Polynucleotides encoding interleukin 12 (IL-12) and their uses

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Interleukin-12 (IL12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunity. Gately, MK et al., Annu Rev Immunol. 16: 495-521 (1998). IL12 functions primarily as a 70 kDa heterodimeric protein consisting of two disulfide-linked p35 and p40 subunits. IL12 p40 homodimers do exist, but other than functioning as an antagonist that binds the IL12 receptor, they do not appear to mediate a biologic response. Id. The precursor form of the IL12 p40 subunit (NM_002187; P29460; also referred to as IL12B, natural killer cell stimulatory factor 2, cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor 2) is 328 amino acids in length, while its mature form is 306 amino acids long. The precursor form of the IL12 p35 subunit (NM_000882; P29459; also referred to as IL12A, natural killer cell stimulatory factor 1, cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor 1) is 219 amino acids in length and the mature form is 197 amino acids long. Id. The genes for the IL12 p35 and p40 subunits reside on different chromosomes and are regulated independently of each other. Gately, MK et al., Annu Rev Immunol. 16: 495-521 (1998). Many different immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and B cells) produce IL12 upon antigenic stimuli. The active IL12 heterodimer is formed following protein synthesis. Id.

[0002] Due to its ability to activate both NK cells and cytotoxic T cells, IL12 protein has been studied as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic since 1994. See Nastala, C. L. et al., J Immunol 153: 1697-1706 (1994). But despite high expectations, early clinical studies did not yield satisfactory results. Lasek W. et α / ., Cancer Immunol Immunother 63: 419-435, 424 (2014). Repeated administration of IL12, in most patients, led to adaptive response and a progressive decline of IL12-induced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels in blood. Id. Moreover, while it was recognized that IL12-induced anti-cancer activity is largely mediated by the secondary secretion of IFNγ, the concomitant induction of IFN-γ along with other cytokines (e.g., TNF-α) or chemokines (IP-10 or MIG) by IL12 caused severe toxicity. Id.

[0003] In addition to the negative feedback and toxicity, the marginal efficacy of the IL12 therapy in clinical settings may be caused by the strong immunosuppressive environment in humans. Id. To minimize IFN-γ toxicity and improve IL12 efficacy, scientists tried different approaches, such as different dose and time protocols for IL12 therapy. See Sacco, S. et al., Blood 90: 4473-4479 (1997); Leonard, J. P. et al., Blood 90: 2541-2548 (1997); Coughlin, C. M. et al., Cancer Res. 57: 2460-2467 (1997); Asselin-Paturel, C. et al., Cancer 91: 113-122 (2001); and Saudemont, A. et al., Leukemia 16: 1637-1644 (2002). Nonetheless, these approaches have not significantly impacted patient survival. Kang, W. K., et al., Human Gene Therapy 12: 671-684 (2001).

[0004] Currently, a number of IL12 clinical trials are on-going. Though these multiple clinical trials have been on-going for nearly 20 years since the first human clinical trial of IL12 in 1996, an FDA-approved IL12 product is still not available. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved therapeutic approach for using IL12 to treat tumors.

[0005] WO 2015 / 095249 A1 relates to single-chain IL12 polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids encoding the single-chain IL12 polypeptides. Methods of using the single-chain IL12 polypeptides to enhance immune system function are also discussed.

[0006] According to Charoensit et al., 2010. Cancer Gene Ther. 17(7):512-22, the results disclosed therein suggest that intravenous injection of all-trans-retinoic acid-cationic liposome / IL12 plasma DNA complexes is an effective method for the treatment of lung metastasis in mice.

[0007] Suzuki et al., 2010. J Control Release. 142(2):245-50 studied the role of bubble liposomes and ultrasound in cancer gene therapy using IL12 corded plasmid DNA.

[0008] WO 2013 / 053775 A1 relates to a combination medicament comprising a nucleic acid expression vector comprising a sequence encoding an IL12 polypeptide and a non-agonist CTLA-4 ligand or non-agonist PD-1 ligand for treatment of malignant neoplastic disease.

[0009] WO 2010 / 126766 A1 relates to a nucleotide sequence encoding a nuclear factor of activated T-cells promoter operatively associated with a nucleotide sequence encoding IL12 for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer.

[0010] WO 2001 / 52874 A2 describes the use of a nucleic acid molecule encoding an IL12 polypeptide for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a tumor.

[0011] Chen et al., 2016. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. 3: 16023 provides a review of the clinical development of nanoparticles for gene delivery.

[0012] Anwer et al., 2010. Gene Ther. 17(3):360-9 discloses a phase-I trial to assess the safety and tolerability of human IL12 plasmid formulated with a synthetic lipopolymer, i.e., polyethyleneglycol-polyethyleneimine-cholesterol.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0013] The present invention provides a composition for use in a method of reducing the size of a tumor or inhibiting growth of a tumor in a subject in need thereof, wherein (a) the composition comprises an mRNA encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the mRNA comprises an open reading frame ("ORF") encoding an interleukin 12 p40 subunit ("IL12B") polypeptide and an interleukin 12 p35 subunit ("IL12A") polypeptide, (b) the mRNA is formulated as a lipid nanoparticle that comprises a cationic lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, and a PEG-modified lipid, and (c) the method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of said composition intratumorally.

[0014] Further, the present invention provides a composition for use in a method of (i) activating T cells in a subject in need thereof, (ii) increasing an effector to suppressor T cell ratio in a tumor of a subject in need thereof, (iii) increasing the number of activated Natural Killer (NK) cells in a subject in need thereof, and / or (vi) increasing cross-presenting dendritic cells in a tumor of a subject in need thereof, wherein (a) the composition comprises an mRNA encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the mRNA comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide, (b) the mRNA is formulated as a lipid nanoparticle that comprises a cationic lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, and a PEG-modified lipid, and (c) the method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of said composition intratumorally.

[0015] The present invention also provides a lipid nanoparticle comprising an mRNA encoding a human IL12 polypeptide, wherein the mRNA comprises an ORF encoding a human IL12B polypeptide operably linked to a human IL12A polypeptide, and the lipid nanoparticle comprises a cationic lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, and a PEG-modified lipid.

[0016] Furthers aspects of the invention are provided in the claims.

[0017] The present disclosure provides mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The mRNA therapeutics of the disclosure are particularly well-suited for the treatment of cancer as the technology provides for the intracellular delivery of mRNA encoding immune modulating polypeptides (for example, immune stimulating polypeptides, such as IL-12, and the like, useful in immuno-oncology ("IO")), followed by de novo synthesis of functional proteins within target cells, e.g., within target cells in tumors. The disclosure features therapeutic mRNAs having modified nucleotides to (1) minimize unwanted immune activation (e.g., the innate immune response associated with in vivo introduction of foreign nucleic acids) and (2) optimize the translation efficiency of mRNA to protein. Exemplary aspects of the disclosure feature therapeutic mRNAs having a combination of nucleotide modifications to reduce the innate immune response and sequence optimization, in particular, within the open reading frame (ORF) of therapeutic mRNAs encoding immune modulating polypeptides (e.g., immune stimulating polypeptides such as IL-12) to enhance protein expression.

[0018] In other aspects, the mRNA therapeutic technology of the disclosure features delivery of mRNA(s) encoding immune modulating (e.g., immune stimulating) polypeptides via a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system. In exemplary cases, the mRNA therapeutic technology of the disclosure features delivery of mRNA(s) encoding immune modulating polypeptides into tumors via a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system. The disclosure also features novel ionizable lipid-based LNPs which have improved properties when combined with mRNA(s) encoding immune modulating (e.g., immune stimulating) polypeptides and administered in vivo, for example, cellular uptake, intracellular transport and / or endosomal release or endosomal escape. The LNP formulations of the disclosure also demonstrate reduced immunogenicity associated with the in vivo administration of LNPs.

[0019] Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of reducing the size of a tumor or inhibiting growth of a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an open reading frame ("ORF") encoding an interleukin 12 p40 subunit ("IL12B") polypeptide and an interleukin 12 p35 subunit ("IL12A") polypeptide. In some cases, the method further comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or an effective amount of a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide. In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide inhibits PD1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, or a combination thereof. In certain cases, the checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide comprises an antibody. In some cases, administering the composition activates T cells in the subject.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of activating T cells in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the T cell activation comprises inducing T cell proliferation. In some cases, the T cell activation comprises inducing T cell infiltration in the tumor or increasing the number of tumor-infiltrating T cells. In some cases, the T cell activation comprises inducing a memory T cell response. In some cases, the activated T cells comprise CD4 +< T cells, CD8 +< T cells, or both. In certain cases, administering the composition alone or in combination with a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide increases an effector to suppressor T cell ratio in the tumor. In some cases, administering the composition further increases the number of activated NK cells in the subject. In some cases, administering the composition increases cross-presenting dendritic cells in the tumor of the subject. In some cases, administering the composition reduces the size of a distal tumor or inhibits growth of a distal tumor in the subject.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of increasing an effector to suppressor T cell ratio in a tumor of a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the effector to suppressor T cell ratio is a CD8 +< T cells: T regulatory (Treg) cells ratio.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of increasing the number of activated Natural Killer (NK) cells in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of increasing cross-presenting dendritic cells in a tumor of a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the cross-presenting dendritic cells are CD103 +< cells.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a lipid nanoparticle comprising a polynucleotide encoding a human IL12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding a human IL12B polypeptide operably linked to a human IL12A polypeptide.

[0025] In some cases, the IL12B polypeptide and the IL12A polypeptide are fused directly or by a nucleic acid encoding a linker. In some cases, the IL12B polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identical to amino acids 23 to 328 of SEQ ID NO: 48, wherein the amino acid sequence has IL12B activity. In some cases, the IL12A polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identical to amino acids 336 to 532 of SEQ ID NO: 48, wherein the amino acid sequence has IL12A activity. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide. In some cases, the signal peptide is an IL12B signal peptide.

[0026] In some cases, the composition comprises a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide operably linked via a linker to an IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the composition comprises a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding an IL12B signal peptide, an IL12B polypeptide, a linker and an IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the linker comprises a Gly / Ser linker.

[0027] In some cases, the IL12 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 48. the polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 5 to 44, 236, and 237. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 236 or 237.

[0028] In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises an ORF comprising at least one chemically modified nucleoside. In some cases, the at least one chemically modified nucleoside is selected from the group consisting of pseudouridine, N1-methylpseudouridine, 5-methylcytosine, 5-methoxyuridine, and a combination thereof. In some cases, the chemically modified nucleosides in the ORF are selected from the group consisting of uridine, adenine, cytosine, guanine, and any combination thereof.

[0029] In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a miRNA binding site. In some cases, the miRNA binding site is a miR-122 binding site. In some cases, the miRNA binding site is a miR-122-3p or miR-122-5p binding site. In certain cases, the miRNA binding site comprises a nucleotide sequence at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% identical to aacgccauua ucacacuaaa ua (SEQ ID NO: 51), wherein the miRNA binding site binds to miR-122. In cerain cases, the miRNA binding site comprises a nucleotide sequence at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% identical to uggaguguga caaugguguu ug (SEQ ID NO: 53), wherein the miRNA binding site binds to miR-122. In certain cases, the miRNA binding site comprises a nucleotide sequence at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% identical to caaacaccau ugucacacuc ca (SEQ ID NO: 54), wherein the miRNA binding site binds to miR-122.

[0030] In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a 5' untranslated region (UTR). In certain cases, the 5' UTR comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least about 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a sequence listed in Table 3. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a 3' untranslated region (UTR). In certain cases, the 3' UTR comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a sequence listed in Table 4A or 4B. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a miRNA binding site within the 3' UTR. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide spacer sequence fused to the miRNA binding site. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a 5' terminal cap structure. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a 3' polyA tail. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises a codon optimized ORF. In certain cases, the polynucleotide is in vitro transcribed (IVT) polynucleotide. In certain cases, the polynucleotide is circular.

[0031] In certain aspects, the polynucleotide is formulated with a delivery agent. In some cases, the delivery agent comprises a lipidoid, a liposome, a lipoplex, a lipid nanoparticle, a polymeric compound, a peptide, a protein, a cell, a nanoparticle mimic, a nanotube, or a conjugate. In some cases, the delivery agent is a lipid nanoparticle. In some cases, the delivery agent comprises a compound having formula (I) or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R 1 is selected from the group consisting of C 5-20 alkyl, C 5-20 alkenyl, -R ∗< YR", -YR", and -R"M'R'; R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1-14 alkyl, C 2-14 alkenyl, -R ∗< YR", -YR", and -R ∗< OR", or R 2 and R 3 , together with the atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycle or carbocycle; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of a C 3-6 carbocycle, -(CH 2 ) n Q, -(CH 2 ) n CHQR, -CHQR, -CQ(R) 2 , and unsubstituted C 1-6 alkyl, where Q is selected from a carbocycle, heterocycle, -OR, -O(CH 2 ) n N(R) 2 , -C(O)OR, -OC(O)R, -CX 3 , -CX 2 H, -CXH 2 , -CN, -N(R) 2 , -C(O)N(R) 2 , -N(R)C(O)R, -N(R)S(O) 2 R, -N(R)C(O)N(R) 2 , -N(R)C(S)N(R) 2 , and -C(R)N(R) 2 C(O)OR, and each n is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; each R 5 is independently selected from the group consisting of C 1-3 alkyl, C 2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R 6 is independently selected from the group consisting of C 1-3 alkyl, C 2-3 alkenyl, and H; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -N(R')C(O)-, -C(O)-, -C(S)-, -C(S)S-, -SC(S)-, -CH(OH)-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S(O) 2 - an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; R 7 is selected from the group consisting of C 1-3 alkyl, C 2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C 1-3 alkyl, C 2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R' is independently selected from the group consisting of C 1-18 alkyl, C 2-18 alkenyl, -R ∗< YR", -YR", and H; each R" is independently selected from the group consisting of C 3-14 alkyl and C 3-14 alkenyl; each R ∗< is independently selected from the group consisting of C 1-12 alkyl and C 2-12 alkenyl; each Y is independently a C 3-6 carbocycle; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I; and m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; and provided when R 4 is -(CH 2 ) n Q, -(CH 2 ) n CHQR, -CHQR, or -CQ(R) 2 , then (i) Q is not -N(R) 2 when n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or (ii) Q is not 5, 6, or 7-membered heterocycloalkyl when n is 1 or 2.

[0032] In some cases, the compound is of Formula (IA): or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein 1 is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; Mi is a bond or M'; R 4 is unsubstituted C 1-3 alkyl, or -(CH 2 ) n Q, in which n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 and Q is OH, -NHC(S)N(R) 2 , or -NHC(O)N(R) 2 ; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -P(O)(OR')O-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1-14 alkyl, and C 2-14 alkenyl.

[0033] In some cases, the compound is of Formula (II): or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein 1 is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; M 1 is a bond or M'; R 4 is unsubstituted C 1-3 alkyl, or -(CH 2 ) n Q, in which n is 2, 3, or 4 and Q is OH, -NHC(S)N(R) 2 , or -NHC(O)N(R) 2 ; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -P(O)(OR')O-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1-14 alkyl, and C 2-14 alkenyl.

[0034] In some cases, the compound is selected from Compound 1 to Compound 147, and salts and stereoisomers thereof. In some cases, the delivery agent comprises a compound having the formula (I) or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R 1 is selected from the group consisting of C 530 alkyl, C 520 alkenyl, -R ∗< YR", -R", and R"M'R'; R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 114 alkyl, C 214 alkenyl, R ∗< YR", YR", and R ∗< OR", or R 2 and R 3 , together with the atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycle or carbocycle; R 4 is selected from the group consisting of a C 36 carbocycle, (CH 2 ) n Q, -(CH 2 ) n CHQR, CHQR, CQ(R) 2 , and unsubstituted C 16 alkyl, where Q is selected from a carbocycle, heterocycle, -OR, - (CH 2 ) n N(R) 2 , -(O)OR, -OC(O)R, -CX 3 , -CX 2 H, -CXH 2 , -CN, -N(R) 2 , -C(O)N(R) 2 , -N(R)C(O)R, -N(R)S(O) 2 R, -N(R)C(O)N(R) 2 , -N(R)C(S)N(R) 2 , -N(R)Rs, -O(CH 2 ) n OR, -N(R)C(=NR 9 )N(R) 2 , -N(R)C(=CHR 9 )N(R) 2 , -OC(O)N(R) 2 , -N(R)C(O)OR, -N(OR)C(O)R, -N(OR)S(O) 2 R, -N(OR)C(O)OR, -N(OR)C(O)N(R) 2 , -N(OR)C(S)N(R) 2 , -N(OR)C(=NR 9 )N(R) 2 , -N(OR)C(=CHR 9 )N(R) 2 , -C(=NR 9 )N(R) 2 , -C(=NR 9 )R, -C(O)N(R)OR, and -C(R)N(R) 2 C(O)OR, and each n is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; each R 5 is independently selected from the group consisting of C 13 alkyl, C 23 alkenyl, and H; each R 6 is independently selected from the group consisting of C 13 alkyl, C 23 alkenyl, and H; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -N(R')C(O)-, -(O)-, -C(S)-, -C(S)S-, -SC(S)-, -(OH)-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S(O) 2 -, -S-S-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; R 7 is selected from the group consisting of C 13 alkyl, C 23 alkenyl, and H; R 8 is selected from the group consisting of C 3-6 carbocycle and heterocycle; R 9 is selected from the group consisting of H, CN, NO 2 , C 1-6 alkyl, -OR, -S(O) 2 R, -S(O) 2 N(R) 2 , C 2-6 alkenyl, C 3-6 carbocycle and heterocycle; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C 13 alkyl, C 23 alkenyl, and H; each R' is independently selected from the group consisting of C 118 alkyl, C 218 alkenyl, R ∗< YR", YR", and H; each R" is independently selected from the group consisting of C 314 alkyl and C 314 alkenyl; each R ∗< is independently selected from the group consisting of C 112 alkyl and C 212 alkenyl; each Y is independently a C 36 carbocycle; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I; and m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; and provided that when R 4 is -(CH 2 ) n Q, -(CH 2 ) n CHQR, -CHQR, or -CQ(R) 2 , then (i) Q is not -N(R) 2 when n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or (ii) Q is not 5, 6, or 7-membered heterocycloalkyl when n is 1 or 2.

[0035] In some cases, the delivery agent further comprises a phospholipid. In some cases, the phospholipid is selected from the group consisting of 1,2 dilinoleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (DLPC), 1,2 dimyristoyl sn glycero phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2 dioleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (DOPC), 1,2 dipalmitoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2 distearoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (DSPC), 1,2 diundecanoyl sn glycero phosphocholine (DUPC), 1 palmitoyl 2 oleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (POPC), 1,2 di O octadecenyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:0 Diether PC), 1 oleoyl 2 cholesterylhemisuccinoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (OChemsPC), 1 hexadecyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (C16 Lyso PC), 1,2 dilinolenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine, 1,2 diarachidonoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine, 1,2 didocosahexaenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine, 1,2 dioleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2 diphytanoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (ME 16:0 PE), 1,2 distearoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine, 1,2 dilinoleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine, 1,2 dilinolenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine, 1,2 diarachidonoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine, 1,2 didocosahexaenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine, 1,2 dioleoyl sn glycero 3 phospho rac (1 glycerol) sodium salt (DOPG), sphingomyelin, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the phospholipid is selected from the group consisting of 1 myristoyl 2 palmitoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (14:0-16:0 PC, MPPC), 1 myristoyl 2 stearoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (14:0-18:0 PC, MSPC), 1 palmitoyl 2 acetyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (16:0-02:0 PC), 1 palmitoyl 2 myristoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (16:0-14:0 PC, PMPC), 1 palmitoyl 2 stearoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (16:0-18:0 PC, PSPC), 1 palmitoyl 2 oleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (16:0-18:1 PC, POPC), 1 palmitoyl 2 linoleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (16:0-18:2 PC, PLPC), 1 palmitoyl 2 arachidonoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (16:0-20:4 PC), 1 palmitoyl 2 docosahexaenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (14:0-22:6 PC), 1 stearoyl 2 myristoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:0-14:0 PC, SMPC), 1 stearoyl 2 palmitoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:0-16:0 PC, SPPC), 1 stearoyl 2 oleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:0-18:1 PC, SOPC), 1 stearoyl 2 linoleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:0-18:2 PC), 1 stearoyl 2 arachidonoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:0-20:4 PC), 1 stearoyl 2 docosahexaenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:0-22:6 PC), 1 oleoyl 2 myristoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:1-14:0 PC, OMPC), 1 oleoyl 2 palmitoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:1-16:0 PC, OPPC), 1 oleoyl 2 stearoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (18:1-18:0 PC, OSPC), 1 palmitoyl 2 oleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (16:0-18:1 PE, POPE), 1 palmitoyl 2 linoleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (16:0-18:2 PE), 1 palmitoyl 2 arachidonoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (16:0-20:4 PE), 1 palmitoyl 2 docosahexaenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (16:0-22:6 PE), 1 stearoyl 2 oleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (18:0-18:1 PE), 1 stearoyl 2 linoleoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (18:0-18:2 PE), 1 stearoyl 2 arachidonoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (18:0-20:4 PE), 1 stearoyl 2 docosahexaenoyl sn glycero 3 phosphoethanolamine (18:0-22:6 PE), 1 oleoyl 2 cholesterylhemisuccinoyl sn glycero 3 phosphocholine (OChemsPC), and any combination thereof.

[0036] In some cases, the delivery agent further comprises a structural lipid. In some cases, the delivery agent further comprises a PEG lipid. In some cases, the delivery agent further comprises an ionizable lipid selected from the group consisting of 3 (didodecylamino) N1,N1,4 tridodecyl 1 piperazineethanamine (KL10), N1 [2 (didodecylamino)ethyl] N1,N4,N4 tridodecyl 1,4 piperazinediethanamine (KL22), 14,25 ditridecyl 15,18,21,24-tetraaza-octatriacontane (KL25), 1,2 dilinoleyloxy N,N dimethylaminopropane (DLin-DMA), 2,2 dilinoleyl 4 dimethylaminomethyl [1,3] dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA), heptatriaconta 6,9,28,31 tetraen 19 yl 4 (dimethylamino)butanoate (DLin-MC3-DMA), 2,2 dilinoleyl 4 (2 dimethylaminoethyl) [1,3] dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), 1,2 dioleyloxy N,N dimethylaminopropane (DODMA), 2 ({8 [(3β) cholest 5 en 3 yloxy]octyl}oxy) N,N dimethyl 3 [(9Z,12Z) octadeca 9,12 dien 1 yloxy]propan 1 amine (Octyl-CLinDMA), (2R) 2 ({8 [(3β) cholest 5 en 3 yloxy]octyl}oxy) N,N dimethyl 3 [(9Z,12Z) octadeca 9,12 dien 1 yloxy]propan 1 amine (Octyl-CLinDMA (2R)), and (2S) 2 ({8 [(3β) cholest 5 en 3 yloxy]octyl}oxy) N,N dimethyl 3 [(9Z,12Z) octadeca 9,12 dien 1 yloxy]propan 1 amine (Octyl-CLinDMA (2S)).

[0037] In some cases, the delivery agent further comprises a quaternary amine compound. In certain cases, the quaternary amine compound is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA), 1-[2-(oleoyloxy)ethyl]-2-oleyl-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)imidazolinium chloride (DOTIM), 2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(sperminecarboxamido)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanaminium trifluoroacetate (DOSPA), N,N-distearyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), N-(1,2-dimyristyloxyprop-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide (DMRIE), N-(1,2-dioleoyloxyprop-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide (DORIE), N,N-dioleyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride (DODAC),

[0038] 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DLePC), 1,2-distearoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DSTAP), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DPTAP), 1,2-dilinoleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DLTAP), 1,2-dimyristoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DMTAP), 1,2-distearoyl -sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DSePC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DPePC), 1,2-dimyristoyl -sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DMePC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DOePC), 1,2-di-(9Z-tetradecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (14:1 EPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (16:0-18:1 EPC), and any combination thereof.

[0039] In certain aspects, the composition is formulated for in vivo delivery. In some aspects, the composition is formulated for intramuscular, subcutaneous, intratumoral, or intradermal delivery.

[0040] In certain aspects, the administration treats a cancer. In some cases, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of adrenal cortical cancer, advanced cancer, anal cancer, aplastic anemia, bileduct cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, bone metastasis, brain tumors, brain cancer, breast cancer, childhood cancer, cancer of unknown primary origin, Castleman disease, cervical cancer, colon / rectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophagus cancer, Ewing family of tumors, eye cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, gestational trophoblastic disease, Hodgkin disease, Kaposi sarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, lung carcinoid tumor, lymphoma of the skin, malignant mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, penile cancer, pituitary tumors, prostate cancer, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, salivary gland cancer, sarcoma in adult soft tissue, basal and squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma, small intestine cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, throat cancer, thymus cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine sarcoma, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, Wilms tumor, secondary cancers caused by cancer treatment, and any combination thereof.

