and interstitial edema after 4 days ( 3G ). This lung injury was accompanied by congestion (increased number of erythrocytes) and an increased number of macrophages, neutrophils and an increased level of inflammatory cytokines ( 3H and Fig. S4) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (RALF), while this has been largely prevented in the SP-B mRNA treated mice. The withdrawal of doxycycline was shown to impair lung function without treatment (14, 15). Prolonged treatment of SP-B ^{- / -} mice with s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) SP-B mRNA was observed to maintain normal lung function similar to SP-B ^{- / -.} Mice receiving doxycycline ( 3I and Fig. 5).

In summary, these results indicate that all functional and pathological parameters of lung SP-B deficiency were significantly improved and comparable to conditional SP-B ^{- / -} mice receiving doxycycline.

The results demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the multi-modified mRNA in a mouse model of fatal lung disease. Further application of mRNA therapy may, however, be further improved as follows: (i) undesired mRNA translation into cells of unaffected tissue could lead to undesired effects outside the target area, (ii) if the multiply modified mRNA is also involved in unaffected mRNA Tissue is delivered, a sufficient amount of mRNA must be provided and (iii) repeated dosing is necessary for short-term mRNA activity. To improve this, microRNA biology can be used to prevent unwanted mRNA translation in non-disease affected cells. By incorporating target sequences of endogenous microRNAs that are not expressed in the target cell, mRNA degradation can be selectively effected in non-disease affected cells, but the mRNA is maintained in the target cells, thereby minimizing side effects ( 16, 17).

In another approach, delivery systems combining targeting ligands that bind cell surface specific receptors can be combined to allow for receptor-mediated transfection of the target cell. Since mRNA can be produced in large quantities today (18) and efficient production processes for the production of multi-modified mRNA on a larger scale is possible, For example, the clinical use of the mRNA according to the invention is possible and makes it possible to develop specifically tailored mRNA systems for each disease (19, 20), whereby the dosage frequency and the short-term activity can be kept to a minimum, which is not possible with currently known therapies. In this way, the present invention provides an effective molecular therapy for the treatment of gene-based disease.

Example 2

In order to demonstrate the potential uses of the mRNA modified according to the invention, various types of modifications and their influence on the transfection and translation efficiency as well as on the immunogenicity were investigated. A459 cells were transfected with 200ng of mRNA each and then examined for how many of the cells had been transfected and in how many cells the fluorescent protein had been translated. This evaluation was carried out via the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). The results are in 10A shown. Was tested according to the invention modified mRNA and compared to a non-inventively modified mRNA, in which two different modifications of uridine nucleotides were used and unmodified mRNA. The mRNA molecules modified according to the invention were:
s2U / m5C and s4U / m5C, respectively, wherein the modified nucleotides each had a proportion of 10%, and RNA molecules containing in addition to in each case 10% / 10% s2U / m5C or s2U / 5mC, further 5% modified nucleotides, namely once C ₂ 'NH ₂ and once 5% G'N ₃ . The results show that the mRNA modified according to the invention shows a very high transfection efficiency, while unmodified mRNA and non-inventively modified mRNA each show a much lower transfection and translation efficiency.

For the previously described modified mRNA, immunogenicity was also assayed by assaying TNF-α level on human PBMCs after administration of 5 μg mRNA each. The results are in 10B shown. As clearly shown, the TNF-α level is greatly increased when administering unmodified mRNA or mRNA using two types of modified uridine nucleotides. The TNF-α level is at least 50% lower in the modified RNAs according to the invention than in the case of unmodified RNA.

Example 3

Process for the preparation of multiply modified mRNA according to the invention

a) Constructs for in vitro transcription

For in vitro transcription of RFP cDNA (678 bp), an SP6 promoter-containing plasmid, pCS2 + DsRedT4, was used. For in vitro transcription of SP-B cDNA (1146 bp) a pVAX1 plasmid containing a T7 promoter (Invitrogen) was used. To generate the vector for in vitro transcription of EGFPLuc (2.4 kb), a T7 promoter-containing pST1-2β globin UTR-A (120) construct was used, which was prepared as described in (19 ). The constructs were cloned using standard molecular biology techniques.