[0041] In certain aspects, the composition is administered by a device comprising a pump, patch, drug reservoir, short needle device, single needle device, multiple needle device, micro-needle device, jet injection device, ballistic powder / particle delivery device, catheter, lumen, cryoprobe, cannula, microcanular, or devices utilizing heat, RF energy, electric current, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the effective amount is between about 0.10 mg / kg to about 1,000 mg / kg.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS / FIGURES

[0042] FIG. 1 shows (1) the wild-type IL12B amino acid sequence, (2) the wild-type nucleic acid encoding the wtIL12B, (3) the wild-type IL12A amino acid sequence, (4) the wild-type nucleic acid encoding the wtIL12A, (5) the wild-type IL12B signal peptide amino acid sequence, and (6) the wild-type nucleic acid encoding the wtIL12B signal peptide. FIGs. 2A-2B. FIG. 2A is a graph depicting the higher AUC and C max for IL12 plasma levels observed following intravenous administration of IL12 mRNA in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) compared to the corresponding IL12 recombinant protein. FIG. 2B is a graph depicting the higher AUC and C max for IFNγ plasma levels observed following intravenous administration of IL12 mRNA administered in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) compared to IL12 recombinant protein. FIG. 3 is a graph depicting the robust efficacy of a single intravenous (IV) dose of IL12 mRNA in lipid nanoparticle (LNP), at doses of 0.1 mg / kg (Group 4) and 0.05 mg / kg (Group 5) (as indicated by lines with the inverted triangles), compared to Groups 1 (PBS), 2 (IL12 protein), 7 and 8 (controls NST-FIX, 0.1 mg / kg and 0.05 mg / kg, respectively). FIGs. 4A-4F are graphs depicting the mean tumor volume and the number of complete responses (CR) seen following administration of a single intravenous (IV) dose of: IL12 mRNA in lipid nanoparticle (LNP), at doses of 0.1 mg / kg (Group 4) (FIG. 4F) and 0.05 mg / kg (Group 5) (Fig. 4E), PBS (Group 1) (FIG. 4A), IL12 protein (Group 2) (FIG. 4D), controls NST-FIX, 0.1 mg / kg and 0.05 mg / kg (Groups 7 and 8, respectively) (FIG. 4C and FIG. 4B, respectively). Complete responses (CRs) are shown in FIGs. 4E and 4F only. FIG. 4E shows that 6 of 8 CRs were seen in Group 5 (IL12 mRNA in lipid nanoparticle (LNP), at a dose of 0.05 mg / kg). FIG. 4F shows that 5 of 9 CRs were seen in Group 4 (IL12 mRNA in lipid nanoparticle (LNP), at a dose of 0.1 mg / kg). Aside from the IL12 mRNA groups, all other groups did not observe any CRs. FIG. 5 is a graph depicting the survival benefit at day 47 post tumor-implantation from a single intravenous (IV) dose of IL12 mRNA in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) at a dose of 0.05 mg / kg (Group 5) and a dose of 0.1 mg / kg (Group 4) compared to a single IV dose of IL12 protein at 1µg (~0.05 mg / kg) (Group 2), NST-FIX at 0.1 mg / kg (Group 7) or 0.05 mg / kg (Group 8), or PBS (Group 1). FIGs. 6A-6B are graphs showing the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of a single intratumoral dose of IL12 mRNA (4 µg) in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) administered to mice bearing adenocarcinoma (MC38) tumors. FIG. 6A shows the tumor volume means (mm 3< ), up to day 24, starting at day 10 post implantation. Group 1 (circles) represents mice (n = 7) administered 4 µg IL12 mRNA LNP at day 10 post-implantation; Group 2 (squares) represents mice (n = 7) administered 4 µg of control mRNA encoding non-translated factor IX (NST-FIX LNP); and Group 3 (triangles) represents another control group of mice (n = 7) administered PBS. FIG. 6B shows the individual tumor volumes (mm 3< ) for each group of mice, up to day 47, starting at day 10 post implantation. Complete responses (CR) were achieved in 3 of 7 (44%) animals administered 4 µg IL12 mRNA LNP (circles). FIGs. 7A-7B are graphs showing the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of an intratumoral dose of IL12 mRNA (5 µg) in MC3-based lipid nanoparticle (LNP) administered to mice bearing A20 B-cell lymphoma tumors. FIG. 7A shows the individual tumor volume (mm 3< ) for mice (n=12) administered 5 µg non-translated control mRNA (NST). FIG. 7B shows the individual tumor volumes for mice (n=12) administered 5µg of IL12 (miRless) mRNA. Complete responses (CR) were achieved in 5 of 12 animals that received IL12 mRNA. FIG. 7C is a graph showing comparable in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of IL12 mRNA (5 µg) containing a miR122 binding site (FIG. 7C) in a B-cell lymphoma tumor model (A20). Both IL12 mRNAs (with miR122 binding site and without (i.e., miRless)) were formulated in an MC3-based lipid nanoparticle (LNP). The IL12 mRNAs were administered to mice bearing A20 B-cell lymphoma tumors. Complete responses (CR) were achieved in 6 out of 12 mice in the IL12 miR122 group (FIG. 7C). FIGs. 8A-8B are graphs showing in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of a single dose of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA in MC3-based lipid nanoparticle (LNP) administered to mice bearing A20 B-cell lymphoma tumors. Complete responses (CR) were achieved in 4 of 12 mice in the IL12 miRless (0.5 µg) group (FIG. 8A) and 3 of 12 mice in the IL12 miR122 (0.5 µg) group (FIG. 8B). FIG. 8C is a graph showing enhanced in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in a B-cell lymphoma tumor model (A20) by administering multiple doses of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA in MC3-based lipid nanoparticle (LNP) to mice bearing A20 tumors. Complete responses (CR) were achieved in 5 out of 12 mice administered weekly dosing of 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 for seven (7) days x 6. FIG. 8D is a graph showing that the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of weekly intratumoral doses of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) (i.e., Compound 18) administered to mice bearing A20 B-cell lymphoma tumors is similar to the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA in MC3-based LNP. FIG. 14 shows the individual tumor volumes for 12 mice administered 0.5 µg of IL12 mRNA in Compound 18-based LNP for 7 days x 6. Complete responses (CR) were also achieved in 5 out of 12 animals. FIGs. 8E-8F are graphs showing tumor growth in mice bearing A20 tumors administered weekly dosing (7 days x 6) of 0.5 µg non-translated negative control mRNA (NST) in MC3-based lipid nanoparticle (LNP) (FIG. 8E) and 0.5 µg non-translated negative control mRNA (NST) in Compound 18-based LNP (FIG. 8F). FIGs. 9A-9B are graphs showing dose-dependent levels of IL12 in plasma (FIG. 9A) and tumor (FIG. 9B) at 6 hours and 24 hours following intratumoral administration of the indicated doses of IL12 mRNA in MC3-based LNPs to mice bearing A20 tumors. From left to right, the mice were given (i) PBS, (ii) 0.5 µg NST, (iii) 2.5 µg NST, (iv) 5 µg NST, (v) 0.5 µg IL12, (vi) 2.5 µg IL12, (vii) 5 µg IL12, (viii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122, (ix) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122, and (x) 5 µg IL12 miR122. FIGs. 9C-9D are graphs showing elevated levels of IL12 in plasma and tumor following administration of indicated doses of IL12 mRNA in Compound 18-based LNPs compared to IL12 mRNA in MC3-based LNPs. FIG. 9C shows plasma IL12 levels at 6 hours and 24 hours; FIG. 9D shows tumor IL12 levels at 6 hours and 24 hours. From left to right, the mice were given (i) PBS, (ii) 0.5 µg NST in MC3, (iii) 2.5 µg NST in MC3, (iv) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (v) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (vi) 0.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (vii) 2.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (viii) 5 µg IL12 miR122, (ix) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18, and (x) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18. FIGs. 9E-9F are graphs showing increased levels of IFNγ at 6 hours and 24 hours in plasma (FIG. 9E) and in tumor (FIG. 9F) following administration of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing A20 tumors. From left to right, the mice were given (i) PBS, (ii) 0.5 µg NST in MC3, (iii) 2.5 µg NST in MC3, (iv) 5 µg NST in MC3, (v) 0.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vi) 2.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vii) 5 µg IL12 in MC3, (viii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (ix) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (x) 5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (xi) 0.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xii) 2.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xiii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18, and (xiv) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18. FIGs. 9G-9H are graphs showing increased levels of IP10 at 6 hours and 24 hours in plasma (FIG. 9G) and in tumor (FIG. 9H) following administration of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing A20 tumors. From left to right, the mice were given (i) PBS, (ii) 0.5 µg NST in MC3, (iii) 2.5 µg NST in MC3, (iv) 5 µg NST in MC3, (v) 0.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vi) 2.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vii) 5 µg IL12 in MC3, (viii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (ix) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (x) 5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (xi) 0.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xii) 2.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xiii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18, and (xiv) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18. FIGs. 9I-9J are graphs showing decreased levels of IL6 at 6 hours and 24 hours in plasma (FIG. 9I) and in tumor (FIG. 9J) following administration of IL12 mRNA. From left to right, the mice were given (i) PBS, (ii) 0.5 µg NST in MC3, (iii) 2.5 µg NST in MC3, (iv) 5 µg NST in MC3, (v) 0.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vi) 2.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vii) 5 µg IL12 in MC3, (viii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (ix) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (x) 5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (xi) 0.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xii) 2.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xiii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18, and (xiv) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18. FIGs. 9K-9L are graphs showing decreased levels of G-CSF at 6 hours and 24 hours in plasma (FIG. 9K) and in tumor (FIG. 9L) following administration of IL12 mRNA. From left to right, the mice were given (i) PBS, (ii) 0.5 µg NST in MC3, (iii) 2.5 µg NST in MC3, (iv) 5 µg NST in MC3, (v) 0.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vi) 2.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vii) 5 µg IL12 in MC3, (viii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (ix) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (x) 5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (xi) 0.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xii) 2.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xiii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18, and (xiv) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18. FIGs. 9M-9N are graphs showing decreased levels of GROa at 6 hours and at 24 hours in plasma (FIG. 9M) and tumor (FIG. 9N) following administration of IL12 mRNA. From left to right, the mice were given (i) PBS, (ii) 0.5 µg NST in MC3, (iii) 2.5 µg NST in MC3, (iv) 5 µg NST in MC3, (v) 0.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vi) 2.5 µg IL12 in MC3, (vii) 5 µg IL12 in MC3, (viii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (ix) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (x) 5 µg IL12 miR122 in MC3, (xi) 0.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xii) 2.5 µg NST in Compound 18, (xiii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18, and (xiv) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 in Compound 18. FIGs. 10A-10B are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through day 35 post disease induction with A20 tumor following treatment with IL12_miR122 mRNA (FIG. 10B) compared to negative control mRNA (FIG. 10A). FIGs. 10C-10D are graphs showing body weight measurements of mice through day 35 post disease induction with A20 tumor following treatment with IL12_miR122 mRNA (FIG. 10D) compared to negative control mRNA (FIG. 10C). FIG. 11A is a graph depicting bioluminescence (BL) as a surrogate for tumor burden at day 22 post disease induction with a luciferase-enabled MC38 colon cancer cell line in mice. From left to right, mice were administered no treatment, 2 µg mIL12_miRless, 2 µg mIL12_miR122, 2 µg NST_OX40L_122, 4 µg mIL12_miRless, 4 µg mIL12_miR122, 4µg NST_OX40L_122, and 1 µg rm IL12. FIG. 11B is a Kaplan-Meier curve showing the percent survival of mice treated with LNPs carrying IL12 mRNA compared to NST-OX40L negative controls. The graph shows survival to day 150 post implantation with A20 tumor. FIG. 12A shows uracil (U) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 12B shows guanine (G) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 12C shows cytosine (C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 12D shows guanine plus cytosine (G / C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 13A shows uracil (U) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 13B shows guanine (G) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 13C shows cytosine (C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 13D shows guanine plus cytosine (G / C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 14A shows uracil (U) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 14B shows guanine (G) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 14C shows cytosine (C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 14D shows guanine plus cytosine (G / C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 15A shows uracil (U) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 15B shows guanine (G) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 15C shows cytosine (C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 15D shows guanine plus cytosine (G / C) metrics corresponding to wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). The column labeled "G / C Content (%)" corresponds to %G / C TL . FIG. 16A shows a comparison between the G / C compositional bias for codon positions 1, 2, 3 corresponding to the wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_001 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 16B shows a comparison between the G / C compositional bias for codon positions 1, 2, 3 corresponding to the wild type IL12B and 20 sequence optimized IL12B polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 16C shows a comparison between the G / C compositional bias for codon positions 1, 2, 3 corresponding to the wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_0-1 to hIL12AB_020). FIG. 16D shows a comparison between the G / C compositional bias for codon positions 1, 2, 3 corresponding to the wild type IL12A and 20 sequence optimized IL12A polynucleotides (hIL12AB_021 to hIL12AB_040). FIG. 17A is a graph showing dose-dependent levels of IL12 in plasma at 24 hours following intratumoral administration of the indicated doses of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing tumors. From left to right, the mice were given (i) no treatment, (ii) 5 µg NST, (iii) 0.05 µg IL12 miR122, (iv) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122, (v) 5 µg IL12 miR122, (vi) 5 µg NST, (vii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 (4 doses), (viii) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 (4 doses), and (ix) 5 µg IL12 miR122 (4 doses). FIG. 17B is a graph showing increased levels of IFNγ in plasma at 24 hours following intratumoral administration of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing tumors. From left to right, the mice were given (i) no treatment, (ii) 5 µg NST, (iii) 0.05 µg IL12 miR122, (iv) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122, (v) 5 µg IL12 miR122, (vi) 5 µg NST, (vii) 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 (4 doses), (viii) 2.5 µg IL12 miR122 (4 doses), and (ix) 5 µg IL12 miR122 (4 doses). FIGs. 18A-18B are graphs showing increased levels of IL12 in plasma (FIG. 18A) and IFNγ in plasma (FIG. 18B) over the course of 200 hours following intraperitoneal administration of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing MC38 tumors. Mice were given (i) no treatment, (ii) 2 µg IL12 miRless, (iii) 2 µg IL12 miR122, (iv) 4 µg IL12 miRless, (v) 4 µg miR122, (vi) 1 µg IL12 protein, (vii) 2 µg NST_OX40L_122, or (viii) 4 µg NST_OX40L_122. FIGs. 19A-19B are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through day 90 post disease induction with A20 tumor following treatment with 0.5 µg IL12_miR122 mRNA in a Compound 18-based lipid nanoparticle (LNP) (FIG. 19B) compared to negative control mRNA (FIG. 19A). FIGs. 19C-19D are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through day 60 post disease induction with A20 tumor in naive mice (FIG. 19C) or in complete responder mice previously treated with IL12_miR122 mRNA and rechallenged (FIG. 19D). FIGs. 20A-20D are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 80 days following a single intratumoral dose of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing MC38-S tumors. Mice were given 0.05 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 20A), 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 20B), 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 20C), or NST (FIG. 20D). FIGs. 21A-21F are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 80 days following a single dose or multiple doses of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing MC38-S tumors. Mice were given a single dose of 0.05 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 21A), a single dose of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 21B), a single dose of 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 21C), two doses of 0.05 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 21D), two doses of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 21E), two doses of 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 21F). FIG. 22 is a Kaplan-Meier curve showing the percent survival of mice treated with LNPs carrying IL12 mRNA compared to NST-FIX negative controls. The graph shows survival to day 80 post implantation with MC38-S tumor. FIG. 23A-23D are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 75 days following a single dose of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing MC38-R tumors. Mice were given 0.05 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23A), 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23B), 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23C), or NST (FIG. 23D). FIG. 23E-23J are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 75 days following a single dose or multiple doses of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing MC38-R tumors. Mice were given a single dose of 0.05 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23E), a single dose of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23F), a single dose of 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23G), multiple doses of 0.05 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23H), multiple doses of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23I), or multiple doses of 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 23J). FIG. 24 is a Kaplan-Meier curve showing the percent survival of mice treated with LNPs carrying IL12 mRNA compared to NST-OX40L negative controls. The graph shows survival to day 80 post implantation with MC38-R tumor. FIG. 25 is a graph showing depletion of CD8+ T cells over the course of 28 days. FIGs. 26A-26E are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 90 days following CD8+ T cell depletion and subsequent administration of a single dose of IL12 mRNA to mice bearing MC38-R tumors. Mice were given an antibody control for CD8+ T cell depletion and then 0.5 µg negative control mRNA (FIG. 26A), an antibody control for CD8+ T cell depletion and then 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 26B), CD8+ T cell-depleting antibody clone 24.3 and then 0.5 µg negative control mRNA (FIG. 26C), or CD8+ T cell-depleting antibody clone 24.3 and then 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 26D). FIG. 26E is a Kaplan-Meier curve showing the percent survival of mice treated with IL12 mRNA absent CD8+ T cell depletion compared to mice treated with IL12 mRNA after CD8+ T cell depletion. The graph shows survival to day 90 post implantation with MC38-R tumor. FIGs. 27A-27B are graphs showing the percent of CD11b+ myeloid cells staining positive for PDL1 expression in MC38-R (FIG. 27A) and B16F10-AP3 (FIG. 27B) tumors 24 hours or 72 hours after no treatment, treatment with an NST negative control or two different intratumoral doses of IL12 mRNA. Statistical significance is indicated by asterisks. FIGs. 28A-28B are graphs showing CD8+ T cells in tumors as a proportion of the immune infiltrate (CD45+ cells) (left panels) and per mg of tumor (right panels) in MC38-R (FIG. 28A) and B16F10-AP3 (FIG. 28B) tumors 7 days after no treatment, treatment with an NST negative control or two different doses of IL12 mRNA. Statistical significance is indicated by asterisks. FIGs. 29A-29B are graphs showing ratio of CD8+ T cells to Treg cells in MC38-R (FIG. 29A) and B16F10-AP3 (FIG. 29B) tumors 7 days after no treatment, treatment with an NST negative control or two different doses of IL12 mRNA. Statistical significance is indicated by asterisks. FIGs. 30A-30B are graphs showing the percent of cells CD8+ T cells staining positive for the early activation marker CD69 in MC38-R (FIG. 30A) and B16F10-AP3 (FIG. 30B) tumors 24 hours after no treatment, treatment with an NST negative control or two different doses of IL12 mRNA. Statistical significance is indicated by asterisks. FIGs. 31A-31B are graphs showing the percent of NK cells staining positive for the early activation marker CD69 in MC38-R (FIG. 31A) and B16F10-AP3 (FIG. 31B) tumors 24 hours or 72 hours after no treatment, treatment with an NST negative control or two different doses ofIL12 mRNA. Statistical significance is indicated by asterisks. FIGs. 32A-32B are graphs showing the number of CD103+ classical dendritic cells per mg of MC38-R (FIG. 32A) and B16F10-AP3 (FIG. 32B) tumors 7 days after no treatment, treatment with an NST negative control or two different doses of IL12 mRNA. FIG. 32C is a graph showing the percent of CD8+ classical dendritic cells staining positive for CD86 in the tumor draining lymph node (LN) of a B16F10-AP3 tumor 24 hours, 72 hours, or 7 days after no treatment, treatment with an NST negative control or two different dose of IL12 mRNA. Statistical significance is indicated by asterisks. FIGs. 33A-33B are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 55 days following administration of anti-PD-L1 antibody to mice bearing MC38-R tumors. Mice were given an antibody control (FIG. 33A) or an anti-PD-L1 antibody (clone 80) (FIG. 33B). FIGs. 33C-33G are graphs showing individual tumor volumes in mice bearing MC38-R tumors through 90 days following administration of IL12 mRNA alone or in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. Mice were given (i) a single iTu dose of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA as a monotherapy (FIG. 33C), (ii) a single iTu dose of 5.0 µg IL12 miR122 as a monotherapy (FIG. 33D), (iii) a single iTu dose of 0.5 µg IL12 miR122 in combination with multiple intraperitoneal doses of anti-PD-L1 antibody (FIG. 33E), (iv) a single iTu dose of 5.0 µg IL12 mRNA in combination with multiple intraperitoneal doses of anti-PD-L1 antibody (FIG. 33F); or (v) multiple intraperitoneal doses of anti-PD-L1 antibody (FIG. 33G). FIGs. 34A-34C are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 75 days. Mice bearing MC38-R tumors were treated 10 days post implant with an anti-PD-L1 antibody alone (FIG. 34A), 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA alone (FIG. 34B), or both an anti-PD-L1 antibody and 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 34C). The anti-PD-L1 antibody was administered over 6 doses. Vertical dashed lines indicate dose days. FIGs. 35A-35D are graphs showing individual tumor volumes through 70 days. Mice bearing B16F10-AP3 tumors were treated 10 days post implant with a negative control (FIG. 35A), an anti-PD-L1 antibody alone (FIG. 35B), a single dose of 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA alone (FIG. 35C), or with both an anti-PD-L1 antibody and 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIG. 35D). The anti-PD-L1 antibody was administered over 6 doses. Vertical dashed lines indicate dose days. FIG. 36A is a drawing of a mouse implanted bilaterally with tumor cells. FIGs. 36B-36G are graphs showing individual tumor volumes in bilaterally implanted MC38-S mice through 60 days in treated (FIG. 36B, 36D, and 36F) and distal (FIG. 36C, 36E, and 36G) tumors following treatment with a negative control (NST mRNA plus isotype antibody control) (FIGs. 36B-36C), 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIGs. 36D-36E), or 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIGs. 36F-36G). Vertical dashed lines indicate dose days. FIGs. 37A-37F are graphs showing individual tumor volumes in bilaterally implanted MC38-S mice through 60 days following treatment with no active mRNA (NST mRNA) (FIGs. 37A-37B), 0.5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIGs. 37C-37D), or 5 µg IL12 mRNA (FIGs. 37E-37F), combined with either an isotype control antibody (FIG. 37A, 37C, or 37E) or an anti-PD-L1 antibody (FIG. 37B, 37D, or 37F). Vertical dashed lines indicate dose days. FIG. 38 is a graph showing human IL-12 expression in vitro and in vivo by wild-type and codon optimized IL-12 mRNA constructs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present disclosure provides a new approach to treat cancer involving the prevention or treatment of disease with substances (e.g., mRNAs encoding IL12) that stimulate the immune response, i.e., immunotherapy.

[0044] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to methods of treating cancer using a polynucleotide encoding IL12. An IL12 polypeptide as disclosed herein comprises IL12A, IL12B, or both IL12A and IL12B. In another aspect, the disclosure provides methods of treating cancer using a combination approach that features mRNAs encoding IL12 and an anti-cancer agent, e.g., an immune-checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., anti-PD-1 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that priming of an anti-cancer immune response is possible by administering, e.g., intratumorally, mRNAs encoding IL12 in the stimulation of, for example, T-cells and / or natural killer cells. Therefore, an mRNA encoding IL12 is believed to provide a first stimulation signal to the immune system, for example, within the tumor environment, e.g., via intratumoral injection of the mRNA. IL12 can also stimulate the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. As disclosed herein, IL12, either directly or indirectly through IFN-γ, can also increase expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells, which can impair local tumor immunity. Therefore, in some aspects, the disclosure provides a method of treating tumor comprising administering a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody to block the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptor, i.e., PD-1. In other aspects, the disclosure includes a method of treating tumor comprising administering a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 in combination with an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. In further aspects, the disclosure provides a method of treating tumor comprising administering a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody and an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Some aspects of the disclosure also include additional agents, e.g., OX40L, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, or mRNA encoding an OX40L. In other aspects, the anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody can be administered in the form of a polynucleotide. Similarly, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody can be administered in the form of a polynucleotide. Exemplary aspects feature treatment with lipid nanoparticle-(LNP-) encapsulated mRNAs. Exemplary aspects feature intratumoral administration of mRNAs in cationic lipid-based LNPs.1. Methods of treating cancer

[0045] Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods of reducing or decreasing size, mass, and / or volume of a tumor or preventing the growth of a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide disclosed herein, or a vector or a host cell comprising the polynucleotide, or an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. In certain cases, the polynucleotide encodes an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B and an IL12A polypeptides. In some cases, the methods of reducing the size (including mass and / or volume) of a tumor or inhibiting growth of a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides. In some cases, the one or more polynucleotides encode an IL-12 polypeptide. In some cases, the one or more polynucleotides comprise an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide. In some cases, the one or more polynucleotides comprise an ORF encoding an IL12A polypeptide. In certain cases, the one or more polynucleotides comprise an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide.

[0046] In some cases, the methods further comprise administering a second agent. In some cases, the second agent comprises an effective amount of a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide. In some cases, the second agent comprises an effective amount of a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide. In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is any checkpoint inhibitor known in the art or described herein. In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody. In other cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-PD-L1 antibody. In other cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. In some cases, the second agent comprises an effective amount of a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding OX40L. In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is selected from an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, or a polynucleotide encoding OX40L or any other agents disclosed herein. In certain cases, the composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor comprises more than one checkpoint inhibitor. In one particular case, the method comprises administering (i) an mRNA, encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide disclosed herein, and (ii) an anti-PD-L1 antibody, an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, or any combination thereof.

[0047] In some cases, the methods reduce the size of a tumor in a subject as compared to the size of the tumor before the administration. In certain cases, the size of the tumor is reduced by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or about 100%. In certain cases, the subject exhibits a partial resonse. In certain cases, the subject exhibits a complete response.

[0048] In some cases, the methods of the present disclosure inhibit, stop or delay tumor growth in a subject in need thereof. In certain cases, the tumor growth is inhibited, stopped or delayed for at least about 1 week, at least about 2 weeks, at least about 3 weeks, at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 12 months, at least about 15 months, at least about 18 months, at least about 24 months, or at least about 36 months. In other cases, the tumor growth is inhibited indefinitely.

[0049] In other cases, the present disclosure provides methods of promoting an anti-tumor effect (e.g., induce T cell proliferation, induce T cell infiltration in a tumor, induce a memory T cell response, increasing the number of NK cells, etc.) by administering the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 alone or the polynucleotide in combination with any agents disclosed herein.

[0050] In one case, the present disclosure provides a method of activating T cells in a subject in need thereof, inducing T cell proliferation in a subject in need thereof, inducing T cell infiltration in a tumor of a subject in need thereof, and / or inducing a memory T cell response in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a composition disclosed herein, e.g., a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12, alone or in combination with composition comprising a second agent, e.g., a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, or a polynucleotide encoding OX40L or any other agents disclosed herein. In certain cases, the intratumoral administration of the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 alone or in combination with a second agent can increase the efficacy of the anti-tumor effect (e.g., T cell infiltration in a tumor) compared to other routes of administration.

[0051] In some cases, the administering of the compositions described herein, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding an IL12, alone or in combination with a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, activates T cells in the subject. T cell activation can be characterized in any way known in the art. In some cases, the activated T cells express CD4. In some cases, the activated T cells express CD8. In certain cases the activated T cells express CD4 and CD8. In certain cases, the activated T cells comprise CD4 +< T cells, CD8 +< T cells, or both CD4 +< T cells and CD8 +< T cells.