Generation of modified mRNA

To generate templates for in vitro transcription, the pCS2 + DsRed.T4, EGFPLuc and SP-B plasmids were linearized with XbaI. The linearized vector DNAs were purified with the NucleoSpin Extract II kit (Macherey-Nagel) and evaluated spectrophotometrically. In vitro transcription was performed with the mMESSAGE-mMACHINE SP6 and T7 Ultrakit (Ambion), respectively. The SP-6 kit capped the mRNA with 7-methylGpppG, while the T7 kit used the analogous antireverse cap (ARCA; 7-methyl- (3'-O-methyl) GpppGm ⁷ G (5 ') ppp (5') In order to generate RNA modifications, the following modified ribonucleic acid triphosphates were added to the reaction mixture in the proportions indicated: 2'-thiouridine 5'-triphosphate, 5'-methylcytidine-5'-triphosphate, pseudouridine 5'-triphosphate and N ⁶ -methyladenosine-5'-triphosphate (all controlled by TriLink BioTechnologies and for purity by HPLC and ³¹ P-NMR). Following in vitro transcription, the RNA was removed from the pVAX1-SP. B-plasmid enzymatically polyadenylated using the poly (A) tail kit (Ambion) The poly (A) -tails were approximately 200 nt in length All capped mRNAs (RFP, EGFPLuc and SP-B) were purified using the MEGAclear kit (Ambion) and analyzed for size and purity with the Agilent RNA 6000 Nano assay on one Bioanalyzer 2100 (Agilent Technologies).

Cell Transfections Pulmonary Cell Transfection

Human and mouse type II human and mouse alveolar epithelial cell lines, A549 and MLE12 respectively, were transfected into minimal essential medium (Invitrogen) containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 1% penicillin-streptomycin and 0.5% gentamycin was supplemented, bred. One day before transfection, 80,000 cells per well were plated in 24-well plates. The cells (greater than 90% confluence) were transfected with 200 ng mRNA using Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 4 hours, the cells were washed with PBS and serum-containing medium was added. For long-term expression analyzes, the cells were split regularly (when confluency was> 90%).

Human PBMC transfection

Human PBMCs cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (CTL-Europe GmbH) were gently thawed at 37 ° C using CTL anti-aggregate wash supplement, slowly adding sterile-filtered RPMI-1640 (Invitrogen). For all the experiments described, a single characterized batch of PBMCs was used to make the data reproducible.

flow cytometry

Flow cytometric analysis was performed on the A549 and MLE12 cells transfected with RFP mRNA as described above. The cells were picked from the plate surface with 0.25% trypsin / EDTA, washed three times with PBS and resuspended in PBS to measure fluorescence using a FACSCalibur (BD Biosciences). The transfection efficiency was calculated from the percentage of cell population that exceeded the fluorescence intensity of control cells treated with PBS only. At least 2500 cells per tube were counted. The data was analyzed with Cellquest Pro.

Cytokinnachweis

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed using human IL-8 and TNF-α kits (RayBio), mouse IFN-γ and IL-12 (P40 / P70) kits (RayBio) and Mouse IFN-α kit (RnD Systems).

Real-time in-vitro translation

500 ng RFP mRNA was translated in vitro using Retic Lysate IVT (Ambion). Methionine was added to a final concentration of 50 μM. The mixture was incubated at 30 ° C in a water bath and at various times samples were taken and the fluorescence intensity at 590 nm was measured on a Wallac Victor ² 1420 Multilabel Counter (Perkin Elmer).

Quantitative RT-PCR

The total RNA was extracted from A549 cells with RNeasy minikit (Qiagen) or from human PBMCs (see RIP protocol below) and subjected to reverse transcription (RT) in a 20 μl assay using iScript cDNA synthesis kit (BioRTM). Wheel) according to the product manual. cDNA was amplified using iQ SYBR Green Supermix and iCycler (Bio-Rad) in duplicate with the following primers: RFP: 5'-GCACCCAGACCGCCAAGC (forward), RFP: 5'-ATCTCGCCCTTCAGCACGC (reverse). C _t values were obtained using iCycler IQ Software 3.1 (Bio-Rad), which automatically calculated the base cycles and thresholds.

RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)

1 × 10 ⁶ human PBMCs (CTL-Europe GmbH) were transfected with 5 μg mRNA using 12.8 μl Lipofectamine 2000 in 1 ml OptiMEM 1. After 4 hours the media were supplemented with 10% FCS. After 24 hours, the cell suspension was transferred to tubes and the cells were pelleted by centrifugation at 350 rpm for 10 minutes. Subsequently, a modified version of the ChIP IT Express protocol (ActiveMotive) was used to perform the RIP. DEPC-treated water (Serva Electrophoresis) was used to prepare all necessary reagents. According to the ChIP-IT manual, the fixing solution was added to the cells, followed by the glycine stop-fix solution and ice-cold 1 × PBS, and the cells were pelletized at 4 ° C. Then the cells were returned to lysis buffer to which the protease inhibitors PIC and PMSF had been added and incubated on ice for 30 min. After centrifugation at 2,400 rpm for 10 minutes at 4 ° C, the supernatant was subjected to the capture reaction. The TLR mRNA / RIG mRNA complexes were trapped overnight on magnetic beads in 8-well PCR strips as described in the ChIP IT Express Manual. In addition, SUPERase RNase inhibitor (Applied Biosystems / Ambion) was added to a final concentration of 1 U / μl. Anti-human TLR3 mouse IgG1, TLR7 rabbit IgG1, TLR8 mouse IgG1 (all from Imgenex) and RIG-1 rabbit IgG1 (ProSci Incorporated) were used as antibodies. After washing the magnetic beads, the TLR mRNA / RIG mRNA antibody complexes were eluted, reverse crosslinked, and treated with proteinase K according to the ChIP IT express protocol. Finally, the eluted mRNA was subjected to reverse transcription and quantitative RT-PCR as described above.

In vivo bioluminescence

D-Luciferin substrate was dissolved in water, the pH was adjusted to 7 and the final volume was adjusted to reach a concentration of 30 mg / ml. 50 μl of this solution was applied to the nostrils of the anesthetized mice and absorbed by sniffing (1.5 mg luciferin / mouse). After 10 minutes, bioluminescence was measured with an IVIS100 imaging system (Xenogen) as described in (21) using the following camera settings: field of view 10, f1 f-stop, high resolution and exposure times of 1 to 10 min. The signal in the lung region was quantitatively evaluated and analyzed, subtracting the background using the Living Image software version 2.50 (Xenogen).

animal studies

6-8 week old female BALB / C mice (Charles River Laboratories) were maintained under specific pathogen-free conditions and maintained with a 12 hour light: 12 hour dark cycle in individually ventilated cages, and with food and water ad libitum provided. The animals were acclimated at least 7 days before the start of the experiments. All animal manipulations were authorized and controlled by the local ethics committee and conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the German Animal Welfare Act. For all experiments, except injection into the tail vein, the animals were i. p. with an admixture of medetomidine (0.5 mg / kg), midazolam (5 mg / kg) and fentanyl (50 μg / kg). After each experiment, the animals were an antidote s. c. consisting of atipamezole (50 μg / kg), flumazenil (10 μg / kg) and naloxone (24 μg / kg). Blood for the ELISA tests was obtained at various times by puncture of the retrobulbar vein using heparinized 1.3 mm capillaries (Marienfeld).

Injection into the tail vein:

25 μg of RFP mRNA were mixed in vivo with Megafectin (MP Biomedicals Europe) in a ratio of mRNA to lipid of 0.25 and Enhancer-3 was added according to the manufacturer's recommendation. The integrity and particle size of the injected complexes were determined by dynamic light diffraction (DLS) using a zeta-PALS / zeta potential analyzer (Brookhaven Instruments Corp.). The mice were placed in a restrainer and 100 μl of the mRNA / megafectin solution (equivalent to 5 μg mRNA) was injected into the tail vein within 30 seconds using a 27-gauge needle and a 1 ml syringe.