[0052] In one case, activated T cells in the subject reduce the size of a tumor or inhibit the growth of a tumor in the subject. Activation of T cells can be measured using applications in the art such as measuring T cell proliferation; measuring cytokine production with enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA) or enzyme-linked immunospot assays (ELISPOT); or detection of cell-surface markers associated with T cell activation (e.g., CD69, CD40L, CD137, CD25, CD71, CD26, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD154, and CD134) with techniques such as flow cytometry.

[0053] In some cases, T cell activation comprises inducing T cell proliferation. In some cases, T cell proliferation is increased by at least about 1.5 fold, at least about 2 fold, at least about 3 fold, at least about 4 fold, at least about 5 fold, at least about 6 fold, at least about 7 fold, at least about 8 fold, at least about 9 fold, at least about 10 fold, at least about 20 fold, at least about 30 fold, at least about 50 fold, or at least about 100 fold, as compared to the level of T cell proliferation prior to the administration of the IL12 encoding polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA).

[0054] In one case, T cell proliferation in the subject is directed to an anti-tumor immune response in the subject. In another aspect, the T cell proliferation in the subject reduces or decreases the size of a tumor or inhibits the growth of a tumor in the subject. T cell proliferation can be measured using applications in the art such as cell counting, viability staining, optical density assays, or detection of cell-surface markers associated with T cell activation (e.g., CD69, CD40L, CD137, CD25, CD71, CD26, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD154, and CD134) with techniques such as flow cytometry.

[0055] In some cases, T cell activation comprises induction of T cell infiltration of the tumor. In some cases, T cell infiltration in the tumor is increased by at least about 2 fold, at least about 3 fold, at least about 4 fold, at least about 5 fold, at least about 6 fold, at least about 7 fold, at least about 8 fold, at least about 9 fold, at least about 10 fold, at least about 20 fold, at least about 30 fold, at least about 50 fold, or at least about 100 fold, as compared to the level of T cell infiltration of the tumor prior to the administration of the IL12 encoding polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA).

[0056] In some cases, T cell activation comprises increasing the number of tumor-infiltrating T cells. In certain cases, the number of tumor-infiltrating T cells in the tumor is increased by at least about 2 fold, at least about 3 fold, at least about 4 fold, at least about 5 fold, at least about 6 fold, at least about 7 fold, at least about 8 fold, at least about 9 fold, at least about 10 fold, at least about 20 fold, at least about 30 fold, at least about 50 fold, or at least about 100 fold, as compared to the number of tumor infiltrating T cells in the tumor prior to the administration of the IL12 encoding polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA)

[0057] In one case, T cell infiltration in a tumor of the subject is directed to an anti-tumor immune response in the subject. In another aspect, the T cell infiltration in a tumor of the subject reduces or decreases the size of a tumor or inhibits the growth of a tumor in the subject. T cell infiltration in a tumor can be measured using applications in the art such as tissue sectioning and staining for cell markers, measuring local cytokine production at the tumor site, or detection of T cell-surface markers with techniques such as flow cytometry.

[0058] In some cases, T cell activation comprises inducing a memory T cell response in a subject in need thereof. In certain cases, the memory T cell response is increased by at least about 2 fold, at least about 3 fold, at least about 4 fold, at least about 5 fold, at least about 6 fold, at least about 7 fold, at least about 8 fold, at least about 9 fold, at least about 10 fold, at least about 20 fold, at least about 30 fold, at least about 50 fold, or at least about 100 fold, as compared to the memory T cell response prior to the administration of the IL12 encoding polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA).

[0059] In one case, the memory T cell response in the subject is directed to an anti-tumor immune response in the subject. In another aspect, the memory T cell response in the subject reduces or decreases the size of a tumor or inhibits the growth of a tumor in the subject. A memory T cell response can be measured using applications in the art such as measuring T cell markers associated with memory T cells, measuring local cytokine production related to memory immune response, or detecting memory T cell-surface markers with techniques such as flow cytometry.

[0060] In some cases, the administering of the compositions described herein, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding an IL12, alone or in combination with a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, increases an effector to suppressor T cell ratio in the tumor. In certain cases, the effector to suppressor T cell ratio is characterized by the ratio of (i) CD8+, CD4+, or CD8+ / CD4+ T cells to (ii) Treg cells in a subject. In certain cases, the increase in the effector to suppressor T cell ratio correlates with an increase in the number of CD8+ T cells. In some cases, the increase in the effector to suppressor T cell ratio correlates with an increase in the number of CD4 +< T cells. In some cases, the increase in the effector to suppressor T cell ratio correlates with an increase in the number of CD8+ / CD4+ T cells. In some cases, the increase in the effector to suppressor T cell ratio correlates with a decrease in the number of Treg cells.

[0061] In some cases, the effector to suppressor T cell ratio, e.g., the CD8 +< T cell to Treg cell ratio, following administration of the IL12 encoding polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) (alone or in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody, an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, or a polynucleotide encoding OX40L) is at least about 1.5:1, at least about 2:1, at least about 2.5:1, at least about 3:1, at least about 3.5:1, at least about 3.5:1, at least about 4:1, at least about 4.5:1, at least about 5:1, at least about 6:1, at least about 7:1, at least about 8:1, at least about 9:1, at least about 10:1, at least about 15:1, at least about 20:1, at least about 25:1, at least about 30:1, at least about 35:1, at least about 40:1, at least about 45:1, at least about 50:1, at least about 60:1, at least about 70:1, at least about 80:1, at least about 90:1, at least about 100:1, at least about 110:1, at least about 120:1, at least about 130:1, at least about 140:1, at least about 150:1, at least about 200:1, at least about 250:1, or at least about 500:1.

[0062] In some cases, the effector to suppressor T cell ratio, e.g., the CD8 +< T cell to Treg cell ratio, following administration of the IL12 encoding polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) (alone or in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody, an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, or a polynucleotide encoding OX40L) is at least about 1.5, at least about 2, at least about 2.5, at least about 3, at least about 3.5, at least about 3.5, at least about 4, at least about 4.5, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 110, at least about 120, at least about 130, at least about 140, at least about 150, at least about 200, at least about 250, or at least about 500.

[0063] In one case, the increase in the effector to suppressor T cell ratio in the tumor is directed to an anti-tumor immune response in the subject. In another aspect, the increase in the effector to suppressor T cell ratio in the tumor reduces or decreases the size of a tumor or inhibits the growth of a tumor in the subject. The effector to suppressor T cell ratio in the tumor can be measured using applications in the art such as measuring the ratio of CD8+, CD4+, or CD8+ / CD4+ T cells to Treg cells, using any methods known in the art including IHC and / or flow cytometry.

[0064] In certain cases, the activated T cells by the present methods are CD4 +< cells, CD8 +< cells, CD62 +< (L-selectin +< ) cells, CD69 +< cells, CD40L +< cells, CD137 +< cells, CD25 +< cells, CD71 +< cells, CD26 +< cells, CD27 +< cells, CD28 +< cells, CD30 +< cells, CD45 +< cells, CD45RA +< cells, CD45RO +< cells, CD11b +< cells, CD154 +< cells, CD134 +< cells, CXCR3 +< cells, CCR4 +< cells, CCR6 +< cells, CCR7 +< cells, CXCR5 +< cells, Crth2 +< cells, gamma delta T cells, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the activated T cells by the present methods are Th 1 cells. In other cases, the T cells activated by the present methods are Th 2 cells. In other cases, the T cells activated by the present disclosure are cytotoxic T cells.

[0065] In some cases, the infiltrating T cells by the present methods are CD4 +< cells, CD8 +< cells, CD62 +< (L-selectin +< ) cells, CD69 +< cells, CD40L +< cells, CD137 +< cells, CD25 +< cells, CD71 +< cells, CD26 +< cells, CD27 +< cells, CD28 +< cells, CD30 +< cells, CD45 +< cells, CD45RA +< cells, CD45RO +< cells, CD11b +< cells, CD154 +< cells, CD134 +< cells, CXCR3 +< cells, CCR4 +< cells, CCR6 +< cells, CCR7 +< cells, CXCR5 +< cells, Crth2 +< cells, gamma delta T cells, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the infiltrating T cells by the present methods are Th 1 cells. In other cases, the infiltrating T cells by the present methods are Th 2 cells. In other cases, the infiltrating T cells by the present disclosure are cytotoxic T cells.

[0066] In some cases, the memory T cells induced by the present methods are CD4 +< cells, CD8 +< cells, CD62 +< (L-selectin +< ) cells, CD69 +< cells, CD40L +< cells, CD137 +< cells, CD25 +< cells, CD71 +< cells, CD26 +< cells, CD27 +< cells, CD28 +< cells, CD30 +< cells, CD45 +< cells, CD45RA +< cells, CD45RO +< cells, CD11b +< cells, CD154 +< cells, CD134 +< cells, CXCR3 +< cells, CCR4 +< cells, CCR6 +< cells, CCR7 +< cells, CXCR5 +< cells, Crth2 +< cells, gamma delta T cells, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the memory T cells by the present methods are Th 1 cells. In other cases, the memory T cells by the present methods are Th 2 cells. In other cases, the memory T cells by the present disclosure are cytotoxic T cells.

[0067] In certain cases, the disclosure includes a method of inducing an adaptive immune response, an innate immune response, or both adaptive and innate immune response against tumor comprising administering a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, encoding IL12 alone or in combination with a second agent, e.g., a checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, and / or any other agents disclosed herein.

[0068] The present disclosure further provides a method of increasing the number of Natural Killer (NK) cells in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA encoding IL12 alone or in combination with a second agent, e.g., a checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, and / or any other agents disclosed herein. In one aspect, the increase in the number of NK cells in the subject is directed to an anti-tumor immune response in the subject. In another aspect, the increase in the number of NK cells in the subject reduces or decreases the size of a tumor or inhibits the growth of a tumor in the subject. Increases in the number of NK cells in a subject can be measured using applications in the art such as detection of NK cell-surface markers (e.g., CD335 / NKp46; CD336 / NKp44; CD337 / NPp30) or intracellular NK cell markers (e.g., perforin; granzymes; granulysin).

[0069] In some cases, the administering of the compositions described herein, e.g., a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12, alone or in combination with a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, increases the number of activated NK cells in the subject as compared to the number of activated NK cells prior to the administration. In some cases, the number of activated NK cells is increased by at least about 1.5 fold, at least about 2 fold, at least about 3 fold, at least about 4 fold, at least about 5 fold, at least about 6 fold, at least about 7 fold, at least about 8 fold, at least about 9 fold, at least about 10 fold, at least about 15 fold, at least about 20 fold, at least about 25 fold, at least about 30 fold, at least about 35 fold, at least about 40 fold, at least about 45 fold, at least about 50 fold, at least about 60 fold, at least about 70 fold, at least about 80 fold, at least about 90 fold, or at least about 100 fold. In some cases, the increase in activated NK cells is maintained for at least about 1 day, at least about 2 days, at least about 3 days, at least about 4 days, at least about 5 days, at least about 6 days, at least about 7 days, at least about 8 days, at least about 9 days, at least about 10 days, at least about 11 days, at least about 12 days, at least about 13 days, at least about 14 days, at least about 15 days, at least about 16 days, at least about 17 days, at least about 18 days, at least about 19 days, at least about 20 days, at least about 21 days, or at least about 28 days.

[0070] In some cases, the administering of the compositions described herein, e.g., a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12, alone or in combination with a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, increases the number of cross-presenting dendritic cells in the tumor of the subject as compared to the number of cross-presenting dendritic cells in the tumor prior to the administration. In some cases, the number of cross-presenting dendritic cells in the tumor is increased by at least about 1.5 fold, at least about 2 fold, at least about 3 fold, at least about 4 fold, at least about 5 fold, at least about 6 fold, at least about 7 fold, at least about 8 fold, at least about 9 fold, at least about 10 fold, at least about 15 fold, at least about 20 fold, at least about 25 fold, at least about 30 fold, at least about 35 fold, at least about 40 fold, at least about 45 fold, at least about 50 fold, at least about 60 fold, at least about 70 fold, at least about 80 fold, at least about 90 fold, or at least about 100 fold. In some cases, the increase in cross-presenting dendritic cells in the tumor is maintained for at least about 1 day, at least about 2 days, at least about 3 days, at least about 4 days, at least about 5 days, at least about 6 days, at least about 7 days, at least about 8 days, at least about 9 days, at least about 10 days, at least about 11 days, at least about 12 days, at least about 13 days, at least about 14 days, at least about 15 days, at least about 16 days, at least about 17 days, at least about 18 days, at least about 19 days, at least about 20 days, at least about 21 days, or at least about 28 days.

[0071] In certain cases, the present disclosure is also directed to a method of increasing IFNγ expression in a subject having tumor comprising administering a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, encoding IL12 alone or in combination with a second agent, e.g., a checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, and / or any other agents disclosed herein.

[0072] Other cases also include a method of increasing expression of IFNy, TNFα, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15 / 15R, IL-27, MIP-1β, MIP-1α, MCP-1, MCP-3, M-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, or any combination thereof in a subject having tumor comprising administering a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, encoding IL12 alone or in combination with another agent disclosed herein. In yet other cases, the methods of the present disclosure can include methods of inducing expression of GM-CSF, IL-18, IL-3, RANTES, IL-6, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The polynucleotide encoding IL12 can be formulated as a pharmaceutical composition that is suitable for administration either directly or indirectly to tumors. The term "tumor" is used herein in a broad sense and refers to any abnormal new growth of tissue that possesses no physiological function and arises from uncontrolled usually rapid cellular proliferation. The term "tumor" as used herein relates to both benign tumors and to malignant tumors.

[0074] Certain aspects of the disclosure provide methods of intratumorally administering a single administration dose of a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, encoding IL12 alone or in combination with any agents disclosed herein. In such cases, an mRNA encoding IL12 can be administered only once while the other agent can be administered regularly, following its regular dosing schedule. In certain cases, a checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, is administered prior to administration of a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, encoding IL12. In some cases, the polynucleotide is formulated in a lipid nanoparticle, e.g., Compound 18, disclosed herein. Not being bound by any theory, in some aspects, the intratumoral delivery of a polynucleotide encoding IL12 and / or the lipid nanoparticle formulation disclosed herein allow single dose administration that is sufficient for the dose to trigger anti-tumor efficacy and treat tumor. Given the potential toxicity of IFNγ induced by IL-12, this single dosing regimen of the disclosed polynucleotide can be beneficial to the subjects in need of the treatment.

[0075] In certain cases, the method comprises administering a single dose of a polynucleotide encoding IL12 in combination with a second agent, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, which can be given also in single administration or multiple administrations following its regular (e.g., approved) schedule. In other cases, the method comprises not more than two administrations of a polynucleotide encoding IL12, not more than three administrations of a polynucleotide encoding IL12, not more than four administrations of a polynucleotide encoding IL12, or not more than five administrations of a polynucleotide encoding IL12, optionally in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, or a polynucleotide encoding an OX40L polypeptide.

[0076] In other cases, the present methods can result in abscopal effects, e.g., a treatment of tumor where localized treatment of a tumor, e.g., intratumoral delivery, by a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, encoding IL12 causes not only a shrinking of the treated tumor, but also a shrinking of tumors outside the scope of the localized treatment ("distal tumor").

[0077] In some cases, the administering of the compositions described herein, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding an IL12 polypeptide, alone or in combination with a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, reduces the size of a distal tumor. In certain cases, the administering is intratumoral to a first tumor, and the administering reduces the size of a second, distal tumor. In some cases, the size of the distal tumor is reduced by at least about 10%, at least about 20% at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%.

[0078] In certain cases, the administering of the compositions described herein, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding an IL12 polypeptide, alone or in combination with a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, inhibits the growth of a distal tumor. In certain cases, the administering is intratumoral to a first tumor, and the administering inhibits the growth of a second, distal tumor. In some cases, the growth of the distal tumor is inhibited for at least about 7 days, at least about 14 days, at least about 21 days, at least about 28 days, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 12 months, at least about 18 months, at least about 24 months, at least about 30 months, at least about 36 months, at least about 4 years, or at least about 5 years.

[0079] The delivery of the polynucleotide encoding IL12 to a tumor using a pharmaceutical compositions for intratumoral administration disclosed herein can: (i) increase the retention of the polynucleotide in the tumor; (ii) increase the levels of expressed polypeptide in the tumor compared to the levels of expressed polypeptide in peritumoral tissue; (iii) decrease leakage of the polynucleotide or expressed product to off-target tissue (e.g., peritumoral tissue, or to distant locations, e.g., liver tissue); or, (iv) any combination thereof, wherein the increase or decrease observed for a certain property is relative to a corresponding reference composition (e.g., composition in which compounds of formula (I) are not present or have been substituted by another ionizable amino lipid, e.g., MC3).

[0080] In one case, a decrease in leakage can be quantified as decrease in the ratio of polypeptide expression in the tumor to polypeptide expression in non-tumor tissues, such as peritumoral tissue or to another tissue or organ, e.g., liver tissue.

[0081] Delivery of a polynucleotide encoding IL12 to a tumor involves administering a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, e.g., in nanoparticle form, including the polynucleotide encoding IL12 to a subject, where administration of the pharmaceutical composition involves contacting the tumor with the composition.

[0082] In the instance that the polynucleotide encoding IL12 is an mRNA, upon contacting a cell in the tumor with the pharmaceutical composition, a translatable mRNA may be translated in the cell to produce a polypeptide of interest. However, mRNAs that are substantially not translatable may also be delivered to tumors. Substantially non-translatable mRNAs may be useful as vaccines and / or may sequester translational components of a cell to reduce expression of other species in the cell.

[0083] The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein can increase specific delivery. As used herein, the term "specific delivery," means delivery of more (e.g., at least 1.5 fold more, at least 2-fold more, at least 3-fold more, at least 4-fold more, at least 5-fold more, at least 6-fold more, at least 7-fold more, at least 8-fold more, at least 9-fold more, at least 10-fold more) of a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides by pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein (e.g., in nanoparticle form) to a target tissue of interest (e.g., a tumor) compared to an off-target tissue (e.g., mammalian liver).

[0084] The level of delivery of a nanoparticle to a particular tissue may be measured, for example, by comparing (i) the amount of protein expressed from a polynucleotide encoding IL12 in a tissue to the weight of the tissue; (ii) comparing the amount of the polynucleotide in a tissue to the weight of the tissue; or (iii) comparing the amount of protein expressed from a polynucleotide encoding IL12 in a tissue to the amount of total protein in the tissue.

[0085] Specific delivery to a tumor or a particular class of cells in the tumor implies that a higher proportion of pharmaceutical composition including a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides is delivered to the target destination (e.g., target tissue) relative to other off-target destinations upon administration of a pharmaceutical composition to a subject.

[0086] The present disclosure also provides methods to deliver intratumorally a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides when a pharmaceutical composition comprising the polynucleotides disclosed herein (e.g., in nanoparticle form) are administered to a tumor. The intratumoral administration can show one or more properties selected from the group consisting of: (i) increased retention of the polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides in the tumor; (ii) increased levels of expressed polypeptide in the tumor compared to the levels of expressed polypeptide in peritumoral tissue; (iii) decreased leakage of the polynucleotide or expressed product to off-target tissue (e.g., peritumoral tissue, or to distant locations, e.g., liver tissue); and, (iv) any combination thereof, wherein the increase or decrease observed for a certain property is relative to a corresponding reference composition (e.g., composition in which compounds of formula (I) are not present or have been substituted by another ionizable amino lipid, e.g., MC3).

[0087] In one case, a decrease in leakage can be quantified as decrease in the ratio of polypeptide expression in the tumor to polypeptide expression in non-tumor tissues, such as peritumoral tissue or to another tissue or organ, e.g., liver tissue.

[0088] In some cases, another property in delivery caused as a result of using the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein is a reduction in immune response with respect to the immune response observed when other lipid components are used to deliver the same a therapeutic agent or polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic agent.

[0089] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method of increasing retention of a therapeutic agent (e.g., a polynucleotide or a polypeptide administered as part of the pharmaceutical composition or a polypeptide expressed as a result of the administration) in a tumor tissue in a subject, comprising administering intratumorally to the tumor tissue a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, wherein the retention of the therapeutic agent in the tumor tissue is increased compared to the retention of the therapeutic agent in the tumor tissue after administering a corresponding reference composition (e.g., MC3).

[0090] Also provided is a method of increasing retention of a polynucleotide in a tumor tissue in a subject, comprising administering intratumorally to the tumor tissue a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, wherein the retention of the polynucleotide in the tumor tissue is increased compared to the retention of the polynucleotide in the tumor tissue after administering a corresponding reference composition (e.g., MC3).

[0091] Also provided is a method of increasing retention of an expressed polypeptide in a tumor tissue in a subject, comprising administering to the tumor tissue a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polynucleotide encoding the expressed polypeptide, and wherein the retention of the expressed polypeptide in the tumor tissue is increased compared to the retention of the polypeptide in the tumor tissue after administering a corresponding reference composition (e.g., MC3).

[0092] The present disclosure also provides a method of decreasing expression leakage of a polynucleotide administered intratumorally to a subject in need thereof, comprising administering said polynucleotide intratumorally to the tumor tissue as a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, wherein the expression level of the polypeptide in non-tumor tissue is decreased compared to the expression level of the polypeptide in non-tumor tissue after administering a corresponding reference composition (e.g., MC3).

[0093] Also provided is a method of decreasing expression leakage of a therapeutic agent (e.g., a polypeptide administered as part of the pharmaceutical composition) administered intratumorally to a subject in need thereof, comprising administering the therapeutic agent intratumorally to the tumor tissue as a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, wherein the amount of therapeutic agent in non-tumor tissue is decreased compared to the amount of therapeutic in non-tumor tissue after administering a corresponding reference composition (e.g., MC3).

[0094] Also provided is a method of decreasing expression leakage of an expressed polypeptide in a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the tumor tissue a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polynucleotide encoding the expressed polypeptide, and wherein the amount of expressed polypeptide in non-tumor tissue is decreased compared to the amount of expressed polypeptide in non-tumor tissue after administering a corresponding reference composition (e.g., MC3).

[0095] In some cases, the non-tumoral tissue is peritumoral tissue. In other cases, the non-tumoral tissue is liver tissue.

[0096] The present disclosure also provides a method to reduce or prevent the immune response caused by the intratumoral administration of a pharmaceutical composition, e.g., a pharmaceutical composition comprising lipids known in the art, by replacing one or all the lipids in such composition with a compound of Formula (I). For example, the immune response caused by the administration of a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides in a pharmaceutical composition comprising MC3 (or other lipids known in the art) can be prevented (avoided) or ameliorated by replacing MC3 with a compound of Formula (I), e.g., Compound 18.

[0097] In some cases, the immune response observed after a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides is administered in a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein is not elevated compared to the immune response observed when the therapeutic agent or a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides is administered in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or another physiological buffer solution (e.g., Ringer's solution, Tyrode's solution, Hank's balanced salt solution, etc.).

[0098] In some cases, the immune response observed after a therapeutic agent or a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides is administered in a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein is not elevated compared to the immune response observed when PBS or another physiological buffer solution is administered alone.

[0099] In some cases, no immune response is observed when a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein is administered intratumorally to a subject.

[0100] Accordingly, the present disclosure also provides a method of delivering a therapeutic agent or a polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides to a subject in need thereof, comprising administering intratumorally to the subject a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, wherein the immune response caused by the administration of the pharmaceutical composition is not elevated compared to the immune response caused by the intratumoral administration of (i) PBS alone, or another physiological buffer solution (e.g., Ringer's solution, Tyrode's solution, Hank's balanced salt solution, etc.); (ii) the therapeutic agent or polynucleotide encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides in PBS or another physiological buffer solution; or, (iii) a corresponding reference composition, i.e., the same pharmaceutical composition in which the compound of Formula (I) is substituted by another ionizable amino lipid, e.g., MC3.

[0101] In certain cases, the administration treats a cancer.

[0102] The polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) of the present disclosure can be administered in any route available, including, but not limited to, intratumoral, enteral, gastroenteral, epidural, oral, transdermal, epidural (peridural), intracerebral (into the cerebrum), intracerebroventricular (into the cerebral ventricles), epicutaneous (application onto the skin), intradermal, (into the skin itself), subcutaneous (under the skin), nasal administration (through the nose), intravenous (into a vein), intraperitoneal (into the peritoneum), intraarterial (into an artery), intramuscular (into a muscle), intracardiac (into the heart), intraosseous infusion (into the bone marrow), intrathecal (into the spinal canal), intraperitoneal, (infusion or injection into the peritoneum), intravesical infusion, intravitreal, (through the eye), intracavernous injection, (into the base of the penis), intravaginal administration, intrauterine, extra-amniotic administration, transdermal (diffusion through the intact skin for systemic distribution), transmucosal (diffusion through a mucous membrane), insufflation (snorting), sublingual, sublabial, enema, eye drops (onto the conjunctiva), or in ear drops. In other cases, the mRNA of the present disclosure is administered parenterally (e.g., includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, intramuscular, intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intrahepatic, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques), intraventricularly, orally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir. In particular cases, the polynucleotide, composition, or polypeptide is administered subcutaneously, intravenously, intraperitoneally, intratumorally, intramuscularly, intra-articularly, intra-synovially, intrasternally, intrathecally, intrahepatically, intradermally, intralesionally, intracranially, intraventricularly, orally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir. In one particular case, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) of the present disclosure is administered intratumorally.

[0103] In some cases, the polynucleotide is delivered by a device comprising a pump, patch, drug reservoir, short needle device, single needle device, multiple needle device, micro-needle device, jet injection device, ballistic powder / particle delivery device, catheter, lumen, cryoprobe, cannula, microcanular, or devices utilizing heat, RF energy, electric current, or any combination thereof.

[0104] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to transplantation of cells containing polynucleotides to a mammalian subject. Administration of cells to mammalian subjects is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and includes, but is not limited to, local implantation (e.g., topical or subcutaneous administration), organ delivery or systemic injection (e.g., intravenous injection or inhalation), and the formulation of cells in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

[0105] In some cases, the polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, is administered at an amount between about 0.10 µg / kg and about 1000 mg / kg.

[0106] In some cases, the administration of the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical composition or formulation of the disclosure results in expression of IL12 in cells of the subject. In some cases, administering the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical composition or formulation of the disclosure results in an increase of IL12 activity in the subject. For example, in some cases, the polynucleotides of the present disclosure are used in methods of administering a composition or formulation comprising an mRNA encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, and both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides to a subject, wherein the method results in an increase of IL12 activity in at least some cells of a subject.

[0107] In some cases, the administration of a composition or formulation comprising an mRNA encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, and both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides to a subject results in an increase of IL12 activity in cells subject to a level at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or to 100% or more of the activity level expected in a normal subject.

[0108] Other cases of the disclosure also provide a method of treating a cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering (e.g., intratumorally, intraperitoneally, or intravenously) a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, and both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides with one or more anti-cancer agents to the subject.

[0109] In some cases, the polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, and both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides of the present disclosure can be used to reduce the size of a tumor or inhibit tumor growth in a subject in need thereof.

[0110] In some cases, the tumor is associated with a disease, disorder, and / or condition. In a particular case, the disease, disorder, and / or condition is a cancer. Thus, in one aspect, the administration of the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, and both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides treats a cancer.

[0111] A "cancer" refers to a broad group of various diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Unregulated cell division and growth results in the formation of malignant tumors that invade neighboring tissues and can also metastasize to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. A "cancer" or "cancer tissue" can include a tumor at various stages. In certain cases, the cancer or tumor is stage 0, such that, e.g., the cancer or tumor is very early in development and has not metastasized. In some cases, the cancer or tumor is stage I, such that, e.g., the cancer or tumor is relatively small in size, has not spread into nearby tissue, and has not metastasized. In other cases, the cancer or tumor is stage II or stage III, such that, e.g., the cancer or tumor is larger than in stage 0 or stage I, and it has grown into neighboring tissues but it has not metastasized, except potentially to the lymph nodes. In other cases, the cancer or tumor is stage IV, such that, e.g., the cancer or tumor has metastasized. Stage IV can also be referred to as advanced or metastatic cancer.

[0112] In some aspects, the cancer can include, but is not limited to, adrenal cortical cancer, advanced cancer, anal cancer, aplastic anemia, bileduct cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, bone metastasis, brain tumors, brain cancer, breast cancer, childhood cancer, cancer of unknown primary origin, Castleman disease, cervical cancer, colon / rectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophagus cancer, Ewing family of tumors, eye cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, gestational trophoblastic disease, Hodgkin disease, Kaposi sarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, lung carcinoid tumor, lymphoma of the skin, malignant mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, penile cancer, pituitary tumors, prostate cancer, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, salivary gland cancer, sarcoma in adult soft tissue, basal and squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma, small intestine cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, throat cancer, thymus cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine sarcoma, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, Wilms tumor, secondary cancers caused by cancer treatment, and any combination thereof.

[0113] In some aspects, the tumor is a solid tumor. A "solid tumor" includes, but is not limited to, sarcoma, melanoma, carcinoma, or other solid tumor cancer. "Sarcoma" refers to a tumor which is made up of a substance like the embryonic connective tissue and is generally composed of closely packed cells embedded in a fibrillar or homogeneous substance. Sarcomas include, but are not limited to, chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, melanosarcoma, myxosarcoma, osteosarcoma, Abemethy's sarcoma, adipose sarcoma, liposarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, ameloblastic sarcoma, botryoid sarcoma, chloroma sarcoma, chorio carcinoma, embryonal sarcoma, Wilms' tumor sarcoma, endometrial sarcoma, stromal sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, fascial sarcoma, fibroblastic sarcoma, giant cell sarcoma, granulocytic sarcoma, Hodgkin's sarcoma, idiopathic multiple pigmented hemorrhagic sarcoma, immunoblastic sarcoma of B cells, lymphoma, immunoblastic sarcoma of T-cells, Jensen's sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Kupffer cell sarcoma, angiosarcoma, leukosarcoma, malignant mesenchymoma sarcoma, parosteal sarcoma, reticulocytic sarcoma, Rous sarcoma, serocystic sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, or telangiectaltic sarcoma.

[0114] The term "melanoma" refers to a tumor arising from the melanocytic system of the skin and other organs. Melanomas include, for example, acra-lentiginous melanoma, amelanotic melanoma, benign juvenile melanoma, Cloudman's melanoma, S91 melanoma, Harding-Passey melanoma, juvenile melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, malignant melanoma, metastatic melanoma, nodular melanoma, subungal melanoma, or superficial spreading melanoma.

[0115] The term "carcinoma" refers to a malignant new growth made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissues and give rise to metastases. Exemplary carcinomas include, e.g., acinar carcinoma, acinous carcinoma, adenocystic carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, carcinoma adenomatosum, carcinoma of adrenal cortex, alveolar carcinoma, alveolar cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, carcinoma basocellulare, basaloid carcinoma, basosquamous cell carcinoma, bronchioalveolar carcinoma, bronchiolar carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, cerebriform carcinoma, cholangiocellular carcinoma, chorionic carcinoma, colloid carcinoma, comedo carcinoma, corpus carcinoma, cribriform carcinoma, carcinoma en cuirasse, carcinoma cutaneum, cylindrical carcinoma, cylindrical cell carcinoma, duct carcinoma, carcinoma durum, embryonal carcinoma, encephaloid carcinoma, epiermoid carcinoma, carcinoma epitheliale adenoides, exophytic carcinoma, carcinoma ex ulcere, carcinoma fibrosum, gelatiniform carcinoma, gelatinous carcinoma, giant cell carcinoma, carcinoma gigantocellulare, glandular carcinoma, granulosa cell carcinoma, hair-matrix carcinoma, hematoid carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, Hurthle cell carcinoma, hyaline carcinoma, hypemephroid carcinoma, infantile embryonal carcinoma, carcinoma in situ, intraepidermal carcinoma, intraepithelial carcinoma, Krompecher's carcinoma, Kulchitzky-cell carcinoma, large-cell carcinoma, lenticular carcinoma, carcinoma lenticulare, lipomatous carcinoma, lymphoepithelial carcinoma, carcinoma medullare, medullary carcinoma, melanotic carcinoma, carcinoma molle, mucinous carcinoma, carcinoma muciparum, carcinoma mucocellulare, mucoepidernoid carcinoma, carcinoma mucosum, mucous carcinoma, carcinoma myxomatodes, naspharyngeal carcinoma, oat cell carcinoma, carcinoma ossificans, osteoid carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, periportal carcinoma, preinvasive carcinoma, prickle cell carcinoma, pultaceous carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma of kidney, reserve cell carcinoma, carcinoma sarcomatodes, schneiderian carcinoma, scirrhous carcinoma, carcinoma scroti, signet-ring cell carcinoma, carcinoma simplex, small-cell carcinoma, solanoid carcinoma, spheroidal cell carcinoma, spindle cell carcinoma, carcinoma spongiosum, squamous carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, string carcinoma, carcinoma telangiectaticum, carcinoma telangiectodes, transitional cell carcinoma, carcinoma tuberosum, tuberous carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, or carcinoma viflosum.

[0116] Additional cancers that can be treated include, e.g., Leukemia, Hodgkin's Disease, Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, primary thrombocytosis, primary macroglobulinemia, small-cell lung tumors, primary brain tumors, stomach cancer, colon cancer, malignant pancreatic insulanoma, malignant carcinoid, urinary bladder cancer, premalignant skin lesions, testicular cancer, lymphomas, thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, neuroblastoma, neuroendocrine cancer, esophageal cancer, genitourinary tract cancer, malignant hypercalcemia, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, adrenal cortical cancer, prostate cancer, Müllerian cancer, ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or uterine papillary serous carcinoma.2. Combination Therapy

[0117] The disclosure further includes a polynucleotide comprising an ORF (e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptide or uses thereof as a combination therapy, i.e., with any other anti-cancer agent in combination. In certain cases, the polynucleotide encodes an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide or uses thereof as a combination therapy, i.e., with any other anti-cancer agent in combination.

[0118] In certain cases, the disclosure is directed to a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptide in combination with one or more anti-cancer agents or uses of the polynucleotide in combination with one or more anti-cancer agents to the subject. In one case, the combination therapy can be a combination of the polynucleotide encoding IL12 and one or more standard therapy. In another case, the methods of the disclosure include two additional anti-cancer agents, three additional agents, four additional agents, etc. The additional anti-cancer agents can be a protein, e.g., an antibody, or a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA. In some cases, the one or more anti-cancer agents are an mRNA. In certain cases, the one or more anti-cancer agents are an mRNA encoding a tumor antigen. In other cases, the one or more anti-cancer agents are not a tumor antigen or an mRNA encoding a tumor antigen. In other cases, the one or more anti-cancer agents are a protein, e.g., an antibody.

[0119] In some cases, the one or more anti-cancer agents are an approved agent by the United States Food and Drug Administration. In other cases, the one or more anti-cancer agents are a pre-approved agent by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

[0120] One skilled in the art would also appreciate that alternative aspects of the present disclosure include a combination therapy of IL12 and any other agents, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, and / or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, or OX40L as polynucleotides and / or proteins. For example, the present disclosure encompasses combination therapy of (i) a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 and a protein comprising an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody; (iii) a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 and a second protein comprising an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, or (iv) a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding IL12 and a second protein comprising OX40L. In other cases, the IL12 can also be administered as a protein.

[0121] In other cases, the additional agents can be formulated together with the polynucleotide encoding IL12, e.g., mRNA, or separately. Moreover, even when formulated separately, the additional agents can be administered concurrently with the polynucleotide encoding IL12 or sequentially. In one case, the polynucleotide encoding IL12 is administered prior to the second agent. In another case, the polynucleotide encoding IL12 is administered after the second agent.

[0122] In certain cases, the additional agents, e.g., any antibody disclosed herein or a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, are also administered intratumorally. In other cases, the second agents, e.g., any antibody disclosed herein or a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, are administered via different routes, e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, etc.

[0123] In some aspects, the subject for the present methods or compositions has been treated with one or more standard of care therapies. In other aspects, the subject for the present methods or compositions has not been responsive to one or more standard of care therapies or anti-cancer therapies. In one aspect, the subject has been previously treated with an IL12 protein or an IL12 DNA gene therapy. In another aspect, the subject is treated with an anti-PD-1 antagonist or an anti-CTLA-4 antagonist prior to the polynucleotide of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the subject has been treated with a monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-1 prior to the polynucleotide of the present disclosure and / or a monoclonal antibody that binds to CTLA-4 prior to the polynucleotide of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the subject has been treated with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody and / or anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody therapy prior to the polynucleotide of the present methods or compositions.

[0124] In recent years, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors for therapeutic purposes has revolutionized cancer treatment. Of interest are therapies featuring combinations of checkpoint inhibitors with other costimulatory or inhibitory molecules.

[0125] T cell regulation, i.e., activation or inhibition is mediated via co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory signals. This interaction is exerted via ligand / receptor interaction. T cells harbor a myriad of both activating receptors, such as OX40, and inhibitory receptors (i.e., immune checkpoints) such as programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) or cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) (Mellman et al. 2011 Nature.;480:480-489). Activation of this immune checkpoints results in T cell deactivation and commandeering these pathways by tumor cells contributes to their successful immune escape.

[0126] In some cases, the methods of reducing the size of a tumor or inhibiting growth of a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides. In some cases, the one or more polynucleotides encode an IL-12 polypeptide. In some cases, the one or more polynucleotides comprise an open reading frame ("ORF") encoding an IL12B polypeptide. In some cases, the one or more polynucleotides comprise an ORF encoding an IL12A polypeptide. In certain cases, the one or more polynucleotides comprise an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide.

[0127] In some cases, the methods further comprise administering a second agent. In some cases, the second agent comprises an effective amount of a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide. In some cases, the second agent comprises an effective amount of a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide. In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is any checkpoint inhibitor known in the art or described herein. In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody. In other cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-PD-L1 antibody. In other cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. In some cases, the second agent comprises an effective amount of a composition comprising a polynucleotide comprising an ORF encoding OX40L. In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L any other agents disclosed herein, and any combination thereof. In certain cases, the composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor comprises more than one checkpoint inhibitor. In one particular case, the method comprises administering (i) an mRNA, encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide disclosed herein, and (ii) an anti-PD-L1 antibody, an anti-PD-1 antibody, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L, or any combination thereof.

[0128] In some cases, the checkpoint inhibitor comprises an antigen binding fragment of an antibody. In some cases, the antibody is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds CTLA-4, an anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds PD-1, an anti-PD-L1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds PD-L1, or a combination thereof. In one case, the antibody is an anti-CTLA4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds CTLA4. In another case, the antibody is an anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds PD-1. In another case, the antibody is an anti-PD-L1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds PD-L1.

[0129] Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab or nivolumab, which target the interaction between programmed death receptor 1 / programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1 / PDL-1) and PDL-2, have been recently approved for the treatment of various malignancies and are currently being investigated in clinical trials for cancers including melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Data available from these trials indicate substantial activity accompanied by a favorable safety and toxicity profile in these patient populations.

[0130] For example, checkpoint inhibitors have been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of melanoma. In particular, phase III clinical trials have revealed that therapies such as ipilimumab and pembrolizumab, which target the CTLA-4 and PD-1 immune checkpoints, respectively, have raised the three-year survival of patients with melanoma to ~70%, and overall survival (>5years) to ~30%.

[0131] Likewise, checkpoint inhibitors have been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of head and neck cancer. In preclinical studies, it had been shown that that 45-80 % of HNSCC tumors express programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) (Zandberg et al. (2014) Oral Oncol. 50:627-632). Currently there are dozens of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination regimens in HNSCC. For example, clinical trials with PD 1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 inhibitors are being tested in HNSCC. Data that the PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab might be effective in metastatic / recurrent (R / M) HNSCC patients were generated in the phase 1b Keynote-012 phase I / II trial (Cheng. ASCO 2015, oral presentation). More recently the data of the randomized CheckMate-141 phase III clinical trial were presented (Gillison. AACR 2016, oral presentation). This study investigated the efficacy of the monoclonal PD-1 antibody nivolumab given every 2 weeks in platinum-refractory R / M HNSCC patients. The study was stopped early due to superiority of the nivolumab arm of the study.

[0132] In one aspect, the subject has been previously treated with a PD-1 antagonist prior to the polynucleotide of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the subject has been treated with a monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-1 prior to the polynucleotide of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the subject has been treated with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody therapy prior to the polynucleotide of the present methods or compositions. In other aspects, the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody therapy comprises nivolumab, pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, or any combination thereof. In another aspect, the subject has been treated with a monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-L1 prior to the polynucleotide of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the subject has been treated with an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody therapy prior to the polynucleotide of the present methods or compositions. In other aspects, the anti-PD-Ll monoclonal antibody therapy comprises durvalumab, avelumab, MEDI473, BMS-936559, aezolizumab, or any combination thereof.

[0133] In some aspects, the subject has been treated with a CTLA-4 antagonist prior to treatment with the compositions of present disclosure. In another aspect, the subject has been previously treated with a monoclonal antibody that binds to CTLA-4 prior to the compositions of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the subject has been treated with an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody prior to the polynucleotide of the present disclosure. In other aspects, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy comprises ipilimumab or tremelimumab.

[0134] In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to a method of treating cancer and / or a method of immunotherapy in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject (e.g., intratumorally, intraperitoneally, or intravenously) the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA, e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12 polypeptide in combination with a PD-L1 antagonist, e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to PD-L1, e.g., an anti-PD-Ll monoclonal antibody, e.g., an anti-PD-Ll monoclonal antibody comprises Durvalumab, Avelumab, MEDI473, BMS-936559, Atezolizumab, or any combination thereof.

[0135] In certain cases, the anti-PD-Ll antibody useful for the disclosure is MSB0010718C (also called Avelumab; See US 2014 / 0341917) or BMS-936559 (formerly 12A4 or MDX-1105) (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 7,943,743; WO 2013 / 173223). In other cases, the anti-PD-Ll antibody is atezolizumab (also known as TECENTRIQ ®< ). In other cases, the anti-PD-Ll antibody is MPDL3280A (also known as atezolizumab, TECENTRIQ ®< , and RG7446) (see, e.g., Herbst et al. (2013) J Clin Oncol 31(suppl):3000. Abstract; U.S. Patent No. 8,217,149), MEDI4736 (also called Durvalumab; Khleif (2013) In: Proceedings from the European Cancer Congress 2013; September 27-October 1, 2013; Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

[0136] In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to a method of treating cancer and / or a method of immunotherapy in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject (e.g., intratumorally, intraperitoneally, or intravenously) the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA, e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12 polypeptide, in combination with a PD-1 antagonist, e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to PD-1, e.g., ananti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody.

[0137] In one case, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or an antigen-binding portion thereof) useful for the disclosure is pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab (also known as "KEYTRUDA ®< ", lambrolizumab, and MK-3475) is a humanized monoclonal IgG4 antibody directed against human cell surface receptor PD-1 (programmed death-1 or programmed cell death-1). Pembrolizumab is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,900,587; see also http: / / www.cancer.gov / drugdictionary?cdrid=695789 (last accessed: December 14, 2014). Pembrolizumab has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsed or refractory melanoma and advanced NSCLC.

[0138] In another case, the anti-PD-1 antibody useful for the disclosure is nivolumab. Nivolumab (also known as "OPDIVO ®< "; formerly designated 5C4, BMS-936558, MDX-1106, or ONO-4538) is a fully human IgG4 (S228P) PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor antibody that selectively prevents interaction with PD-1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), thereby blocking the down-regulation of antitumor T-cell functions (U.S. Patent No. 8,008,449; Wang et al., 2014 Cancer Immunol Res. 2(9):846-56). Nivolumab has shown activity in a variety of advanced solid tumors including renal cell carcinoma (renal adenocarcinoma, or hypernephroma), melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Topalian et al., 2012a; Topalian et al., 2014; Drake et al., 2013; WO 2013 / 173223.

[0139] In other cases, the anti-PD-1 antibody is MEDI0680 (formerly AMP-514), which is a monoclonal antibody against the PD-1 receptor. MEDI0680 is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,609,089B2 or in http: / / www.cancer.gov / drugdictionary?cdrid=756047 (last accessed December 14, 2014).

[0140] In certain cases, the anti-PD-1 antibody is BGB-A317, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody. BGB-A317 is described in U.S. Publ. No. 2015 / 0079109.

[0141] In certain cases, a PD-1 antagonist is AMP-224, which is a B7-DC Fc fusion protein. AMP-224 is discussed in U.S. Publ. No. 2013 / 0017199 or in http: / / www.cancer.gov / publications / dictionaries / cancer-drug?cdrid=7005 95 (last accessed July 8, 2015).

[0142] In other cases, the disclosure includes a method of treating cancer and / or a method of immunotherapy in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject (e.g., intratumorally, intraperitoneally, or intravenously) the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA, e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12 polypeptide together with an antibody or an antigen binding portion thereof that specifically binds to PD-1, e.g., an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, e.g., an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody comprises Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Pidilizumab, or any combination thereof.

[0143] In other aspects, the disclosure is directed to a method of treating cancer and / or a method of immunotherapy in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject (e.g., intratumorally, intraperitoneally, or intravenously) the polynucleotide (e.g., RNA, e.g., mRNA) encoding an IL12 polypeptide in combination with a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to CTLA-4, e.g., an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, e.g., an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody comprises Ipilimumab or Tremelimumab, or any combination thereof.

[0144] An exemplary clinical anti-CTLA-4 antibody is the human mAb 10D1 (now known as ipilimumab and marketed as YERVOY ®< ) as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,984,720. Another anti-CTLA-4 antibody useful for the present methods is tremelimumab (also known as CP-675,206). Tremelimumab is human IgG2 monoclonal anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Tremelimumab is described in WO / 2012 / 122444, U.S. Publ. No. 2012 / 263677, or WO Publ. No. 2007 / 113648 A2.

[0145] In one case, a first polynucleotide (e.g. a first mRNA) encoding IL12 and a second polynucleotide (e.g., a second mRNA) encoding an OX40L polypeptide are administered in combination. In another case, the first polynucleotide (e.g. a first mRNA) encoding IL12 and the second polynucleotide (e.g. a second mRNA) encoding an OX40L polypeptide are administered in combination with an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof which specifically binds to CTLA-4, an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof which specifically binds to a PD-1 receptor, or an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof which specifically binds to a PD-L1 receptor.

[0146] In one case, a first polynucleotide (e.g. a first mRNA) encoding an IL12 polypeptide and a second polynucleotide (e.g. a second mRNA) encoding an OX40L polypeptide are administered in combination with an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to a PD-1 or PD-L1 receptor or a polynucleotide encoding the same.

[0147] In another case, a first polynucleotide (e.g. a first mRNA) encoding an IL12 polypeptide and a second polynucleotide (e.g. a second mRNA) encoding an OX40L polypeptide are administered in combination with an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to a CTLA-4 or a polynucleotide encoding the same.

[0148] In yet another case, a first polynucleotide (e.g. a first mRNA) encoding an IL12 polypeptide and a second polynucleotide (e.g. a second mRNA) encoding an OX40L polypeptide are administered in combination with an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to a PD-1 or PD-L1 receptor and an antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to a CTLA-4 (or polynucleotides of the same).

[0149] In some cases, the compositions disclosed herein comprise (i) a first polynucleotide (e.g. a first mRNA) encoding IL12 and (ii) a second polynucleotide (e.g. a second mRNA) encoding an antibody or an antigen binding portion thereof which specifically binds to CTLA-4 in a single formulation.

[0150] In some cases, the compositions disclosed herein comprise a polynucleotide encoding IL12 and a polynucleotide encoding an OX40L protein in a single formulation.

[0151] Human OX40L was first identified on the surface of human lymphocytes infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) by Tanaka et al. (Tanaka et al., International Journal of Cancer (1985), 36(5):549-55). OX40L is the ligand for OX40 (CD134). OX40L has also been designated CD252 (cluster of differentiation 252), tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 4, tax-transcriptionally activated glycoprotein 1, TXGP1, or gp34. Human OX40L is 183 amino acids in length and contains three domains: a cytoplasmic domain of amino acids 1 - 23; a transmembrane domain of amino acids 24 - 50, and an extracellular domain of amino acids 51 - 183.

[0152] In some cases, a polynucleotide encoding OX40L that can be combined with the polynucleotide encoding IL12 comprises an mRNA encoding a mammalian OX40L polypeptide. In some cases, the mammalian OX40L polypeptide is a murine OX40L polypeptide. In some cases, the mammalian OX40L polypeptide is a human OX40L polypeptide. In some cases, the OX40L polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in Table 1.

[0153] In some cases, each polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises an mRNA, i.e., an mRNA encoding an IL12 polypeptide and an mRNA encoding an OX40L polypeptide. In some cases, the mRNA encoding an IL12 polypeptide encodes a mammalian IL12 polypeptide. In some cases, the mRNA encoding an OX40L polypeptide encodes a mammalian OX40L polypeptide. In some cases, the mRNA encoding an IL12 polypeptide encodes a murine IL12 polypeptide. In some cases, the mRNA encoding an OX40L polypeptide encodes a murine OX40L polypeptide. In some cases, the mRNA encoding an IL12 polypeptide encodes a human IL12 polypeptide. In some cases, the mRNA encoding an OX40L polypeptide encodes a human OX40L polypeptide.

[0154] In some cases, the IL12 polypeptide comprises a human amino acid sequence set forth in Table 4 . In other cases, the OX40L polypeptide comprises a human amino acid sequence set forth in Table 1.

[0155] In some cases, the OX40L polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence listed in Table 1 or an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence listed in Table 1 , wherein the amino acid sequence is capable of binding to an OX40 receptor.

[0156] In certain cases, the OX40L polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises an amino acid sequence listed in Table b 1 with one or more conservative substitutions, wherein the conservative substitutions do not significantly affect the binding activity of the OX40L polypeptide to its receptor, i.e., the OX40L polypeptide binds to the OX40 receptor after the substitutions.

[0157] In other cases, a nucleotide sequence (i.e., mRNA) encoding an OX40L polypeptide comprises a sequence at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to a nucleic acid sequence listed in Table 1 . One skilled in the art would know that if a sequence is written in DNA form (containing thymidine) in the present application, the corresponding RNA sequence would contain uridine instead of thymidine.

[0158] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) useful for the methods and compositions comprises an open reading frame encoding an extracellular domain of OX40L. In other cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) comprises an open reading frame encoding a cytoplasmic domain of OX40L. In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) comprises an open reading frame encoding a transmembrane domain of OX40L. In certain cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) comprises an open reading frame encoding an extracellular domain of OX40L and a transmembrane of OX40L. In other cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) comprises an open reading frame encoding an extracellular domain of OX40L and a cytoplasmic domain of OX40L. In yet other cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) comprises an open reading frame encoding an extracellular domain of OX40L, a transmembrane of OX40L, and a cytoplasmic domain of OX40L.