Intratracheal administration by high pressure nebulization:

BALG / c and SP-B ^{- / -} mice were anesthetized as described in (14) and fixed to a plate system (Halowell EMC) such that the upper teeth were at an angle of 45 °. A modified Cold Lightothoscope Beta 200 (Heine Optotechnik) was used to optimally illuminate the pharynx. Using a small spatula, the mouse's lower jaw was opened and a blunt tweezer was used to move the tongue and expose the oropharynx maximally. A MicroSprayer model 1A-1C connected to a model FMJ-250 high pressure syringe (both from PennCentury Inc.) was used endotracheally and sequentially 25 μl of Fluorinert FC-77 (Sigma) and 25 μl of luciferase RNA (10 μg) were used. or 50 μl of SP-B mRNA solution (20 μg). The microspray tip was withdrawn after 5 seconds and the mouse was removed from the carrier after 5 minutes.

Lung function measurements

Homozygous SP-B ^{- / -} mice ± doxycycline-modified mRNA were anesthetized as described above. To prevent spontaneous breathing, vecuronium bromide (0.1 mg / kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Pulmonary mechanical measurements were performed as described in (22). Briefly, a blunt steel cannula (outer diameter 1 mm) was inserted into the trachea with tracheostomy. The reciprocating pump respirator served as a respirator as well as a measuring device (flexiVent, SAV). During tidal ventilation, the ventilator was set for controlled volume and pressure limited ventilation (Vt = 10 μl / g, Pmax = 30 cm H ₂ O, PEEP 2-3 cm H ₂ O) at 2.5 Hz and 100% oxygen ). The applied Vt was 8.4 ± 1.4 μl / g in animals receiving doxycycline and 8.9 ± 0.4 μl / g BW in animals receiving doxycycline and mRNA (NS). The dynamic mechanical properties of the respiratory system as well as the pulmonary input impedance were measured at 5 minute intervals on animals after being inflated twice at 15 μl / g for 1 s to produce a standard volume history. For the oscillatory measurement, the ventilation was stopped at PEEP level. To determine the impedance of the respiratory system (Zrs) by forced oscillations (FOT) consisting of a pseudorandomic oscillatory signal of 8 s, an amplitude of 3 ml / g was used. The forced signal had frequencies between 1.75 and 19.6 Hz (23.24). The data was collected at 256 Hz and analyzed with a window of 4 s at 66% overlap. The lung impedance data was presented as resistance (real part) and responsiveness (imaginary part) of the respiratory system within the frequency domain. Pulmonary impedance data (Zrs) were split using the lung constant phase model, such as Hantos et al. (25). In this model, Zrs consists of a breathing resistance (Rn), a respiratory inertia (Inertia), a tissue elasticity (H _L ) and a tissue damping (G _L ) according to the equation: Zrs = Raw + jωlaw + (G _L -j H _L ) / ω ^α , where ω is the angular frequency and ω is the frequency dependence of Zrs (ω = (2 / ωtan ^-1 (1 / ω)). Pulmonary hysteresis (eta = G _L / H _L ) is a measure of lung tissue composition, with both tissue attenuation and For each measurement, the constant phase model is automatically tested for fit and the quality of fit is shown as Coherence of Determination (COD), the data is rejected when the COD is below 0.85.

Analysis of the surfactant protein

The total protein content of the lavage supernatants was determined using the Bio-Rad protein assay kit (Bio-Rad). 10 μg total protein was fractionated under non-reducing conditions on NuPage 10% Bis-Tris gels using a NOVEX Xcell II Mini-Cell System (Novex). After electrophoresis, the proteins were transferred to a PVDF membrane (ImmobilonP) with a NuPage Blot module (Novex). Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) was detected with rabbit polyclonal antiserum directed against SP-B (c329, gift of Dr. W. Steinhilber, Altans AG) and then an improved chemiluminescent assay (Amersham Biosciences) with horseradish peroxidase conjugated polyclonal goat anti-rabbit anti-IgG (1: 10,000; Dianova). Under these conditions, the test detected about 2.5 ng SP-B per lane (28). The chemiluminescence detection system used was DIANA III dev. 1.0.54 with the Aida image analyzer (Ray test isotope meters GmbH) used and the data were quantitatively evaluated with Quantity One 4.6.7 (Bio-Rad).

Fluorescence microscope analysis

Fixed (3% paraformaldehyde) and paraffin-embedded sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry as described by the manufacturer (Abcam, et al. www.abcam.com/technica ) recommended. Supports were incubated with anti-human anti-mouse SP-B antibody and Texas Red conjugated anti-rabbit IgG antibody (both from Abcam, 1: 500) and counterstained with DAPI. Fluorescent images were obtained from Zeiss Axiovert 135.

statistics

Differences in mRNA expression between groups were analyzed by pairwise fixed reallocation randomization tests with REST 2005 software (29). Bioluminescence decay half lives were calculated using Prism 5.0. All other analyzes were performed using the Wilcoxon Mann Whitney test with SPSS 15 (SPSS Inc.). The data are given as mean ± SEM (standard error of the mean) or median ± IQR (interquartile ranges) and P <0.05 (two-sided) was considered statistically significant.

Example 4

Multi-modified mRNA encoding EPO according to the invention

• (c) Die Daten zeigen den Mittelwert ± SEM. Menschliche PBMCs wurden mit 5 μg unmodifiziertem bzw. modifiziertem RFP-mRNA transfiziert und die Wiedergewinnungsraten wurden mit RIP bestimmt unter Verwendung von für TLR-3, TLR-7 und TLR-8 spezifischen Antikörpern. Die Kästchen bedeuten Mittelwerte ± IQR. Die Striche zeigen die Minimal- bzw. Maximalwerte. *P < 0,5, **P < 0,01, ***P < 0,001 gegenüber unmodifizierter mEPO-Gruppe.
• (d) 5 μg unmodifiziertes und modifiziertes mEPOmRNA wurden Mäusen intravenös injiziert (jeweils n = 4). Nach 24 Stunden wurden die Interferon-γ-, IL-12- und Interferon-α-Pegel in Serum quantitativ mit ELISA ausgewertet.

By a method substantially as described in Example 3, modified mRNA containing an EPO coding portion was prepared. This mRNA was tested for its expression efficiency. For this purpose, in each case 5 μg of mRNA modified according to the invention or unmodified mRNA were injected into mice. Each group of mice had four members. On day 14 and day 28 after administration of the RNA, the proportion of EPO in the serum was quantitatively evaluated by an ELISA test. The hematocrit value was evaluated in whole blood of mice in the same experiment. The attached in the 11 The data shown here represent the mean value ± SEM. The scatter blot shows the individual hematocrit values, bars show median values. * P <0.05 versus the untreated group at the time; + P <0.05 versus the unmodified mEPO group at the time.

• (c) The data shows the mean ± SEM. Human PBMCs were transfected with 5 μg of unmodified or modified RFP mRNA and recovery rates were determined by RIP using TLR-3, TLR-7 and TLR-8 specific antibodies. The boxes mean averages ± IQR. The bars show the minimum and maximum values. * P <0.5, ** P <0.01, P <0.001 versus unmodified mEPO group.
• (d) 5 μg of unmodified and modified mEPOmRNA were injected intravenously into mice (n = 4 each). After 24 hours, interferon-γ, IL-12 and interferon-α levels in serum were quantitatively evaluated by ELISA.

As can be seen from the diagrams, for the RNA modified according to the invention the inflammatory markers are in the inconspicuous range, while for unmodified RNA or RNA modified only with modified uridine nucleotides the inflammation markers are greatly increased.

Thus, according to the present invention, an mRNA encoding EPO is provided which is very stable and at the same time does not elicit any, if any, immunological reactions. Such mRNA can be used advantageously for the treatment of erythropoietin deficiency. Due to its high stability, dosage is only necessary every 2 to 4 weeks.