[0159] Table 1 presents, e.g., precursor and mature sequences for OX40L as well as constructs comprising the OX40L sequences. Furthermore, a construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding OX40L and further comprising components such 3' UTR and 5' UTR would be considered an OX40L encoding polynucleotide. A person of skill in the art would understand that in addition to the native signal sequences and propeptide sequences disclosed in Table 1 (sequences present in the precursor for and absent in the mature corresponding form) and the non-native signal peptide disclosed in Table 1 , other signal sequences can be used. Accordingly, references to an OX40L polypeptide or polynucleotide according to Table 1 encompass variants in which an alternative signal peptide (or encoding sequence) known in the art has been attached to the OX40L polypeptide (or polynucleotide). It is also understood that references to the sequences disclosed in Table 1 through the application are equally applicable and encompass orthologs and functional variants (for example polymorphic variants) and isoforms of those sequences known in the art at the time the application was filed. Table 1: OX40L Polypeptide and Polynucleotide sequencesEncoded Polypeptide Description Sequence SEQ ID NO: OX40L (TNFSF4)Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 4 isoform 1 [Homo sapiens] NP 003317SEQ ID NO: 178 183 aaOX40L (TNFSF4)TNFSF4 isoform 2 [Homo sapiens] NP_00128449 1SEQ ID NO: 179 133 aaOX40L (TNFSF4)TNFSF4 [Mus musculus] NP_033478SEQ ID NO: 180 198 aaOX40L (TNFSF4)TNFSF4, ORF [Homo sapiens]SEQ ID NO: 181 552ntsOX40L (TNFSF4)TNFSF4, transcript variant 1, mRNA NM_003326SEQ ID NO: 182 3484 ntsOX40L (TNFSF4)Mus musculus Tnfsf4, mRNA NM_009452SEQ ID NO: 183 1609 ntsHuman OX40LmRNA sequence:SEQ ID NO: 184Human OX40L with 5'-UTR, 3'-UTR, and miR-122 binding siteMurine OX40LmRNA sequence: murine OX40L with 5'-UTR, 3'-UTR, and miR-122 binding siteSEQ ID NO: 185hOX40L miR-122Codon optimized human OX40L sequencesSEQ ID NO: 186mOX40L + miR-122Codon optimized mouse OX40L sequencesSEQ ID NO: 187OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 1 for ENSP 281834SEQ ID NO: 188OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 2 for ENSP 281834SEQ ID NO: 189OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 3 for ENSP 281834SEQ ID NO: 190OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 4 for ENSP 281834SEQ ID NO: 191OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 5 for ENSP 281834SEQ ID NO: 192OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 1 for ENSP 356691SEQ ID NO: 193OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 2 for ENSP 356691SEQ ID NO: 194OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 3 for ENSP 356691SEQ ID NO: 195OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 4 for ENSP 356691SEQ ID NO: 196OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 5 for ENSP 356691SEQ ID NO: 197OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 1 for ENSP 439704SEQ ID NO: 198OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 2 for ENSP 439704SEQ ID NO: 199OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 3 for ENSP 439704SEQ ID NO: 200OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 4 for ENSP 439704SEQ ID NO: 201OX40L (TNFSF4)Codon-optimized sequence 5 for ENSP 439704SEQ ID NO: 202 3. Interleukin-12 (IL12)

[0160] IL12 (also shown as IL-12) is a pleiotropic cytokine, the actions of which create an interconnection between innate and adaptive immunity. IL12 functions primarily as a 70 kDa heterodimeric protein consisting of two disulfide-linked p35 and p40 subunits. The precursor form of the IL12 p40 subunit (NM_002187; P29460; also referred to as IL12B, natural killer cell stimulatory factor 2, cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor 2) is 328 amino acids in length, while its mature form is 306 amino acids long. The precursor form of the IL12 p35 subunit (NM_000882; P29459; also referred to as IL12A, natural killer cell stimulatory factor 1, cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor 1) is 219 amino acids in length and the mature form is 197 amino acids long. Id. The genes for the IL12 p35 and p40 subunits reside on different chromosomes and are regulated independently of each other. Gately, MK et al., Annu Rev Immunol. 16: 495-521 (1998). Many different immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and B cells) produce IL12 upon antigenic stimuli. The active IL12 heterodimer is formed following protein synthesis. Id.

[0161] IL12 is composed of a bundle of four alpha helices. It is a heterodimeric cytokine encoded by two separate genes, IL12A (p35) and IL12B (p40). The active heterodimer (referred to as 'p70'), and a homodimer of p40 are formed following protein synthesis.

[0162] Therefore, in some cases, the IL12 polypeptide of the present disclosure comprises a single polypeptide chain comprising the IL12B and IL12A fused directly or by a linker. In other cases, the IL12 polypeptide of the present disclosure comprises two polypeptides, the first polypeptide comprising IL12B and the second polypeptide comprising IL12A. In certain aspects, the disclosure provides an IL12A polypeptide and an IL12B polypeptide, wherein the IL12A and IL12B polypeptides are on the same chain or different chains. In some cases, the IL12A or IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is a variant, a peptide or a polypeptide containing a substitution, and insertion and / or an addition, a deletion and / or a covalent modification with respect to a wild-type IL12A or IL12B sequence. In some cases, sequence tags (such as epitope tags, e.g., a V5 tag) or amino acids, can be added to the sequences encoded by the polynucleotides of the disclosure (e.g., at the N-terminal or C-terminal ends), e.g., for localization. In some cases, amino acid residues located at the carboxy, amino terminal, or internal regions of a polypeptide of the disclosure can optionally be deleted providing for fragments.

[0163] In some cases, the IL12A and / or IL12B polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a substitutional variant of an IL12A and / or IL12B sequence, which can comprise one, two, three or more than three substitutions. In some cases, the substitutional variant can comprise one or more conservative amino acids substitutions. In other cases, the variant is an insertional variant. In other cases, the variant is a deletional variant.

[0164] In other cases, the IL12A and / or IL12B polypeptide encoded the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a linker fusing the IL12A and IL12B polypeptides. Non-limiting examples of linkers are disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0165] Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a lipid nanoparticle comprising a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) encoding a human IL12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding a human IL12B polypeptide operably linked to a human IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the IL12B polypeptide is operably linked to the IL12A polypeptide by a peptide linker. In some cases, the IL12B polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12A polypeptide or the peptide linker. In other cases, the IL12A polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12B polypeptide or the peptide linker.

[0166] As recognized by those skilled in the art, IL12 protein fragments, functional protein domains, variants, and homologous proteins (orthologs) are also considered to be within the scope of the IL12 polypeptides of the disclosure. Nonlimiting examples of polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides of the disclosure are shown in FIGs. 1 to 2. For example, Table 2 shows the correlating amino acid numbering in SEQ ID NOs, nucleotide numbering in SEQ ID NOs, and the 5' UTR, IL12B signal peptide, mature IL12A and IL12B peptides, and linker. Table 2. Domains of IL12.Amino acids Nucleotides Signal Peptide IL12B 1-22 of SEQ ID NO: 481-66 of SEQ ID NOs: 5-44Mature IL12B 23-328 of SEQ ID NO: 4867-984 of SEQ ID NOs: 5-44Linker 329-335 of SEQ ID NO: 48985-1005 of SEQ ID NOs: 5-44Mature IL12A 336-532 of SEQ ID NO: 481006-1596 of SEQ ID NOs: 5-44 4. Polynucleotides and Open Reading Frames (ORFs)

[0167] In certain aspects, the disclosure provides polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) that comprise a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF, e.g., mRNA) encoding one or more IL12 polypeptides. In certain cases, the polynucleotides encode an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotides comprise a single ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure encodes a single IL12 polypeptide chain comprising an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide, which are fused directly or by a linker, wherein the IL12B polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: (i) the full-length IL12B polypeptide (e.g., having the same or essentially the same length as wild-type IL12B); (ii) a functional fragment of the full-length IL12B polypeptide (e.g., a truncated (e.g., deletion of carboxy, amino terminal, or internal regions) sequence shorter than an IL12B wild-type; but still retaining IL12B enzymatic activity); (iii) a variant thereof (e.g., full length or truncated IL12B proteins in which one or more amino acids have been replaced, e.g., variants that retain all or most of the IL12B activity of the polypeptide with respect to the wild type IL12B polypeptide (such as, e.g., V33I, V298F, or any other natural or artificial variants known in the art); and (iv) a fusion protein comprising (i) a full length IL12B wild-type, a functional fragment or a variant thereof, and (ii) a heterologous protein; and / or wherein the IL12A polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: (v) the full-length IL12A polypeptide (e.g., having the same or essentially the same length as wild-type IL12A); (vi) a functional fragment of the full-length IL12A polypeptide (e.g., a truncated (e.g., deletion of carboxy, amino terminal, or internal regions) sequence shorter than an IL12A wild-type; but still retaining IL12A enzymatic activity); (vii) a variant thereof (e.g., full length or truncated IL12A proteins in which one or more amino acids have been replaced, e.g., variants that retain all or most of the IL12A activity of the polypeptide with respect to the wtIL12A polypeptide (such as natural or artificial variants known in the art); and (viii) a fusion protein comprising (i) a full length IL12A wild-type, a functional fragment or a variant thereof, and (ii) a heterologous protein.

[0168] In other cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure encodes two polypeptide chains, the first chain comprising an IL12B polypeptide and the second chain comprising an IL12A polypeptide, wherein the IL12B polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: (i) the mature IL12B polypeptide (e.g., having the same or essentially the same length as wild-type IL12B) with or without a signal peptide; (ii) a functional fragment of any of the mature IL12B polypeptide (e.g., a truncated (e.g., deletion of carboxy, amino terminal, or internal regions) sequence shorter than an IL12B wild-type; but still retaining IL12B enzymatic activity); (iii) a variant thereof (e.g., full length, mature, or truncated IL12B proteins in which one or more amino acids have been replaced, e.g., variants that retain all or most of the IL12B activity of the polypeptide with respect to the wild type IL12B polypeptide (such as, e.g., V33I, V298F, or any other natural or artificial variants known in the art); and (iv) a fusion protein comprising (i) a mature IL12B wild-type, a functional fragment or a variant thereof, with or without a signal peptide and (ii) a heterologous protein; and / or wherein the IL12A is selected from the group consisting of: (v) the mature IL12A polypeptide (e.g., having the same or essentially the same length as wild-type IL12A) with or without a signal peptide; (vi) a functional fragment of any of the wild-type IL12A polypeptide (e.g., a truncated (e.g., deletion of carboxy, amino terminal, or internal regions) sequence shorter than an IL12A wild-type; but still retaining IL12A enzymatic activity); (vii) a variant thereof (e.g., full length, mature, or truncated IL12A proteins in which one or more amino acids have been replaced, e.g., variants that retain all or most of the IL12A activity of the polypeptide with respect to a reference isoform (such as natural or artificial variants known in the art); and (viii) a fusion protein comprising (i) a mature IL12A wild-type, a functional fragment or a variant thereof, with or without a signal peptide and (ii) a heterologous protein.

[0169] In certain cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure encodes a mammalian IL12 polypeptide, such as a human IL12 polypeptide, a functional fragment or a variant thereof.

[0170] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure increases IL12B and / or IL12A protein expression levels and / or detectable IL12 enzymatic activity levels in cells when introduced in those cells, e.g., by at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100%, compared to IL12B and / or IL12A protein expression levels and / or detectable IL12 enzymatic activity levels in the cells prior to the administration of the polynucleotide of the disclosure. IL12B and / or IL12A protein expression levels and / or IL12 enzymatic activity can be measured according to methods known in the art. In some cases, the polynucleotide is introduced to the cells in vitro. In some cases, the polynucleotide is introduced to the cells in vivo.

[0171] In some cases, the polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprise a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) that encodes a wild-type human IL12B and / or IL12A, (see FIG. 1).

[0172] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a codon optimized nucleic acid sequence, wherein the open reading frame (ORF) of the codon optimized nucleic sequence is derived from a wild-type IL12A and / or IL12B sequence.

[0173] In some cases, the polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding IL12B and / or IL12A having the full length sequence of human IL12B and / or IL12A (i.e., including the initiator methionine and the signal peptides). In mature human IL12B and / or IL12A, the initiator methionine and / or signal peptides can be removed to yield a "mature IL12B" and / or "mature IL12A" comprising amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 3, respectively. SEQ ID NO: 1 corresponds to amino acids 23 to 328 of SEQ ID NO: 48, and SEQ ID NO: 3 corresponds to amino acids 336 to 532 of SEQ ID NO: 48, respectively. The teachings of the present disclosure directed to the full sequence of human IL12B and / or IL12A are also applicable to the mature form of human IL12B and / or IL12A lacking the initiator methionine and / or the signal peptide. Thus, in some cases, the polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding IL12B and / or IL12A having the mature sequence of human IL12B and / or IL12A. In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding IL12B and / or IL12A is sequence optimized.

[0174] In some cases, the polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprise a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a mutant IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the polynucleotides of the disclosure comprise an ORF encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide that comprises at least one point mutation, at least two point mutations, at least three mutations, at least four mutations, at least five mutations, at least six mutations, at least seven mutations, at least eight mutations, at least nine mutations, or at least ten mutations in the IL12B and / or IL12A sequence and retains IL12B and / or IL12A enzymatic activity. In some cases, the mutant IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide has an IL12B and / or IL12A activity which is at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% of the IL12B and / or IL12A activity of the corresponding wild-type IL12B and / or IL12A (i.e., the same IL12B and / or IL12A but without the mutation(s)). In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprising an ORF encoding a mutant IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide is sequence optimized.

[0175] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) that encodes an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide with mutations that do not alter IL12B and / or IL12A enzymatic activity. Such mutant IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptides can be referred to as function-neutral. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises an ORF that encodes a mutant IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide comprising one or more function-neutral point mutations.

[0176] In some cases, the mutant IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide has higher IL12B and / or IL12A enzymatic activity than the corresponding wild-type IL12B and / or IL12A. In some cases, the mutant IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide has an IL12B and / or IL12A activity that is at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% higher than the activity of the corresponding wild-type IL12B and / or IL12A (i.e., the same IL12B and / or IL12A but without the mutation(s)).

[0177] In some cases, the polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprise a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a functional IL12B and / or IL12A fragment, e.g., where one or more fragments correspond to a polypeptide subsequence of a wild type IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide and retain IL12B and / or IL12A enzymatic activity. In some cases, the IL12B and / or IL12A fragment has an IL12B and / or IL12A activity which is at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 100% of the IL12 activity of the corresponding full length IL12B and / or IL12A. In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprising an ORF encoding a functional IL12B and / or IL12A fragment is sequence optimized.

[0178] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A fragment that has higher IL12B and / or IL12A enzymatic activity than the corresponding full length IL12B and / or IL12A. Thus, in some cases the IL12B and / or IL12A fragment has an IL12B and / or IL12A activity which is at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% higher than the IL12B and / or IL12A activity of the corresponding full length IL12B and / or IL12A.

[0179] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A fragment that is at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24% or 25% shorter than wild-type IL12B and / or IL12A.

[0180] In other cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B polypeptide, which has: (i) at least about 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_007, hIL12AB_010, or hIL12AB_012; (ii) at least about 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_018 or hIL12AB_019; (iii) at least about 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_008; (iv) at least about 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_005, hIL12AB_013, or hIL12AB_017 or nucleotides 70-987 of hIL12AB_004; (v) at least about 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_001 or hIL12AB_009; (vi) at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_012 or hIL12AB_005; (vii) at least about 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_022 or hIL12AB_038; (viii) at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_024, hIL12AB_031, hIL12AB_032, or hIL12AB_036; (ix) at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_021, hIL12AB_023, hIL12AB_025, hIL12AB_026, hIL12AB_027, hIL12AB_029, hIL12AB_030, hIL12AB_034, hIL12AB_039, or hIL12AB_040; (x) at least about 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_016, hIL12AB_035, or hIL12AB_037; (xi) at least about 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_011, hIL12AB_028, or hIL12AB_033; (xii) at least about 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_015; (xiii) at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_020; or (xiv) 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_006.

[0181] In other cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12A polypeptide, which has: (i) at least about 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_010; (ii) at least about 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_019; (iii) at least about 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_013; (iv) at least about 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_007 or hIL12AB_014; (v) at least about 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_002, hIL12AB_008; (vi) at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_012 or hIL12AB_005; (vii) at least about 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_001, or hIL12AB_009 or nucleotides 1009-1589 of hIL12AB_004; (viii) at least about 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_17; (ix) at least about 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_029 or hIL12AB_027; (x) at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_039 or hIL12AB_040; (xi) at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_036, hIL12AB_034, hIL12AB_016, hIL12AB_023, hIL12AB_030, hIL12AB_031, hIL12AB_025, or hIL12AB_035; (xii) at least about 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_021, hIL12AB_024, hIL12AB_032, hIL12AB_033, hIL12AB_037, or hIL12AB_022; (xiii) at least about 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_020, hIL12AB_026, or hIL12AB_038; (xiv) at least about 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_015, hIL12AB_011, or hIL12AB_028; or (xv) about 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_003.

[0182] In certain cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a single ORF encoding IL12B and IL12A, wherein the ORF comprises a sequence that has: (i) at least about 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_007, hIL12AB_010, or hIL12AB_012; (ii) at least about 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_018 or hIL12AB_019; (iii) at least about 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_008; (iv) at least about 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_005, hIL12AB_013, or hIL12AB_017 or nucleotides 70-987 of hIL12AB_004; (v) at least about 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_001 or hIL12AB_009; (vi) at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_012 or hIL12AB_005; (vii) at least about 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_022 or hIL12AB_038; (viii) at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_024, hIL12AB_031, hIL12AB_032, or hIL12AB_036; (ix) at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_021, hIL12AB_023, hIL12AB_025, hIL12AB_026, hIL12AB_027, hIL12AB_029, hIL12AB_030, hIL12AB_034, hIL12AB_039, or hIL12AB_040; (x) at least about 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_016, hIL12AB_035, or hIL12AB_037; (xi) at least about 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_011, hIL12AB_028, or hIL12AB_033; (xii) at least about 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_015; (xiii) at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_020; or (xiv) about 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_006; and a sequence that has: (i) at least about 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_010; (ii) at least about 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_019; (iii) at least about 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_013; (iv) at least about 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_007 or hIL12AB_014; (v) at least about 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_002, hIL12AB_008; (vi) at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_012 or hIL12AB_005; (vii) at least about 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_001, or hIL12AB_009 or nucleotides 1009-1599 of hIL12AB_004; (viii) at least about 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_17; (ix) at least about 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_029 or hIL12AB_027; (x) at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_039 or hIL12AB_040; (xi) at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_036, hIL12AB_034, hIL12AB_016, hIL12AB_023, hIL12AB_030, hIL12AB_031, hIL12AB_025, or hIL12AB_035; (xii) at least about 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_021, hIL12AB_024, hIL12AB_032, hIL12AB_033, hIL12AB_037, or hIL12AB_022; (xiii) at least about 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_020, hIL12AB_026, or hIL12AB_038; (xiv) at least about 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_015, hIL12AB_011, or hIL12AB_028; or (xv) about 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_003.

[0183] In certain cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a first ORF encoding IL12B and a second ORF encoding IL12A or , wherein the first ORF comprises a sequence that has: (i) at least about 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_007, hIL12AB_010, or hIL12AB_012; (ii) at least about 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_018 or hIL12AB_019; (iii) at least about 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_008; (iv) at least about 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_005, hIL12AB_013, or hIL12AB_017 or nucleotides 70-987 of hIL12AB_004; (v) at least about 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_001 or hIL12AB_009; (vi) at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_012 or hIL12AB_005; (vii) at least about 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_022 or hIL12AB_038; (viii) at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_024, hIL12AB_031, hIL12AB_032, or hIL12AB_036; (ix) at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_021, hIL12AB_023, hIL12AB_025, hIL12AB_026, hIL12AB_027, hIL12AB_029, hIL12AB_030, hIL12AB_034, hIL12AB_039, or hIL12AB_040; (x) at least about 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_016, hIL12AB_035, or hIL12AB_037; (xi) at least about 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_011, hIL12AB_028, or hIL12AB_033; (xii) at least about 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_015; (xiii) at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_020; or (xiv) about 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 67-984 of hIL12AB_006; and / or wherein the second ORF comprises a sequence that has: (i) at least about 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_010; (ii) at least about 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_019; (iii) at least about 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_013; (iv) at least about 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_007 or hIL12AB_014; (v) at least about 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_002, hIL12AB_008; (vi) at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_012 or hIL12AB_005; (vii) at least about 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_001, or hIL12AB_009 or nucleotides 1009-1599 of hIL12AB_004; (viii) at least about 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_17; (ix) at least about 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_029 or hIL12AB_027; (x) at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_039 or hIL12AB_040; (xi) at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_036, hIL12AB_034, hIL12AB_016, hIL12AB_023, hIL12AB_030, hIL12AB_031, hIL12AB_025, or hIL12AB_035; (xii) at least about 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_021, hIL12AB_024, hIL12AB_032, hIL12AB_033, hIL12AB_037, or hIL12AB_022; (xiii) at least about 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_020, hIL12AB_026, or hIL12AB_038; (xiv) at least about 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_015, hIL12AB_011, or hIL12AB_028; or (xv) about 100% sequence identity to nucleotides 1006-1596 of hIL12AB_003.

[0184] In some cases, the polynucleotide sequence comprises an ORF comprising the sequence set forth as hIL12AB_002 (SEQ ID NO: 6) or a nucleotide sequence at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to hIL12AB_002 (SEQ ID NO: 6).

[0185] In one case, the first nucleotide sequence (e.g,. first ORF) encoding the IL12B polypeptide and the second nucleotide sequence (e.g., second ORF) encoding the IL12A polypeptide are fused directly or by a linker. In another case, the first nucleotide sequence (e.g,. first ORF) encoding the IL12B polypeptide and the second nucleotide sequence (e.g., second ORF) encoding the IL12A polypeptide are not fused to each other.

[0186] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B-IL12A fusion polypeptide (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof), wherein the nucleotide sequence has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 5 to 44. See Table 4.

[0187] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B-IL12A fusion polypeptide (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof), wherein the nucleotide sequence has 70% to 100%, 75% to 100%, 80% to 100%, 85% to 100%, 70% to 95%, 80% to 95%, 70% to 85%, 75% to 90%, 80% to 95%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 100%, sequence identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 5 to 44. See Table 4.

[0188] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises from about 900 to about 100,000 nucleotides (e.g., from 900 to 1,000, from 900 to 1,100, from 900 to 1,200, from 900 to 1,300, from 900 to 1,400, from 900 to 1,500, from 1,000 to 1,100, from 1,000 to 1,100, from 1,000 to 1,200, from 1,000 to 1,300, from 1,000 to 1,400, from 1,000 to 1,500, from 1,083 to 1,200, from 1,083 to 1,400, from 1,083 to 1,600, from 1,083 to 1,800, from 1,083 to 2,000, from 1,083 to 3,000, from 1,083 to 5,000, from 1,083 to 7,000, from 1,083 to 10,000, from 1,083 to 25,000, from 1,083 to 50,000, from 1,083 to 70,000, or from 1,083 to 100,000).

[0189] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B-IL12A fusion polypeptide (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof), wherein the length of the nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) is at least 500 nucleotides in length (e.g., at least or greater than about 500, 600, 700, 80, 900, 1,000, 1,050, 1,083, 1,100, 1,200, 1,300, 1,400, 1,500, 1,600, 1,700, 1,800, 1,900, 2,000, 2,100, 2,200, 2,300, 2,400, 2,500, 2,600, 2,700, 2,800, 2,900, 3,000, 3,100, 3,200, 3,300, 3,400, 3,500, 3,600, 3,700, 3,800, 3,900, 4,000, 4,100, 4,200, 4,300, 4,400, 4,500, 4,600, 4,700, 4,800, 4,900, 5,000, 5,100, 5,200, 5,300, 5,400, 5,500, 5,600, 5,700, 5,800, 5,900, 6,000, 7,000, 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, 90,000 or up to and including 100,000 nucleotides).

[0190] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof) further comprises at least one nucleic acid sequence that is noncoding, e.g., a miRNA binding site.

[0191] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide that is single stranded or double stranded.

[0192] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprising a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof) is DNA or RNA. In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure is RNA. In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure is, or functions as, a messenger RNA (mRNA). In some cases, the mRNA comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) that encodes at least one IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, and is capable of being translated to produce the encoded IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide in vitro, in vivo, in situ or ex vivo.

[0193] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof), wherein the polynucleotide comprises at least one chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., 5-methoxyuracil. In some cases, the polynucleotide further comprises a miRNA binding site, e.g., a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-122. In some cases, the polynucleotide disclosed herein is formulated with a delivery agent, e.g., a compound having Formula (I), e.g., any of Compounds 1-147 or any of Compounds 1-232.

[0194] The polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure can also comprise nucleotide sequences that encode additional features that facilitate trafficking of the encoded polypeptides to therapeutically relevant sites. One such feature that aids in protein trafficking is the signal sequence, or targeting sequence. The peptides encoded by these signal sequences are known by a variety of names, including targeting peptides, transit peptides, and signal peptides. In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) that encodes a signal peptide operably linked a nucleotide sequence that encodes an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide described herein.

[0195] In some cases, the "signal sequence" or "signal peptide" is a polynucleotide or polypeptide, respectively, which is from about 9 to 200 nucleotides (3-70 amino acids) in length that, optionally, is incorporated at the 5' (or N-terminus) of the coding region or the polypeptide, respectively. Addition of these sequences results in trafficking the encoded polypeptide to a desired site, such as the endoplasmic reticulum or the mitochondria through one or more targeting pathways. Some signal peptides are cleaved from the protein, for example by a signal peptidase after the proteins are transported to the desired site.

[0196] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence further comprises a 5' nucleic acid sequence encoding a native signal peptide. In another case, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence lacks the nucleic acid sequence encoding a native signal peptide.

[0197] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence further comprises a 5' nucleic acid sequence encoding a heterologous signal peptide.

[0198] In some cases, the polynucleotide further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a signal peptide that is located at the 5' terminus of the first ORF.

[0199] In some cases, the first ORF comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a signal peptide.

[0200] In some cases, the signal peptide is a human IL12B signal peptide.

[0201] In some cases, the signal peptide comprises a sequence at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to amino acids 1 to 22 of SEQ ID NO: 48.