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QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2007/024708 [0007]
• WO 2007000668 [0091]

Cited non-patent literature

• Standard with which compared [0070]
• Gu et al, Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2009 Feb; 16 (2): 144-50 [0091]
• Brown et al, Nat Biotechnol. 2007 Dec; 25 (12): 1457-67 [0091]
• Brown et al, Nat Med. 2006 May; 12 (5): 585-91 [0091]
• Hantos et al. [0130]
• www.abcam.com/technica [0132]

Claims (22)

A polyribonucleotide having a sequence encoding a protein or protein fragment, the polyribonucleotide containing a combination of unmodified and modified nucleotides, wherein from 5 to 50% of the uridine nucleotides and from 5 to 50% of the cytidine nucleotides are modified uridine nucleotides and modified cytidine nucleotides, respectively. A polyribonucleotide having a sequence encoding a protein or protein fragment obtainable from a nucleotide mixture of nucleotides ATP, GTP, CTP and UTP, wherein 5 to 50% of the cytidine nucleotides and 5 to 50% of the uridine nucleotides are modified. Polyribonucleotide according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the polyribonucleotide is mRNA. Polyribonucleotide according to claim 3, characterized in that the mRNA is in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT mRNA). A polyribonucleotide according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the RNA encodes a protein or protein fragment whose defect or deficiency can cause disease or which can alleviate, prevent or cure a condition, Polyribonucleotide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 15 to 30%, preferably 7.5 to 25% of the uridine nucleosides and 15 to 30%, preferably 7.5 to 25% of the cytidine nucleosides are modified. Polyribonucleotide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains at least two types of modified uridine nucleosides and / or at least two types of modified cytidine nucleosides. Polyribonucleotide according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one type of modified uridine nucleosides and / or cytidine nucleosides has as modification a functional group for the coupling of one or more functional carriers. Polyribonucleotide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that modified uridines are selected from 2-thiouridine, 5-methyluridine, pseudouridine, 5-methyluridine-5'-triphosphates (m5U), 5-idouridine-5'-triphosphates (I5U), 4-thiouridine 5'-triphosphates (S4U), 5-bromouridine 5'-triphosphates (Br5U), 2'-methyl-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphates (U2'm), 2'-amino-2 'deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphates (U2'NH2), 2'-azido-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphates (U2'N3), 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphates (U2 'F). Polyribonucleotide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that modified cytidines are selected from 5-methylcitidine, 3-methylcytidine, 2-thiocytidine, 2'-methyl-2'-deoxcytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'm), 2 ' Amino-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'NH2), 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'F), 5-idocytidines-5'-triphosphates (I5U), 5-bromocytidine-5'-triphosphates (Br5U), 2'-azido-2'-deoxycytidine-5'-triphosphates (C2'N3). Polyribonucleotide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a m7GpppG cap and / or at least one IRES and / or a polyA tail at the 5 'end. A polyribonucleotide according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains the one mRNA sequence encoding surfactant protein B (SP-B), EPO, ABCA3 or a fragment thereof. A polyribonucleotide according to any one of the preceding claims for use in transcript replacement therapy. The polyribonucleotide of claim 12 containing an SP-B coding sequence for use in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. The polyribonucleotide of claim 12 containing an EPO coding sequence for use in the treatment of EPO deficiency. A polyribonucleotide according to any one of the preceding claims, further containing at least one target sequence or target sequence for endogenous microRNAs that are not expressed in the target cell. A polyribonucleotide according to claim 8, characterized in that the functional carrier is a target sequence, a PEG group and / or a targeting ligand. A pharmaceutical composition containing at least one RNA according to any one of the preceding claims together with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 12 in a form for intratracheal and / or pulmonary administration. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 13 additionally comprising at least one perfluorocarbon for administration prior to or during administration of the RNA-containing composition. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 14 comprising perfluorocarbon and s2U _(0.25) m5C _(0.25) SP-B mRNA A method for screening nucleotide sequences to test immunogenicity and expression quality, wherein an RNA sequence is linked to at least one receptor selected from TLR3, TLR3, TLR8 and helicase RIG-1 and the binding ability is measured.

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