[0202] Based on the RNA sequences provided, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the corresponding DNA sequence (e.g., conversion of uracil to thymine). Likewise, based on the DNA sequences provided, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the corresponding RNA sequence (e.g., conversion of thymine to uracil).5. Chimeric Proteins

[0203] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can comprise more than one nucleic acid sequence (e.g., more than one ORF) encoding one or more polypeptide of interest. In some cases, polynucleotides of the disclosure comprise a single ORF encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, a functional fragment, or a variant thereof. However, in some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure can comprise more than one nucleotide sequence, for example, a first nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide (a first polypeptide of interest), a functional fragment, or a variant thereof, a second nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide (a second polypeptide of interest), a functional fragment, or a variant thereof, and a third nucleotide sequence expressing a third polypeptide of interest (e.g., a polypeptide heterologous to IL12). In one case, the third polypeptide of interest can be fused to the IL12B polypeptide directly or by a linker. In another case, the third polypeptide of interest can be fused to the IL12A polypeptide directly or by a linker. In other cases, the third polypeptide of interest can be fused to both the IL12B polypeptide and the IL12A polypeptide directly or by a linker. In further cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure can comprise more than three nucleotide sequences, for example, a first nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide (a first polypeptide of interest), a functional fragment, or a variant thereof, a second nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide (a second polypeptide of interest), a functional fragment, or a variant thereof, a third nucleotide sequence expressing a third polypeptide of interest, and a fourth nucleotide sequence expressing a fourth polypeptide of interest. In other cases, the third polypeptide of interest is fused to the IL12A polypeptide directly or by a linker, and the fourth polypeptide of interest is fused to the IL12B polypeptide directly or by a linker. In some cases, two or more polypeptides of interest can be genetically fused, i.e., two or more polypeptides can be encoded by the same nucleotide sequence. In some cases, the polynucleotide can comprise a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a G 4 S peptide linker or another linker known in the art) between two or more polypeptides of interest.

[0204] In some cases, a polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can comprise two, three, four, or more nucleotide sequences, each expressing a polypeptide of interest.

[0205] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can comprise a first nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a first ORF) encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides and a second nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a second ORF) encoding a second polypeptide of interest.6. Linker

[0206] In one aspect, the IL12B and / or IL12A can be fused directly or by a linker. In other cases, the IL12B and / or IL12A can be fused directly to by a linker to a heterologous polypeptide. The linkers suitable for fusing the IL12B to IL12A or the IL12B and / or IL12A to a heterologous polypeptide can be a polypeptide (or peptide) moiety or a non-polypeptide moiety.

[0207] Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a lipid nanoparticle comprising a polynucleotide encoding a human IL12 polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide comprises an ORF encoding a human IL12B polypeptide operably linked to a human IL12A polypeptide. In some cases, the IL12B polypeptide is operably linked to the IL12A polypeptide by a peptide linker. In some cases, the IL12B polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12A polypeptide or the peptide linker. In other cases, the IL12A polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12B polypeptide or the peptide linker.

[0208] In some cases, the linker is a peptide linker, including from one amino acid to about 200 amino acids. In some cases, the linker comprises at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, at least 20, at least 21, at least 22, at least 23, at least 24, at least 25, at least 26, at least 27, at least 28, at least 29, at least 30, at least 31, at least 32, at least 33, at least 34, at least 35, at least 36, at least 37, at least 38, at least 39, or at least 40 amino acids.

[0209] In some cases, the linker can be GS (Gly / Ser) linkers, for example, comprising (G n S) m , wherein n is an integer from 1 to 20 and m is an integer from 1 to 20. In some cases, the Gly / Ser linker comprises (G n S) m (SEQ ID NO: 203), wherein n is 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or 20 and m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or 20. In some cases, the GS linker can comprise (GGGGS) o (SEQ ID NO: 204), wherein o is an integer from 1 to 5. In some cases, the GS linker can comprise GGSGGGGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 205), GGSGGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 206), or GSGSGSGS (SEQ ID NO: 207). In certain cases, the Gly / Ser linker comprises (G n S) m , wherein n is 6 and m is 1.

[0210] In some cases, the linker suitable for the disclosure can be a Gly-rich linker, for example, comprising (Gly) p (SEQ ID NO: 208), wherein p is an integer from 1 to 40. In some cases, a Gly-rich linker can comprise GGGGG, GGGGGG, GGGGGGG or GGGGGGGG

[0211] In some cases, the linker suitable for the disclosure can comprise (EAAAK) q (SEQ ID NO: 209), wherein q is an integer from 1 to 5. In one case, the linker suitable for the disclosure can comprise (EAAAK) 3 .

[0212] Further exemplary linkers include, but not limited to, GGGGSLVPRGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 210), GSGSGS (SEQ ID NO: 211), GGGGSLVPRGSGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 212), GGSGGHMGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 213), GGSGGSGGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 214), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 215), GSGSGSGS (SEQ ID NO: 216), GGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGG (SEQ ID NO: 217), AAGAATAA (SEQ ID NO: 218), GGSSG (SEQ ID NO: 219), GSGGGTGGGSG (SEQ ID NO: 220), GSGSGSGSGGSG (SEQ ID NO: 221), GSGGSGSGGSGGSG (SEQ ID NO: 222), and GSGGSGGSGGSGGS (SEQ ID NO: 223).

[0213] The nucleotides encoding the linkers can be constructed to fuse the nucleotide sequences of the present disclosure. Based on the RNA sequences provided, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the corresponding DNA sequence (e.g., conversion of uracil to thymine). Likewise, based on the DNA sequences provided, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the corresponding RNA sequence (e.g., conversion of thymine to uracil).7. Sequence Optimization of Nucleotide Sequence Encoding an IL12 Polypeptide

[0214] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure is sequence optimized. In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding another polypeptide of interest, a 5'-UTR, a 3'-UTR, a miRNA, a nucleotide sequence encoding a linker, or any combination thereof that is sequence optimized.

[0215] A sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence, e.g., an codon-optimized mRNA sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, is a sequence comprising at least one synonymous nucleobase substitution with respect to a reference sequence (e.g., a wild type nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide).

[0216] A sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence can be partially or completely different in sequence from the reference sequence. For example, a reference sequence encoding polyserine uniformly encoded by TCT codons can be sequence-optimized by having 100% of its nucleobases substituted (for each codon, T in position 1 replaced by A, C in position 2 replaced by G, and T in position 3 replaced by C) to yield a sequence encoding polyserine which would be uniformly encoded by AGC codons. The percentage of sequence identity obtained from a global pairwise alignment between the reference polyserine nucleic acid sequence and the sequence-optimized polyserine nucleic acid sequence would be 0%. However, the protein products from both sequences would be 100% identical.

[0217] Some sequence optimization (also sometimes referred to codon optimization) methods are known in the art (and discussed in more detail below) and can be useful to achieve one or more desired results. These results can include, e.g., matching codon frequencies in certain tissue targets and / or host organisms to ensure proper folding; biasing G / C content to increase mRNA stability or reduce secondary structures; minimizing tandem repeat codons or base runs that can impair gene construction or expression; customizing transcriptional and translational control regions; inserting or removing protein trafficking sequences; removing / adding post translation modification sites in an encoded protein (e.g., glycosylation sites); adding, removing or shuffling protein domains; inserting or deleting restriction sites; modifying ribosome binding sites and mRNA degradation sites; adjusting translational rates to allow the various domains of the protein to fold properly; and / or reducing or eliminating problem secondary structures within the polynucleotide. Sequence optimization tools, algorithms and services are known in the art, non-limiting examples include services from GeneArt (Life Technologies), DNA2.0 (Menlo Park CA) and / or proprietary methods.

[0218] Codon options for each amino acid are given in Table 3. Table 3. Codon OptionsAmino AcidSingle Letter CodeCodon OptionsIsoleucineIATT, ATC, ATALeucineLCTT, CTC, CTA, CTG, TTA, TTGValineVGTT, GTC, GTA, GTGPhenylalanineFTTT, TTCMethionineMATGCysteineCTGT, TGCAlanineAGCT, GCC, GCA, GCGGlycineGGGT, GGC, GGA, GGGProlinePCCT, CCC, CCA, CCGThreonineTACT, ACC, ACA, ACGSerineSTCT, TCC, TCA, TCG, AGT, AGCTyrosineYTAT, TACTryptophanWTGGGlutamineQCAA, CAGAsparagineNAAT, AACHistidineHCAT, CACGlutamic acidEGAA, GAGAspartic acidDGAT, GACLysineKAAA, AAGArginineRCGT, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, AGGSelenocysteineSecUGA in mRNA in presence of Selenocysteine insertion element (SECIS)Stop codonsStopTAA, TAG, TGA

[0219] In some cases, a polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, a functional fragment, or a variant thereof, wherein the IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, functional fragment, or a variant thereof encoded by the sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence has improved properties (e.g., compared to an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, functional fragment, or a variant thereof encoded by a reference nucleotide sequence that is not sequence optimized), e.g., improved properties related to expression efficacy after administration in vivo. Such properties include, but are not limited to, improving nucleic acid stability (e.g., mRNA stability), increasing translation efficacy in the target tissue, reducing the number of truncated proteins expressed, improving the folding or prevent misfolding of the expressed proteins, reducing toxicity of the expressed products, reducing cell death caused by the expressed products, increasing and / or decreasing protein aggregation.

[0220] In some cases, the sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence is codon optimized for expression in human subjects, having structural and / or chemical features that avoid one or more of the problems in the art, for example, features which are useful for optimizing formulation and delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics while retaining structural and functional integrity; overcoming a threshold of expression; improving expression rates; half-life and / or protein concentrations; optimizing protein localization; and avoiding deleterious bio-responses such as the immune response and / or degradation pathways.

[0221] In some cases, the polynucleotides of the disclosure comprise a nucleotide sequence (e.g., a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding an additional polypeptide of interest, a 5'-UTR, a 3'-UTR, a microRNA, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker, or any combination thereof) that is sequence-optimized according to a method comprising: (i) substituting at least one codon in a reference nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide) with an alternative codon to increase or decrease uridine content to generate a uridine-modified sequence; (ii) substituting at least one codon in a reference nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide) with an alternative codon having a higher codon frequency in the synonymous codon set; (iii) substituting at least one codon in a reference nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide) with an alternative codon to increase G / C content; or (iv) a combination thereof.

[0222] In some cases, the sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide) has at least one improved property with respect to the reference nucleotide sequence.

[0223] In some cases, the sequence optimization method is multiparametric and comprises one, two, three, four, or more methods disclosed herein and / or other optimization methods known in the art.

[0224] Features, which can be considered beneficial in some cases of the disclosure, can be encoded by or within regions of the polynucleotide and such regions can be upstream (5') to, downstream (3') to, or within the region that encodes the IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide. These regions can be incorporated into the polynucleotide before and / or after sequence-optimization of the protein encoding region or open reading frame (ORF). Examples of such features include, but are not limited to, untranslated regions (UTRs), microRNA sequences, Kozak sequences, oligo(dT) sequences, poly-A tail, and detectable tags and can include multiple cloning sites that may have XbaI recognition.

[0225] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises a 5' UTR, a 3' UTR and / or a miRNA binding site. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises two or more 5' UTRs and / or 3' UTRs, which can be the same or different sequences. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprises two or more miRNA binding sites, which can be the same or different sequences. Any portion of the 5' UTR, 3' UTR, and / or miRNA binding site, including none, can be sequence-optimized and can independently contain one or more different structural or chemical modifications, before and / or after sequence optimization.

[0226] In some cases, after optimization, the polynucleotide is reconstituted and transformed into a vector such as, but not limited to, plasmids, viruses, cosmids, and artificial chromosomes. For example, the optimized polynucleotide can be reconstituted and transformed into chemically competent E. coli, yeast, neurospora, maize, drosophila, etc. where high copy plasmid-like or chromosome structures occur by methods described herein.8. Sequence-Optimized Nucleotide Sequences Encoding IL12 Polypeptides

[0227] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide disclosed herein. In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises an open reading frame (ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, wherein the ORF has been sequence optimized.

[0228] Exemplary sequence-optimized nucleotide sequences encoding human IL12B and / or IL12A are shown in Tables 4A-4D. In some cases, the sequence optimized IL12B and / or IL12A sequences in Table 4A-4D, fragments, and variants thereof are used to practice the methods disclosed herein. In some cases, the sequence optimized IL12B and / or IL12A sequences in Table 4A-4D, fragments and variants thereof are combined with or alternatives to the wild-type sequences disclosed in Figure 1. Based on the RNA sequences provided, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the corresponding DNA sequence (e.g., conversion of uracil to thymine). Likewise, based on the DNA sequences provided, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the corresponding RNA sequence (e.g., conversion of thymine to uracil). Table 4B. Sequence Optimized Polynucleotides Comprising 5' UTR, ORF, 3' UTRhIL12AB_ 001 (SEQ ID NO: 55)hIL12AB_ 002 (SEQ ID NO: 56)hIL12AB_ 003 (SEQ ID NO: 57)hIL12AB_ 004 (SEQ ID NO: 58)hIL12AB_ 005 (SEQ ID NO: 59)hIL12AB_ 006 (SEQ IDNO: 60)hIL12AB_ 007 (SEQ ID NO: 61)hIL12AB_ 008 (SEQ ID NO: 62)hIL12AB_ 009 (SEQ ID NO: 63)hIL12AB_ 010 (SEQ ID NO: 64)hIL12AB_ 011 (SEQ ID NO: 65)hIL12AB_ 012 (SEQ ID NO: 66)hIL12AB_ 013 (SEQ ID NO: 67)hIL12AB_ 014 (SEQ ID NO: 68)hIL12AB_ 015 (SEQ ID NO: 69)hIL12AB_ 016 (SEQ ID NO: 70)hIL12AB_ 017 (SEQ IDNO: 71)hIL12AB_ 018 (SEQ ID NO: 72)hIL12AB_ 019 (SEQ ID NO: 73)hIL12AB_ 020 (SEQ ID NO: 74)hIL12AB_ 021 (SEQ ID NO: 75)hIL12AB_ 022 (SEQ ID NO: 76)hIL12AB_ 023 (SEQ ID NO: 77)hIL12AB_ 024 (SEQ ID NO: 78)hIL12AB_ 025 (SEQ ID NO: 79)hIL12AB_ 026 (SEQ ID NO: 80)hIL12AB_ 027 (SEQ ID NO: 81)hIL12AB_ 028 (SEQ IDNO: 82)hIL12AB_ 029 (SEQ ID NO: 83)hIL12AB_ 030 (SEQ ID NO: 84)hIL12AB_ 031 (SEQ ID NO: 85)hIL12AB_ 032 (SEQ ID NO: 86)hIL12AB_ 033 (SEQ ID NO: 87)hIL12AB_ 034 (SEQ ID NO: 88)hIL12AB_ 035 (SEQ ID NO: 89)hIL12AB_ 036 (SEQ ID NO: 90)hIL12AB_ 037 (SEQ ID NO: 91)hIL12AB_ 038 (SEQ ID NO: 92)hIL12AB_ 039 (SEQ IDNO: 93)hIL12AB_ 040 (SEQ ID NO: 94) Table 4C. mRNA Sequences (with T100 tail) hIL12AB_ 001 (SEQ ID NO: 95)hIL12AB_ 002 (SEQ ID NO: 96)hIL12AB_ 003 (SEQ ID NO: 97)hIL12AB_ 004 (SEQ ID NO: 98)hIL12AB_ 005 (SEQ ID NO: 99)hIL12AB_ 006 (SEQ ID NO: 100)hIL12AB_ 007 (SEQ ID NO: 101)hIL12AB_ 008 (SEQ ID NO: 102)hIL12AB_ 009 (SEQ ID NO: 103)hIL12AB_ 010 (SEQ ID NO: 104)hIL12AB_ 011 (SEQ ID NO: 105)hIL12AB_ 012 (SEQ ID NO: 106)hIL12AB_ 013 (SEQ ID NO: 107)hIL12AB_ 014 (SEQ ID NO: 108)hIL12AB_ 015 (SEQ ID NO: 109)hIL12AB_ 016 (SEQ ID NO: 110)hIL12AB_ 017 (SEQ ID NO: 111)hIL12AB_ 018 (SEQ ID NO: 112)hIL12AB_ 019 (SEQ ID NO: 113)hIL12AB_ 020 (SEQ ID NO: 114)hIL12AB_ 021 (SEQ ID NO: 115)hIL12AB_ 022 (SEQ ID NO: 116)hIL12AB_ 023 (SEQ ID NO: 117)hIL12AB_ 024 (SEQ ID NO: 118)hIL12AB_ 025 (SEQ ID NO: 119)hIL12AB_ 026 (SEQ ID NO: 120)hIL12AB_ 027 (SEQ ID NO: 121)hIL12AB_ 028 (SEQ ID NO: 122)hIL12AB_ 029 (SEQ ID NO: 123)hIL12AB_ 030 (SEQ ID NO: 124)hIL12AB_ 031 (SEQ ID NO: 125)hIL12AB_ 032 (SEQ ID NO: 126)hIL12AB_ 033 (SEQ ID NO: 127)hIL12AB_ 034 (SEQ ID NO: 128)hIL12AB_ 035 (SEQ ID NO: 129)hIL12AB_ 036 (SEQ ID NO: 130hIL12AB_ 037 (SEQ ID NO: 131)hIL12AB_ 038 (SEQ ID NO: 132)hIL12AB_ 039 (SEQ ID NO: 133)hIL12AB_ 040 (SEQ ID NO: 134) Table 4D. mRNA ORF Sequence > hIL12AB_002(SEQ ID NO: 237)

[0229] The sequence-optimized nucleotide sequences disclosed herein are distinct from the corresponding wild type nucleotide acid sequences and from other known sequence-optimized nucleotide sequences, e.g., these sequence-optimized nucleic acids have unique compositional characteristics.

[0230] In some cases, the percentage of uracil or thymine nucleobases in a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence (e.g., encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, a functional fragment, or a variant thereof) is modified (e.g.,. reduced) with respect to the percentage of uracil or thymine nucleobases in the reference wild-type nucleotide sequence. Such a sequence is referred to as a uracil-modified or thymine-modified sequence. The percentage of uracil or thymine content in a nucleotide sequence can be determined by dividing the number of uracils or thymines in a sequence by the total number of nucleotides and multiplying by 100. In some cases, the sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence has a lower uracil or thymine content than the uracil or thymine content in the reference wild-type sequence. In some cases, the uracil or thymine content in a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence of the disclosure is greater than the uracil or thymine content in the reference wild-type sequence and still maintain beneficial effects, e.g., increased expression and / or reduced Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) response when compared to the reference wild-type sequence.

[0231] In some cases, the optimized sequences of the present disclosure contain unique ranges of uracils or thymine (if DNA) in the sequence. The uracil or thymine content of the optimized sequences can be expressed in various ways, e.g., uracil or thymine content of optimized sequences relative to the theoretical minimum (%U TM or %T TM ), relative to the wild-type (%U WT or %T WT ), and relative to the total nucleotide content (%U TL or %T TL ). For DNA it is recognized that thymine is present instead of uracil, and one would substitute T where U appears. Thus, all the disclosures related to, e.g., %U TM , %U WT , or % U TL , with respect to RNA are equally applicable to %T TM , %T WT , or % T TL with respect to DNA.

[0232] Uracil- or thymine- content relative to the uracil or thymine theoretical minimum, refers to a parameter determined by dividing the number of uracils or thymines in a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence by the total number of uracils or thymines in a hypothetical nucleotide sequence in which all the codons in the hypothetical sequence are replaced with synonymous codons having the lowest possible uracil or thymine content and multiplying by 100. This parameter is abbreviated herein as %U TM or %T TM

[0233] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is below 196%, below 195%, below 190%, below 185%, below 180%, below 175%, below 170%, below 165%, below 160%, below 155%, below 150%, below 145%, below 140%, below 139%, below 138%, below 137%, below 136%, below 135%, below 134%, below 133%, below 132%, below 131%, below 130%, below 129%, below 128%, below 127%, below 126%, below 125%, below 124%, below 123%, below 122%, below 121%, below 120%, below 119%, below 118%, below 117%, below 116%, or below 115%.

[0234] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is below 196% and above 100%, above 101%, above 102%, above 103%, above 104%, above 105%, above 106%, above 107%, above 108%, above 109%, above 110%, above 111%, above 112%, above 113%, above 114%, above 115%, above 116%, above 117%, above 118%, above 119%, above 120%, above 121%, above 122%, above 123%, above 124%, above 125%, above 126%, above 127%, above 128%, above 129%, or above 130%, above 135%, above 130%, above 131%, or above 132%.

[0235] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is between 132% and 150%, between 133% and 150%, between 134% and 150%, between 135% and 150%, between 136% and 150%, between 137% and 150%, between 138% and 150%, between 139% and 150%, between 140% and 150%, between 132% and 151%, between 132% and 152%, between 132% and 153%, between 132% and 154%, between 132% and 155%, between 132% and 156%, between 132% and 157%, between 132% and 158%, between 132% and 159%, between 132% and 160%, between 133% and 151%, between 134% and 152%, between 135% and 153%, between 136% and 154%, between 137% and 155%, between 138% and 156%, between 138% and 157%, between 139% and 158%, between 140% and 159%, or between 141% and 160%.

[0236] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is between about 133% and about 152%, e.g., between 132.32% and 150.51%.

[0237] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is below 198%, below 195%, below 190%, below 185%, below 180%, below 175%, below 170%, below 165%, below 160%, below 155%, below 150%, below 145%, below 140%, below 139%, below 138%, below 137%, below 136%, below 135%, below 134%, below 133%, below 132%, below 131%, below 130%, below 129%, below 128%, below 127%, below 126%, below 125%, below 124%, below 123%, below 122%, below 121%, below 120%, below 119%, below 118%, below 117%, below 116%, or below 115%.

[0238] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is below 198% and above 100%, above 101%, above 102%, above 103%, above 104%, above 105%, above 106%, above 107%, above 108%, above 109%, above 110%, above 111%, above 112%, above 113%, above 114%, above 115%, above 116%, above 117%, above 118%, above 119%, above 120%, above 121%, above 122%, above 123%, above 124%, or above 125%.

[0239] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is between 125% and 143%, between 126% and 143%, between 127% and 143%, between 128% and 143%, between 129% and 143%, between 130% and 143%, between 131% and 132%, between 133% and 134%, between 135% and 143%, between 125% and 144%, between 125% and 145%, between 125% and 146%, between 125% and 147%, between 125% and 148%, between 125% and 149%, between 125% and 150%, between 125% and 151%, between 125% and 152%, between 125% and 153%, between 125% and 154%, between 125% and 155%, between 126% and 144%, between 127% and 145%, between 128% and 146%, between 129% and 147%, between 130% and 148%, between 131% and 149%, between 132% and 150%, or between 133% and 151%.

[0240] In some cases, the %U TM of a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is between about 124% and about 145%, e.g., between 125% and 144.42%.

[0241] A uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, or both IL12B and IL12A polypeptides of the disclosure can also be described according to its uracil or thymine content relative to the uracil or thymine content in the corresponding wild-type nucleic acid sequence (%U WT or %T WT ).

[0242] The phrases "uracil or thymine content relative to the uracil or thymine content in the wild type nucleic acid sequence," refers to a parameter determined by dividing the number of uracils or thymines in a sequence-optimized nucleic acid by the total number of uracils or thymines in the corresponding wild-type nucleic acid sequence and multiplying by 100. This parameter is abbreviated herein as %U WT or %T WT .

[0243] In some cases, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is above 50%, above 55%, above 60%, above 65%, above 70%, above 75%, above 80%, above 85%, above 90%, or above 95%.

[0244] In some cases, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is between 55% and 88%, between 56% and 87%, between 57% and 86%, between 58% and 85%, between 59% and 84%, between 60% and 83%, between 61% and 82%, between 62% and 81%, between 63% and 80%, between 64% and 79%, between 65% and 78%, or between 65% and 77%.

[0245] In some cases, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is between 66% and 78%, between 66% and 77%, between 67% and 77%, between 67% and 76%, or between 65% and 77%.

[0246] In a particular case, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is between about 66% and about 77%, e.g., between 67% and 76%.

[0247] In some cases, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is above 50%, above 55%, above 60%, above 65%, above 70%, above 75%, above 80%, above 85%, above 90%, or above 95%.

[0248] In some cases, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is between 50% and 85%, between 51% and 84%, between 52% and 83%, between 53% and 82%, between 54% and 81%, between 55% and 80%, between 56% and 79%, between 57% and 78%, between 58% and 77%, between 59% and 76%, between 60% and 75%, between 61% and 74%, or between 62% and 73%.

[0249] In some cases, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is between 61% and 74%, between 61% and 73%, between 61% and 72%, between 61% and 73%, between 62% and 73%, between 62% and 72%, between 62% and 74%, or between 63% and 72%.

[0250] In a particular case, the %U WT or %T WT of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is between about 62% and about 73%, e.g., between 63% and 72%.

[0251] The uracil or thymine content of wild-type IL12B relative to the total nucleotide content (%) is about 21%. In some cases, the uracil or thymine content of a uracil- or thymine- modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide relative to the total nucleotide content (%) (%U TL or %T TL ) is less than 21%. In some cases, the %U TL or %T TL is less than 20%, less than 19%, less that 18%, less than 17%, less than 16%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 13%, less than 12%, less than 11%, or less than 10%. In some cases, the %U TL or %T TL is not less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%.

[0252] In some cases, the uracil or thymine content of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure relative to the total nucleotide content (%U TL or %T TL ) is between 10% and 20%, between 11% and 20%, between 11.5% and 19.5%, between 12% and 19%, between 12% and 18%, between 13% and 18%, between 13% and 17%, between 13% and 16%, between 13% and 16%, between 14% and 16%, between 14% and 17%, or between 13% and 17%.

[0253] In a particular case, the uracil or thymine content (%U TL or %T TL ) of a uracil- or thymine modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure is between about 13% and about 17%, e.g., between 14% and 16%

[0254] The uracil or thymine content of wild-type IL12A relative to the total nucleotide content (%) is about 26%. In some cases, the uracil or thymine content of a uracil- or thymine- modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide relative to the total nucleotide content (%) (%U TL or %T TL ) is less than 25%. In some cases, the %U TL or %T TL is less than 25%, less than 24%, less than 23%, less than 22%, less than 21%, less than 20%, less than 19%, less that 18%, less than 17%, less than 16%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 13%, less than 12%, less than 11%, or less than 10%. In some cases, the %U TL or %T TL is not less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%.

[0255] In some cases, the uracil or thymine content of a uracil- or thymine-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure relative to the total nucleotide content (%U TL or %T TL ) is between 10% and 25%, between 11% and 25%, between 12% and 25%, between 13% and 25%, between 14% and 25%, between 15% and 25%, between 16% and 25%, between 10% and 24%, between 10% and 23%, between 11% and 22%, between 11% and 21%, between 11% and 20%, between 11% and 19%, between 11% and 18%, between 12% and 24%, between 12% and 23%, between 13% and 22%, between 14% and 21%, between 13% and 20%, between 15% and 19%, between 15% and 20%, between 16% and 19%, between 16% and 18%, or between 13% and 17%.

[0256] In a particular case, the uracil or thymine content (%U TL or %T TL ) of a uracil- or thymine modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure is between about 15% and about 19%, e.g., between 16% and 18% In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure has a reduced number of consecutive uracils with respect to the corresponding wild-type nucleic acid sequence. For example, two consecutive leucines can be encoded by the sequence CUUUUG, which includes a four uracil cluster. Such a subsequence can be substituted, e.g., with CUGCUC, which removes the uracil cluster.

[0257] Phenylalanine can be encoded by UUC or UUU. Thus, even if phenylalanines encoded by UUU are replaced by UUC, the synonymous codon still contains a uracil pair (UU). Accordingly, the number of phenylalanines in a sequence establishes a minimum number of uracil pairs (UU) that cannot be eliminated without altering the number of phenylalanines in the encoded polypeptide.

[0258] In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure has a reduced number of uracil triplets (UUU) with respect to the wild-type nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure contains 4, 3, 2, 1 or no uracil triplets (UUU).

[0259] In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide has a reduced number of uracil pairs (UU) with respect to the number of uracil pairs (UU) in the wild-type nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure has a number of uracil pairs (UU) corresponding to the minimum possible number of uracil pairs (UU) in the wild-type nucleic acid sequence.

[0260] In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure has at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 uracil pairs (UU) less than the number of uracil pairs (UU) in the wild-type nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure has between 7 and 13, between 8 and 14, between 9 and 15, between 10 and 16, between 11 and 7, between 12 and 18 uracil pairs (UU).

[0261] In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure has at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 uracil pairs (UU) less than the number of uracil pairs (UU) in the wild-type nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide of the disclosure has between 7 and 13, between 8 and 14, between 9 and 15, between 10 and 16, between 11 and 7, between 12 and 18 uracil pairs (UU).

[0262] The phrase "uracil pairs (UU) relative to the uracil pairs (UU) in the wild type nucleic acid sequence," refers to a parameter determined by dividing the number of uracil pairs (UU) in a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence by the total number of uracil pairs (UU) in the corresponding wild-type nucleotide sequence and multiplying by 100. This parameter is abbreviated herein as %UU wt .

[0263] In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A or IL12B polypeptide of the disclosure has a %UU wt less than 90%, less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, or less than 20%.

[0264] In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide has a %UU wt between 24% and 59%. In a particular case, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure has a %UU wt between 29% and 55% .

[0265] In some cases, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide has a %UU wt between 14% and 57%. In a particular case, a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12B polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure has a %UU wt between 19% and 52% .

[0266] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides disclosed herein. In some cases, the uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides comprises at least one chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., 5-methoxyuracil. In some cases, at least 95% of a nucleobase (e.g., uracil) in a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL 12A polypeptide, an IL 12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure are modified nucleobases. In some cases, at least 95% of uracil in a uracil-modified sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides is 5-methoxyuracil. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprising a uracil-modified sequence further comprises a miRNA binding site, e.g., a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-122. In some cases, the polynucleotide comprising a uracil-modified sequence is formulated with a delivery agent, e.g., a compound having Formula (I), e.g., any of Compounds 1-147 or any of Compounds 1-232.

[0267] In some cases, the "guanine content of the sequence optimized ORF encoding IL12B and / or IL12A with respect to the theoretical maximum guanine content of a nucleotide sequence encoding the IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide," abbreviated as %G TMX is at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%. In some cases, the %G TMX is between about 70% and about 80%, between about 71% and about 79%, between about 71% and about 78%, or between about 71% and about 77%.

[0268] In some cases, the "cytosine content of the ORF relative to the theoretical maximum cytosine content of a nucleotide sequence encoding the IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide," abbreviated as %C TMX , is at least 59%, at least 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%. In some cases, the %C TMX is between about 60% and about 80%, between about 62% and about 80%, between about 63% and about 79%, or between about 68% and about 76%.

[0269] In some cases, the "guanine and cytosine content (G / C) of the ORF relative to the theoretical maximum G / C content in a nucleotide sequence encoding the IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide," abbreviated as %G / C TMX is at least about 81%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%. The %G / C TMX is between about 80% and about 100%, between about 85% and about 99%, between about 90% and about 97%, or between about 91% and about 96%.

[0270] In some cases, the "G / C content in the ORF relative to the G / C content in the corresponding wild-type ORF," abbreviated as%G / C WT is at least 102%, at least 103%, at least 104%, at least 105%, at least 106%, at least 107%, at least 110%, at least 115%, or at least 120%.

[0271] In some cases, the average G / C content in the 3rd codon position in the ORF is at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, or at least 30% higher than the average G / C content in the 3rd codon position in the corresponding wild-type ORF.

[0272] In some cases, the polynucleotide of the disclosure comprises an open reading frame (ORF) encoding an IL12B and / or IL12A polypeptide, wherein the ORF has been sequence optimized, and wherein each of%U TL , %U WT , %UTM, %G TL , %G WT , %G TMX , %C TL , %C WT , %C TMX , %G / C TL , %G / C WT , or %G / C TMX , alone or in a combination thereof is in a range between (i) a maximum corresponding to the parameter's maximum value (MAX) plus about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 standard deviations (STD DEV), and (ii) a minimum corresponding to the parameter's minimum value (MIN) less 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 standard deviations (STD DEV).9. Methods for Sequence Optimization

[0273] In some cases, a polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence, e.g., an ORF, encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof)) is sequence optimized. A sequence optimized nucleotide sequence (nucleotide sequence is also referred to as "nucleic acid" herein) comprises at least one codon modification with respect to a reference sequence (e.g., a wild-type sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides). Thus, in a sequence optimized nucleic acid, at least one codon is different from a corresponding codon in a reference sequence (e.g., a wild-type sequence).

[0274] In general, sequence optimized nucleic acids are generated by at least a step comprising substituting codons in a reference sequence with synonymous codons (i.e., codons that encode the same amino acid). Such substitutions can be effected, for example, by applying a codon substitution map (i.e., a table providing the codons that will encode each amino acid in the codon optimized sequence), or by applying a set of rules (e.g., if glycine is next to neutral amino acid, glycine would be encoded by a certain codon, but if it is next to a polar amino acid, it would be encoded by another codon). In addition to codon substitutions (i.e., "codon optimization") the sequence optimization methods disclosed herein comprise additional optimization steps which are not strictly directed to codon optimization such as the removal of deleterious motifs (destabilizing motif substitution). Compositions and formulations comprising these sequence optimized nucleic acids (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can be administered to a subject in need thereof to facilitate in vivo expression of functionally active IL12.

[0275] The recombinant expression of large molecules in cell cultures can be a challenging task with numerous limitations (e.g., poor protein expression levels, stalled translation resulting in truncated expression products, protein misfolding, etc.) These limitations can be reduced or avoided by administering the polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA), which encode a functionally active IL12 or compositions or formulations comprising the same to a patient suffering from cancer, so the synthesis and delivery of the IL12 polypeptide to treat cancer takes place endogenously.

[0276] Changing from an in vitro expression system (e.g., cell culture) to in vivo expression requires the redesign of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the therapeutic agent. Redesigning a naturally occurring gene sequence by choosing different codons without necessarily altering the encoded amino acid sequence can often lead to dramatic increases in protein expression levels (Gustafsson et al., 2004, Journal / Trends Biotechnol 22, 346-53). Variables such as codon adaptation index (CAI), mRNA secondary structures, cis-regulatory sequences, GC content and many other similar variables have been shown to somewhat correlate with protein expression levels (Villalobos et al., 2006, "Journal / BMC Bioinformatics 7, 285). However, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, there are numerous different nucleic acid sequences that can all encode the same therapeutic agent. Each amino acid is encoded by up to six synonymous codons; and the choice between these codons influences gene expression. In addition, codon usage (i.e., the frequency with which different organisms use codons for expressing a polypeptide sequence) differs among organisms (for example, recombinant production of human or humanized therapeutic antibodies frequently takes place in hamster cell cultures).

[0277] In some cases, a reference nucleic acid sequence can be sequence optimized by applying a codon map. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the T bases in the codon maps disclosed below are present in DNA, whereas the T bases would be replaced by U bases in corresponding RNAs. For example, a sequence optimized nucleic acid disclosed herein in DNA form, e.g., a vector or an in-vitro translation (IVT) template, would have its T bases transcribed as U based in its corresponding transcribed mRNA. In this respect, both sequence optimized DNA sequences (comprising T) and their corresponding RNA sequences (comprising U) are considered sequence optimized nucleic acid of the present disclosure. A skilled artisan would also understand that equivalent codon-maps can be generated by replaced one or more bases with non-natural bases. Thus, e.g., a TTC codon (DNA map) would correspond to a UUC codon (RNA map), which in turn may correspond to a ΨΨC codon (RNA map in which U has been replaced with pseudouridine).

[0278] In one case, a reference sequence encoding IL12A, IL12B, or both IL12A and IL12B can be optimized by replacing all the codons encoding a certain amino acid with only one of the alternative codons provided in a codon map. For example, all the valines in the optimized sequence would be encoded by GTG or GTC or GTT.

[0279] Sequence optimized polynucleotides of the disclosure can be generated using one or more codon optimization methods, or a combination thereof. Sequence optimization methods which may be used to sequence optimize nucleic acid sequences are described in detail herein. This list of methods is not comprehensive or limiting.

[0280] It will be appreciated that the design principles and rules described for each one of the sequence optimization methods discussed below can be combined in many different ways, for example high G / C content sequence optimization for some regions or uridine content sequence optimization for other regions of the reference nucleic acid sequence, as well as targeted nucleotide mutations to minimize secondary structure throughout the sequence or to eliminate deleterious motifs.

[0281] The choice of potential combinations of sequence optimization methods can be, for example, dependent on the specific chemistry used to produce a synthetic polynucleotide. Such a choice can also depend on characteristics of the protein encoded by the sequence optimized nucleic acid, e.g., a full sequence, a functional fragment, or a fusion protein comprising IL12, etc. In some cases, such a choice can depend on the specific tissue or cell targeted by the sequence optimized nucleic acid (e.g., a therapeutic synthetic mRNA).

[0282] The mechanisms of combining the sequence optimization methods or design rules derived from the application and analysis of the optimization methods can be either simple or complex. For example, the combination can be: (i) Sequential: Each sequence optimization method or set of design rules applies to a different subsequence of the overall sequence, for example reducing uridine at codon positions 1 to 30 and then selecting high frequency codons for the remainder of the sequence; (ii) Hierarchical: Several sequence optimization methods or sets of design rules are combined in a hierarchical, deterministic fashion. For example, use the most GC-rich codons, breaking ties (which are common) by choosing the most frequent of those codons. (iii) Multifactorial / Multiparametric: Machine learning or other modeling techniques are used to design a single sequence that best satisfies multiple overlapping and possibly contradictory requirements. This approach would require the use of a computer applying a number of mathematical techniques, for example, genetic algorithms.

[0283] Ultimately, each one of these approaches can result in a specific set of rules which in many cases can be summarized in a single codon table, i.e., a sorted list of codons for each amino acid in the target protein (i.e., an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides), with a specific rule or set of rules indicating how to select a specific codon for each amino acid position.a. Uridine Content Optimization

[0284] The presence of local high concentrations of uridine in a nucleic acid sequence can have detrimental effects on translation, e.g., slow or prematurely terminated translation, especially when modified uridine analogs are used in the production of synthetic mRNAs. Furthermore, high uridine content can also reduce the in vivo half-life of synthetic mRNAs due to TLR activation.

[0285] Accordingly, a nucleic acid sequence can be sequence optimized using a method comprising at least one uridine content optimization step. Such a step comprises, e.g., substituting at least one codon in the reference nucleic acid with an alternative codon to generate a uridine-modified sequence, wherein the uridine-modified sequence has at least one of the following properties: (i) increase or decrease in global uridine content; (ii) increase or decrease in local uridine content (i.e., changes in uridine content are limited to specific subsequences); (iii) changes in uridine distribution without altering the global uridine content; (iv) changes in uridine clustering (e.g., number of clusters, location of clusters, or distance between clusters); or (v) combinations thereof.

[0286] In some cases, the sequence optimization process comprises optimizing the global uridine content, i.e., optimizing the percentage of uridine nucleobases in the sequence optimized nucleic acid with respect to the percentage of uridine nucleobases in the reference nucleic acid sequence. For example, 30% of nucleobases may be uridines in the reference sequence and 10% of nucleobases may be uridines in the sequence optimized nucleic acid.

[0287] In other cases, the sequence optimization process comprises reducing the local uridine content in specific regions of a reference nucleic acid sequence, i.e., reducing the percentage of uridine nucleobases in a subsequence of the sequence optimized nucleic acid with respect to the percentage of uridine nucleobases in the corresponding subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence. For example, the reference nucleic acid sequence may have a 5'-end region (e.g., 30 codons) with a local uridine content of 30%, and the uridine content in that same region could be reduced to 10% in the sequence optimized nucleic acid.

[0288] In specific cases, codons can be replaced in the reference nucleic acid sequence to reduce or modify, for example, the number, size, location, or distribution of uridine clusters that could have deleterious effects on protein translation. Although as a general rule it is desirable to reduce the uridine content of the reference nucleic acid sequence, in certain cases the uridine content, and in particular the local uridine content, of some subsequences of the reference nucleic acid sequence can be increased.

[0289] The reduction of uridine content to avoid adverse effects on translation can be done in combination with other optimization methods disclosed here to achieve other design goals. For example, uridine content optimization can be combined with ramp design, since using the rarest codons for most amino acids will, with a few exceptions, reduce the U content.

[0290] In some cases, the uridine-modified sequence is designed to induce a lower Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) response when compared to the reference nucleic acid sequence. Several TLRs recognize and respond to nucleic acids. Double-stranded (ds)RNA, a frequent viral constituent, has been shown to activate TLR3. See Alexopoulou et al. (2001) Nature, 413:732-738 and Wang et al. (2004) Nat. Med., 10:1366-1373. Single-stranded (ss)RNA activates TLR7. See Diebold et al. (2004) Science 303 :1529-1531. RNA oligonucleotides, for example RNA with phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages, are ligands of human TLR8. See Heil et al. (2004) Science 303:1526-1529. DNA containing unmethylated CpG motifs, characteristic of bacterial and viral DNA, activate TLR9. See Hemmi et al. (2000) Nature, 408: 740-745.

[0291] As used herein, the term "TLR response" is defined as the recognition of single-stranded RNA by a TLR7 receptor, and in some cases encompasses the degradation of the RNA and / or physiological responses caused by the recognition of the single-stranded RNA by the receptor. Methods to determine and quantitate the binding of an RNA to a TLR7 are known in the art. Similarly, methods to determine whether an RNA has triggered a TLR7-mediated physiological response (e.g., cytokine secretion) are well known in the art. In some cases, a TLR response can be mediated by TLR3, TLR8, or TLR9 instead of TLR7.

[0292] Suppression of TLR7-mediated response can be accomplished via nucleoside modification. RNA undergoes over hundred different nucleoside modifications in nature (see the RNA Modification Database, available at mods.rna.albany.edu). Human rRNA, for example, has ten times more pseudouridine (Ψ) and 25 times more 2'-O-methylated nucleosides than bacterial rRNA. Bacterial mRNA contains no nucleoside modifications, whereas mammalian mRNAs have modified nucleosides such as 5-methylcytidine (m5C), N6-methyladenosine (m6A), inosine and many 2'-O-methylated nucleosides in addition to N7-methylguanosine (m7G).

[0293] Uracil and ribose, the two defining features of RNA, are both necessary and sufficient for TLR7 stimulation, and short single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) act as TLR7 agonists in a sequence-independent manner as long as they contain several uridines in close proximity. See Diebold et al. (2006) Eur. J. Immunol. 36:3256-3267. Accordingly, one or more of the optimization methods disclosed herein comprises reducing the uridine content (locally and / or locally) and / or reducing or modifying uridine clustering to reduce or to suppress a TLR7-mediated response.

[0294] In some cases, the TLR response (e.g., a response mediated by TLR7) caused by the uridine-modified sequence is at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% lower than the TLR response caused by the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0295] In some cases, the TLR response caused by the reference nucleic acid sequence is at least about 1-fold, at least about 1.1-fold, at least about 1.2-fold, at least about 1.3-fold, at least about 1.4-fold, at least about 1.5-fold, at least about 1.6-fold, at least about 1.7-fold, at least about 1.8-fold, at least about 1.9-fold, at least about 2-fold, at least about 3-fold, at least about 4-fold, at least about 5-fold, at least about 6-fold, at least about 7-fold, at least about 8-fold, at least about 9-fold, or at least about 10-fold higher than the TLR response caused by the uridine-modified sequence.

[0296] In some cases, the uridine content (average global uridine content) (absolute or relative) of the uridine-modified sequence is higher than the uridine content (absolute or relative) of the reference nucleic acid sequence. Accordingly, in some cases, the uridine-modified sequence contains at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% more uridine that the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0297] In other cases, the uridine content (average global uridine content) (absolute or relative) of the uridine-modified sequence is lower than the uridine content (absolute or relative) of the reference nucleic acid sequence. Accordingly, in some cases, the uridine-modified sequence contains at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% less uridine that the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0298] In some cases, the uridine content (average global uridine content) (absolute or relative) of the uridine-modified sequence is less than 50%, 49%, 48%, 47%, 46%, 45%, 44%, 43%, 42%, 41%, 40%, 39%, 38%, 37%, 36%, 35%, 34%, 33%, 32%, 31%, 30%, 29%, 28%, 27%, 26%, 25%, 24%, 23%, 22%, 21%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% of the total nucleobases in the uridine-modified sequence. In some cases, the uridine content of the uridine-modified sequence is between about 10% and about 20%. In some particular cases, the uridine content of the uridine-modified sequence is between about 12% and about 16%.

[0299] In some cases, the uridine content of the reference nucleic acid sequence can be measured using a sliding window. In some cases, the length of the sliding window is 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40 nucleobases. In some cases, the sliding window is over 40 nucleobases in length. In some cases, the sliding window is 20 nucleobases in length. Based on the uridine content measured with a sliding window, it is possible to generate a histogram representing the uridine content throughout the length of the reference nucleic acid sequence and sequence optimized nucleic acids.

[0300] In some cases, a reference nucleic acid sequence can be modified to reduce or eliminate peaks in the histogram that are above or below a certain percentage value. In some cases, the reference nucleic acid sequence can be modified to eliminate peaks in the sliding-window representation which are above 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, or 30% uridine. In another case, the reference nucleic acid sequence can be modified so no peaks are over 30% uridine in the sequence optimized nucleic acid, as measured using a 20 nucleobase sliding window. In some cases, the reference nucleic acid sequence can be modified so no more or no less than a predetermined number of peaks in the sequence optimized nucleic sequence, as measured using a 20 nucleobase sliding window, are above or below a certain threshold value. For example, in some cases, the reference nucleic acid sequence can be modified so no peaks or no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 peaks in the sequence optimized nucleic acid are above 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or 30% uridine. In another case, the sequence optimized nucleic acid contains between 0 peaks and 2 peaks with uridine contents 30% of higher.

[0301] In some cases, a reference nucleic acid sequence can be sequence optimized to reduce the incidence of consecutive uridines. For example, two consecutive leucines could be encoded by the sequence CUUUUG, which would include a four uridine cluster. Such subsequence could be substituted with CUGCUC, which would effectively remove the uridine cluster. Accordingly, a reference nucleic sequence can be sequence optimized by reducing or eliminating uridine pairs (UU), uridine triplets (UUU) or uridine quadruplets (UUUU). Higher order combinations of U are not considered combinations of lower order combinations. Thus, for example, UUUU is strictly considered a quadruplet, not two consecutive U pairs; or UUUUUU is considered a sextuplet, not three consecutive U pairs, or two consecutive U triplets, etc.

[0302] In some cases, all uridine pairs (UU) and / or uridine triplets (UUU) and / or uridine quadruplets (UUUU) can be removed from the reference nucleic acid sequence. In other cases, uridine pairs (UU) and / or uridine triplets (UUU) and / or uridine quadruplets (UUUU) can be reduced below a certain threshold, e.g., no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 occurrences in the sequence optimized nucleic acid. In a particular case, the sequence optimized nucleic acid contains less than 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 uridine pairs. In another particular case, the sequence optimized nucleic acid contains no uridine pairs and / or triplets.

[0303] Phenylalanine codons, i.e., UUC or UUU, comprise a uridine pair or triples and therefore sequence optimization to reduce uridine content can at most reduce the phenylalanine U triplet to a phenylalanine U pair. In some cases, the occurrence of uridine pairs (UU) and / or uridine triplets (UUU) refers only to non-phenylalanine U pairs or triplets. Accordingly, in some cases, non-phenylalanine uridine pairs (UU) and / or uridine triplets (UUU) can be reduced below a certain threshold, e.g., no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 occurrences in the sequence optimized nucleic acid. In a particular case, the sequence optimized nucleic acid contains less than 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 non-phenylalanine uridine pairs and / or triplets. In another particular case, the sequence optimized nucleic acid contains no non-phenylalanine uridine pairs and / or triplets.

[0304] In some cases, the reduction in uridine combinations (e.g., pairs, triplets, quadruplets) in the sequence optimized nucleic acid can be expressed as a percentage reduction with respect to the uridine combinations present in the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0305] In some cases, a sequence optimized nucleic acid can contain about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% of the total number of uridine pairs present in the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, a sequence optimized nucleic acid can contain about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% of the total number of uridine triplets present in the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, a sequence optimized nucleic acid can contain about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% of the total number of uridine quadruplets present in the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0306] In some cases, a sequence optimized nucleic acid can contain about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% of the total number of non-phenylalanine uridine pairs present in the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, a sequence optimized nucleic acid can contain about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 65% of the total number of non-phenylalanine uridine triplets present in the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0307] In some cases, the uridine content in the sequence optimized sequence can be expressed with respect to the theoretical minimum uridine content in the sequence. The term "theoretical minimum uridine content" is defined as the uridine content of a nucleic acid sequence as a percentage of the sequence's length after all the codons in the sequence have been replaced with synonymous codon with the lowest uridine content. In some cases, the uridine content of the sequence optimized nucleic acid is identical to the theoretical minimum uridine content of the reference sequence (e.g., a wild type sequence). In some aspects, the uridine content of the sequence optimized nucleic acid is about 90%, about 95%, about 100%, about 105%, about 110%, about 115%, about 120%, about 125%, about 130%, about 135%, about 140%, about 145%, about 150%, about 155%, about 160%, about 165%, about 170%, about 175%, about 180%, about 185%, about 190%, about 195% or about 200% of the theoretical minimum uridine content of the reference sequence (e.g., a wild type sequence).

[0308] In some cases, the uridine content of the sequence optimized nucleic acid is identical to the theoretical minimum uridine content of the reference sequence (e.g., a wild type sequence).

[0309] The reference nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a wild type sequence) can comprise uridine clusters which due to their number, size, location, distribution or combinations thereof have negative effects on translation. As used herein, the term "uridine cluster" refers to a subsequence in a reference nucleic acid sequence or sequence optimized nucleic sequence with contains a uridine content (usually described as a percentage) which is above a certain threshold. Thus, in certain cases, if a subsequence comprises more than about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% or 65% uridine content, such subsequence would be considered a uridine cluster.

[0310] The negative effects of uridine clusters can be, for example, eliciting a TLR7 response. Thus, in some implementations of the nucleic acid sequence optimization methods disclosed herein it is desirable to reduce the number of clusters, size of clusters, location of clusters (e.g., close to the 5' and / or 3' end of a nucleic acid sequence), distance between clusters, or distribution of uridine clusters (e.g., a certain pattern of cluster along a nucleic acid sequence, distribution of clusters with respect to secondary structure elements in the expressed product, or distribution of clusters with respect to the secondary structure of an mRNA).

[0311] In some cases, the reference nucleic acid sequence comprises at least one uridine cluster, wherein said uridine cluster is a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence wherein the percentage of total uridine nucleobases in said subsequence is above a predetermined threshold. In some cases, the length of the subsequence is at least about 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about 65, at least about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at least about 85, at least about 90, at least about 95, or at least about 100 nucleobases. In some cases, the subsequence is longer than 100 nucleobases. In some cases, the threshold is 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24% or 25% uridine content. In some cases, the threshold is above 25%.

[0312] For example, an amino acid sequence comprising A, D, G, S and R could be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence GCU, GAU, GGU, AGU, CGU. Although such sequence does not contain any uridine pairs, triplets, or quadruplets, one third of the nucleobases would be uridines. Such a uridine cluster could be removed by using alternative codons, for example, by using GCC, GAC, GGC, AGC, and CGC, which would contain no uridines.

[0313] In other cases, the reference nucleic acid sequence comprises at least one uridine cluster, wherein said uridine cluster is a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence wherein the percentage of uridine nucleobases of said subsequence as measured using a sliding window that is above a predetermined threshold. In some cases, the length of the sliding window is 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40 nucleobases. In some cases, the sliding window is over 40 nucleobases in length. In some cases, the threshold is 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24% or 25% uridine content. In some cases, the threshold is above 25%.

[0314] In some cases, the reference nucleic acid sequence comprises at least two uridine clusters. In some cases, the uridine-modified sequence contains fewer uridine-rich clusters than the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, the uridine-modified sequence contains more uridine-rich clusters than the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, the uridine-modified sequence contains uridine-rich clusters with are shorter in length than corresponding uridine-rich clusters in the reference nucleic acid sequence. In other cases, the uridine-modified sequence contains uridine-rich clusters which are longer in length than the corresponding uridine-rich cluster in the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0315] See, Kariko et al. (2005) Immunity 23:165-175; Kormann et al. (2010) Nature Biotechnology 29:154-157; or Sahin et al. (2014) Nature Reviews Drug Discovery | AOP, published online 19 September 2014m doi:10.1038 / nrd4278.b. Guanine / Cytosine (G / C) Content

[0316] A reference nucleic acid sequence can be sequence optimized using methods comprising altering the Guanine / Cytosine (G / C) content (absolute or relative) of the reference nucleic acid sequence. Such optimization can comprise altering (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the global G / C content (absolute or relative) of the reference nucleic acid sequence; introducing local changes in G / C content in the reference nucleic acid sequence (e.g., increase or decrease G / C in selected regions or subsequences in the reference nucleic acid sequence); altering the frequency, size, and distribution of G / C clusters in the reference nucleic acid sequence, or combinations thereof.

[0317] In some cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides comprises an overall increase in G / C content (absolute or relative) relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, the overall increase in G / C content (absolute or relative) is at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0318] In some cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides comprises an overall decrease in G / C content (absolute or relative) relative to the G / C content of the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, the overall decrease in G / C content (absolute or relative) is at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0319] In some cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides comprises a local increase in Guanine / Cytosine (G / C) content (absolute or relative) in a subsequence (i.e., a G / C modified subsequence) relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the corresponding subsequence in the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, the local increase in G / C content (absolute or relative) is by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the corresponding subsequence in the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0320] In some cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides comprises a local decrease in Guanine / Cytosine (G / C) content (absolute or relative) in a subsequence (i.e., a G / C modified subsequence) relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the corresponding subsequence in the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, the local decrease in G / C content (absolute or relative) is by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the corresponding subsequence in the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0321] In some cases, the G / C content (absolute or relative) is increased or decreased in a subsequence which is at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 nucleobases in length.

[0322] In some cases, the G / C content (absolute or relative) is increased or decreased in a subsequence which is at least about 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, or 1000 nucleobases in length.

[0323] In some cases, the G / C content (absolute or relative) is increased or decreased in a subsequence which is at least about 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, 4700, 4800, 4900, 5000, 5100, 5200, 5300, 5400, 5500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 6000, 6100, 6200, 6300, 6400, 6500, 6600, 6700, 6800, 6900, 7000, 7100, 7200, 7300, 7400, 7500, 7600, 7700, 7800, 7900, 8000, 8100, 8200, 8300, 8400, 8500, 8600, 8700, 8800, 8900, 9000, 9100, 9200, 9300, 9400, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800, 9900, or 10000 nucleobases in length.

[0324] The increases or decreases in G and C content (absolute or relative) described herein can be conducted by replacing synonymous codons with low G / C content with synonymous codons having higher G / C content, or vice versa. For example, L has 6 synonymous codons: two of them have 2 G / C (CUC, CUG), 3 have a single G / C (UUG, CUU, CUA), and one has no G / C (UUA). So if the reference nucleic acid had a CUC codon in a certain position, G / C content at that position could be reduced by replacing CUC with any of the codons having a single G / C or the codon with no G / C.

[0325] See, U.S. Publ. Nos. US20140228558, US20050032730 A1; Gustafsson et al. (2012) Protein Expression and Purification 83: 37-46.c. Codon Frequency - Codon Usage Bias

[0326] Numerous codon optimization methods known in the art are based on the substitution of codons in a reference nucleic acid sequence with codons having higher frequencies. Thus, in some cases, a nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides disclosed herein can be sequence optimized using methods comprising the use of modifications in the frequency of use of one or more codons relative to other synonymous codons in the sequence optimized nucleic acid with respect to the frequency of use in the non-codon optimized sequence.

[0327] As used herein, the term "codon frequency" refers to codon usage bias, i.e., the differences in the frequency of occurrence of synonymous codons in coding DNA / RNA. It is generally acknowledged that codon preferences reflect a balance between mutational biases and natural selection for translational optimization. Optimal codons help to achieve faster translation rates and high accuracy. As a result of these factors, translational selection is expected to be stronger in highly expressed genes. In the field of bioinformatics and computational biology, many statistical methods have been proposed and used to analyze codon usage bias. See, e.g., Comeron & Aguadé (1998) J. Mol. Evol. 47: 268-74. Methods such as the 'frequency of optimal codons' (Fop) (Ikemura (1981) J. Mol. Biol. 151 (3): 389-409), the Relative Codon Adaptation (RCA) (Fox & Eril (2010) DNA Res. 17 (3): 185-96) or the 'Codon Adaptation Index' (CAI) (Sharp & Li (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15 (3): 1281-95) are used to predict gene expression levels, while methods such as the 'effective number of codons' (Nc) and Shannon entropy from information theory are used to measure codon usage evenness. Multivariate statistical methods, such as correspondence analysis and principal component analysis, are widely used to analyze variations in codon usage among genes (Suzuki et al. (2008) DNA Res. 15 (6): 357-65; Sandhu et al., In Silico Biol. 2008;8(2): 187-92).

[0328] The nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides disclosed herein (e.g., a wild type nucleic acid sequence, a mutant nucleic acid sequence, a chimeric nucleic sequence, etc. which can be, for example, an mRNA), can be codon optimized using methods comprising substituting at least one codon in the reference nucleic acid sequence with an alternative codon having a higher or lower codon frequency in the synonymous codon set; wherein the resulting sequence optimized nucleic acid has at least one optimized property with respect to the reference nucleic acid sequence.

[0329] In some cases, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 99%, or 100% of the codons in the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides are substituted with alternative codons, each alternative codon having a codon frequency higher than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set.

[0330] In some cases, at least one codon in the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides is substituted with an alternative codon having a codon frequency higher than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set, and at least one codon in the reference nucleic acid sequence is substituted with an alternative codon having a codon frequency lower than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set.

[0331] In some cases, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, or at least about 75% of the codons in the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding IL12 are substituted with alternative codons, each alternative codon having a codon frequency higher than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set.

[0332] In some cases, at least one alternative codon having a higher codon frequency has the highest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set. In other cases, all alternative codons having a higher codon frequency have the highest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set.

[0333] In some cases, at least one alternative codon having a lower codon frequency has the lowest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set. In some cases, all alternative codons having a higher codon frequency have the highest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set.

[0334] In some specific cases, at least one alternative codon has the second highest, the third highest, the fourth highest, the fifth highest or the sixth highest frequency in the synonymous codon set. In some specific cases, at least one alternative codon has the second lowest, the third lowest, the fourth lowest, the fifth lowest, or the sixth lowest frequency in the synonymous codon set.

[0335] Optimization based on codon frequency can be applied globally, as described above, or locally to the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides. In some cases, when applied locally, regions of the reference nucleic acid sequence can modified based on codon frequency, substituting all or a certain percentage of codons in a certain subsequence with codons that have higher or lower frequencies in their respective synonymous codon sets. Thus, in some cases, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 99%, or 100% of the codons in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence are substituted with alternative codons, each alternative codon having a codon frequency higher than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set.

[0336] In some cases, at least one codon in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides is substituted with an alternative codon having a codon frequency higher than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set, and at least one codon in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence is substituted with an alternative codon having a codon frequency lower than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set.

[0337] In some cases, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, or at least about 75% of the codons in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides are substituted with alternative codons, each alternative codon having a codon frequency higher than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set.

[0338] In some cases, at least one alternative codon substituted in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides and having a higher codon frequency has the highest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set. In other cases, all alternative codons substituted in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence and having a lower codon frequency have the lowest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set.

[0339] In some cases, at least one alternative codon substituted in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides and having a lower codon frequency has the lowest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set. In some cases, all alternative codons substituted in a subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence and having a higher codon frequency have the highest codon frequency in the synonymous codon set.

[0340] In specific cases, a sequence optimized nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides can comprise a subsequence having an overall codon frequency higher or lower than the overall codon frequency in the corresponding subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence at a specific location, for example, at the 5' end or 3' end of the sequence optimized nucleic acid, or within a predetermined distance from those region (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 codons from the 5' end or 3' end of the sequence optimized nucleic acid).

[0341] In some cases, an sequence optimized nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides can comprise more than one subsequence having an overall codon frequency higher or lower than the overall codon frequency in the corresponding subsequence of the reference nucleic acid sequence. A skilled artisan would understand that subsequences with overall higher or lower overall codon frequencies can be organized in innumerable patterns, depending on whether the overall codon frequency is higher or lower, the length of the subsequence, the distance between subsequences, the location of the subsequences, etc.

[0342] See, U.S. Pat. Nos. US5082767, US8126653, US7561973, US8401798; U.S. Publ. No. US 20080046192, US 20080076161; Int'l. Publ. No. WO2000018778; Welch et al. (2009) PLoS ONE 4(9): e7002; Gustafsson et al. (2012) Protein Expression and Purification 83: 37-46; Chung et al. (2012) BMC Systems Biology 6:134.d. Destabilizing Motif Substitution

[0343] There is a variety of motifs that can affect sequence optimization, which fall into various non-exclusive categories, for example: (i) Primary sequence based motifs: Motifs defined by a simple arrangement of nucleotides. (ii) Structural motifs: Motifs encoded by an arrangement of nucleotides that tends to form a certain secondary structure. (iii) Local motifs: Motifs encoded in one contiguous subsequence. (iv) Distributed motifs: Motifs encoded in two or more disjoint subsequences. (v) Advantageous motifs: Motifs which improve nucleotide structure or function. (vi) Disadvantageous motifs: Motifs with detrimental effects on nucleotide structure or function.

[0344] There are many motifs that fit into the category of disadvantageous motifs. Some examples include, for example, restriction enzyme motifs, which tend to be relatively short, exact sequences such as the restriction site motifs for Xba1 (TCTAGA (SEQ ID NO: 224)), EcoRI (GAATTC (SEQ ID NO: 225)), EcoRII (CCWGG (SEQ ID NO: 226), wherein W means A or T, per the IUPAC ambiguity codes), or HindIII (AAGCTT (SEQ ID NO: 227)); enzyme sites, which tend to be longer and based on consensus not exact sequence, such in the T7 RNA polymerase (GnnnnWnCRnCTCnCnnWnD (SEQ ID NO: 228), wherein n means any nucleotide, R means A or G, W means A or T, D means A or G or T but not C); structural motifs, such as GGGG (SEQ ID NO: 229) repeats (Kim et al. (1991) Nature 351(6324):331-2); or other motifs such as CUG-triplet repeats (Querido et al. (2014) J. Cell Sci. 124:1703-1714).

[0345] Accordingly, the nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides disclosed herein can be sequence optimized using methods comprising substituting at least one destabilizing motif in a reference nucleic acid sequence, and removing such disadvantageous motif or replacing it with an advantageous motif.

[0346] In some cases, the optimization process comprises identifying advantageous and / or disadvantageous motifs in the reference nucleic sequence, wherein such motifs are, e.g., specific subsequences that can cause a loss of stability in the reference nucleic acid sequence prior or during the optimization process. For example, substitution of specific bases during optimization may generate a subsequence (motif) recognized by a restriction enzyme. Accordingly, during the optimization process the appearance of disadvantageous motifs can be monitored by comparing the sequence optimized sequence with a library of motifs known to be disadvantageous. Then, the identification of disadvantageous motifs could be used as a post-hoc filter, i.e., to determine whether a certain modification which potentially could be introduced in the reference nucleic acid sequence should be actually implemented or not.

[0347] In some cases, the identification of disadvantageous motifs can be used prior to the application of the sequence optimization methods disclosed herein, i.e., the identification of motifs in the reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides and their replacement with alternative nucleic acid sequences can be used as a preprocessing step, for example, before uridine reduction.

[0348] In other cases, the identification of disadvantageous motifs and their removal is used as an additional sequence optimization technique integrated in a multiparametric nucleic acid optimization method comprising two or more of the sequence optimization methods disclosed herein. When used in this fashion, a disadvantageous motif identified during the optimization process would be removed, for example, by substituting the lowest possible number of nucleobases in order to preserve as closely as possible the original design principle(s) (e.g., low U, high frequency, etc.).

[0349] See, e.g., U.S. Publ. Nos. US20140228558, US20050032730, or US20140228558.e. Limited Codon Set Optimization

[0350] In some particular cases, sequence optimization of a reference nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides can be conducted using a limited codon set, e.g., a codon set wherein less than the native number of codons is used to encode the 20 natural amino acids, a subset of the 20 natural amino acids, or an expanded set of amino acids including, for example, non-natural amino acids.

[0351] The genetic code is highly similar among all organisms and can be expressed in a simple table with 64 entries which would encode the 20 standard amino acids involved in protein translation plus start and stop codons. The genetic code is degenerate, i.e., in general, more than one codon specifies each amino acid. For example, the amino acid leucine is specified by the UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, or CUG codons, while the amino acid serine is specified by UCA, UCG, UCC, UCU, AGU, or AGC codons (difference in the first, second, or third position). Native genetic codes comprise 62 codons encoding naturally occurring amino acids. Thus, in some cases of the methods disclosed herein optimized codon sets (genetic codes) comprising less than 62 codons to encode 20 amino acids can comprise 61, 60, 59, 58, 57, 56, 55, 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, or 20 codons.

[0352] In some cases, the limited codon set comprises less than 20 codons. For example, if a protein contains less than 20 types of amino acids, such protein could be encoded by a codon set with less than 20 codons. Accordingly, in some cases, an optimized codon set comprises as many codons as different types of amino acids are present in the protein encoded by the reference nucleic acid sequence. In some cases, the optimized codon set comprises 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or even 1 codon.

[0353] In some cases, at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Tyr, and Val, i.e., amino acids which are naturally encoded by more than one codon, is encoded with less codons than the naturally occurring number of synonymous codons. For example, in some cases, Ala can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 3, 2 or 1 codons; Cys can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Asp can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Glu can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Phe can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Gly can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 3 codons, 2 codons or 1 codon; His can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Ile can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 2 codons or 1 codon; Lys can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Leu can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 5 codons, 4 codons, 3 codons, 2 codons or 1 codon; Asn can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Pro can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 3 codons, 2 codons, or 1 codon; Gln can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon; Arg can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 5 codons, 4 codons, 3 codons, 2 codons, or 1 codon; Ser can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 5 codons, 4 codons, 3 codons, 2 codons, or 1 codon; Thr can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 3 codons, 2 codons, or 1 codon; Val can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 3 codons, 2 codons, or 1 codon; and, Tyr can be encoded in the sequence optimized nucleic acid by 1 codon.

[0354] In some cases, at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Tyr, and Val, i.e., amino acids which are naturally encoded by more than one codon, is encoded by a single codon in the limited codon set.

[0355] In some specific cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid is a DNA and the limited codon set consists of 20 codons, wherein each codon encodes one of 20 amino acids. In some cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid is a DNA and the limited codon set comprises at least one codon selected from the group consisting of GCT, GCC, GCA, and GCG; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of CGT, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG; at least a codon selected from AAT or ACC; at least a codon selected from GAT or GAC; at least a codon selected from TGT or TGC; at least a codon selected from CAA or CAG; at least a codon selected from GAA or GAG; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of GGT, GGC, GGA, and GGG; at least a codon selected from CAT or CAC; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of ATT, ATC, and ATA; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of TTA, TTG, CTT, CTC, CTA, and CTG; at least a codon selected from AAA or AAG; an ATG codon; at least a codon selected from TTT or TTC; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of CCT, CCC, CCA, and CCG; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of TCT, TCC, TCA, TCG, AGT, and AGC; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of ACT, ACC, ACA, and ACG; a TGG codon; at least a codon selected from TAT or TAC; and, at least a codon selected from the group consisting of GTT, GTC, GTA, and GTG.

[0356] In other cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid is an RNA (e.g., an mRNA) and the limited codon set consists of 20 codons, wherein each codon encodes one of 20 amino acids. In some cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid is an RNA and the limited codon set comprises at least one codon selected from the group consisting of GCU, GCC, GCA, and GCG; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG; at least a codon selected from AAU or ACC; at least a codon selected from GAU or GAC; at least a codon selected from UGU or UGC; at least a codon selected from CAA or CAG; at least a codon selected from GAA or GAG; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of GGU, GGC, GGA, and GGG; at least a codon selected from CAU or CAC; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of AUU, AUC, and AUA; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG; at least a codon selected from AAA or AAG; an AUG codon; at least a codon selected from UUU or UUC; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of CCU, CCC, CCA, and CCG; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of UCU, UCC, UCA, UCG, AGU, and AGC; at least a codon selected from the group consisting of ACU, ACC, ACA, and ACG; a UGG codon; at least a codon selected from UAU or UAC; and, at least a codon selected from the group consisting of GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG.

[0357] In some specific cases, the limited codon set has been optimized for in vivo expression of a sequence optimized nucleic acid (e.g., a synthetic mRNA) following administration to a certain tissue or cell.

[0358] In some cases, the optimized codon set (e.g., a 20 codon set encoding 20 amino acids) complies at least with one of the following properties: (i) the optimized codon set has a higher average G / C content than the original or native codon set; or, (ii) the optimized codon set has a lower average U content than the original or native codon set; or, (iii) the optimized codon set is composed of codons with the highest frequency; or, (iv) the optimized codon set is composed of codons with the lowest frequency; or, (v) a combination thereof.

[0359] In some specific cases, at least one codon in the optimized codon set has the second highest, the third highest, the fourth highest, the fifth highest or the sixth highest frequency in the synonymous codon set. In some specific cases, at least one codon in the optimized codon has the second lowest, the third lowest, the fourth lowest, the fifth lowest, or the sixth lowest frequency in the synonymous codon set.

[0360] As used herein, the term "native codon set" refers to the codon set used natively by the source organism to encode the reference nucleic acid sequence. As used herein, the term "original codon set" refers to the codon set used to encode the reference nucleic acid sequence before the beginning of sequence optimization, or to a codon set used to encode an optimized variant of the reference nucleic acid sequence at the beginning of a new optimization iteration when sequence optimization is applied iteratively or recursively.

[0361] In some cases, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of codons in the codon set are those with the highest frequency. In other cases, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of codons in the codon set are those with the lowest frequency.

[0362] In some cases, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of codons in the codon set are those with the highest uridine content. In some cases, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of codons in the codon set are those with the lowest uridine content.

[0363] In some cases, the average G / C content (absolute or relative) of the codon set is 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% higher than the average G / C content (absolute or relative) of the original codon set. In some cases, the average G / C content (absolute or relative) of the codon set is 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% lower than the average G / C content (absolute or relative) of the original codon set.

[0364] In some cases, the uracil content (absolute or relative) of the codon set is 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% higher than the average uracil content (absolute or relative) of the original codon set. In some cases, the uracil content (absolute or relative) of the codon set is 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% lower than the average uracil content (absolute or relative) of the original codon set.

[0365] See also U.S. Appl. Publ. No. 2011 / 0082055, and Int'l. Publ. No. WO2000018778.10. Characterization of Sequence Optimized Nucleic Acids

[0366] In some cases of the disclosure, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprising a sequence optimized nucleic acid (e.g., an ORF) disclosed herein encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides can be can be tested to determine whether at least one nucleic acid sequence property (e.g., stability when exposed to nucleases) or expression property has been improved with respect to the non-sequence optimized nucleic acid.

[0367] As used herein, "expression property" refers to a property of a nucleic acid sequence either in vivo (e.g., translation efficacy of a synthetic mRNA after administration to a subject in need thereof) or in vitro (e.g., translation efficacy of a synthetic mRNA tested in an in vitro model system). Expression properties include but are not limited to the amount of protein produced by an mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides after administration, and the amount of soluble or otherwise functional protein produced. In some cases, sequence optimized nucleic acids disclosed herein can be evaluated according to the viability of the cells expressing a protein encoded by a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides disclosed herein.

[0368] In a particular case, a plurality of sequence optimized nucleic acids disclosed herein (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) containing codon substitutions with respect to the non-optimized reference nucleic acid sequence can be characterized functionally to measure a property of interest, for example an expression property in an in vitro model system, or in vivo in a target tissue or cell.a. Optimization of Nucleic Acid Sequence Intrinsic Properties

[0369] In some cases of the disclosure, the desired property of the polynucleotide is an intrinsic property of the nucleic acid sequence. For example, the nucleotide sequence (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can be sequence optimized for in vivo or in vitro stability. In some cases, the nucleotide sequence can be sequence optimized for expression in a particular target tissue or cell. In some cases, the nucleic acid sequence is sequence optimized to increase its plasma half by preventing its degradation by endo and exonucleases.

[0370] In other cases, the nucleic acid sequence is sequence optimized to increase its resistance to hydrolysis in solution, for example, to lengthen the time that the sequence optimized nucleic acid or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the sequence optimized nucleic acid can be stored under aqueous conditions with minimal degradation.

[0371] In other cases, the sequence optimized nucleic acid can be optimized to increase its resistance to hydrolysis in dry storage conditions, for example, to lengthen the time that the sequence optimized nucleic acid can be stored after lyophilization with minimal degradation.b. Nucleic Acids Sequence Optimized for Protein Expression

[0372] In some cases of the disclosure, the desired property of the polynucleotide is the level of expression of an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides encoded by a sequence optimized sequence disclosed herein. Protein expression levels can be measured using one or more expression systems. In some cases, expression can be measured in cell culture systems, e.g., CHO cells or HEK293 cells. In some cases, expression can be measured using in vitro expression systems prepared from extracts of living cells, e.g., rabbit reticulocyte lysates, or in vitro expression systems prepared by assembly of purified individual components. In other cases, the protein expression is measured in an in vivo system, e.g., mouse, rabbit, monkey, etc.

[0373] In some cases, protein expression in solution form can be desirable. Accordingly, in some cases, a reference sequence can be sequence optimized to yield a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence having optimized levels of expressed proteins in soluble form. Levels of protein expression and other properties such as solubility, levels of aggregation, and the presence of truncation products (i.e., fragments due to proteolysis, hydrolysis, or defective translation) can be measured according to methods known in the art, for example, using electrophoresis (e.g., native or SDS-PAGE) or chromatographic methods (e.g., HPLC, size exclusion chromatography, etc.).c. Optimization of Target Tissue or Target Cell Viability

[0374] In some cases, the expression of heterologous therapeutic proteins encoded by a nucleic acid sequence can have deleterious effects in the target tissue or cell, reducing protein yield, or reducing the quality of the expressed product (e.g., due to the presence of protein fragments or precipitation of the expressed protein in inclusion bodies), or causing toxicity.

[0375] Accordingly, in some cases of the disclosure, the sequence optimization of a nucleic acid sequence disclosed herein, e.g., a nucleic acid sequence encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides, can be used to increase the viability of target cells expressing the protein encoded by the sequence optimized nucleic acid.

[0376] Heterologous protein expression can also be deleterious to cells transfected with a nucleic acid sequence for autologous or heterologous transplantation. Accordingly, in some cases of the present disclosure the sequence optimization of a nucleic acid sequence disclosed herein can be used to increase the viability of target cells expressing the protein encoded by the sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence. Changes in cell or tissue viability, toxicity, and other physiological reaction can be measured according to methods known in the art.d. Reduction of Immune and / or Inflammatory Response

[0377] In some cases, the administration of a sequence optimized nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides or a functional fragment thereof may trigger an immune response, which could be caused by (i) the therapeutic agent (e.g., an mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides), or (ii) the expression product of such therapeutic agent (e.g., the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides encoded by the mRNA), or (iv) a combination thereof. Accordingly, in some cases of the present disclosure the sequence optimization of nucleic acid sequence (e.g., an mRNA) disclosed herein can be used to decrease an immune or inflammatory response triggered by the administration of a nucleic acid encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides or by the expression product of IL12A, IL12B, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion encoded by such nucleic acid.

[0378] In some aspects, an inflammatory response can be measured by detecting increased levels of one or more inflammatory cytokines using methods known in the art, e.g., ELISA. The term "inflammatory cytokine" refers to cytokines that are elevated in an inflammatory response. Examples of inflammatory cytokines include interleukin-6 (IL-6), CXCL1 (chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1; also known as GROα, interferon-γ (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interferon γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10), or granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The term inflammatory cytokines includes also other cytokines associated with inflammatory responses known in the art, e.g., interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-13 (11-13), interferon α (IFN-α), etc.11. Modified Nucleotide Sequences Encoding IL12 Polypeptides

[0379] In some cases, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the disclosure comprises a chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., 5-methoxyuracil. In some cases, the mRNA is a uracil-modified sequence comprising an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, and / IL12B and IL12A fusion polypeptides, wherein the mRNA comprises a chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., 5-methoxyuracil.

[0380] In certain aspects of the disclosure, when the 5-methoxyuracil base is connected to a ribose sugar, as it is in polynucleotides, the resulting modified nucleoside or nucleotide is referred to as 5-methoxyuridine. In some cases, uracil in the polynucleotide is at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or about 100% 5-methoxyuracil. In one case, uracil in the polynucleotide is at least 95% 5-methoxyuracil. In another case, uracil in the polynucleotide is 100% 5-methoxyuracil.

[0381] In cases where uracil in the polynucleotide is at least 95% 5-methoxyuracil, overall uracil content can be adjusted such that an mRNA provides suitable protein expression levels while inducing little to no immune response. In some cases, the uracil content of the ORF (%U TM )is between about 105% and about 145%, about 105% and about 140%, about 110% and about 140%, about 110% and about 145%, about 115% and about 135%, about 105% and about 135%, about 110% and about 135%, about 115% and about 145%, or about 115% and about 140%. In other cases, the uracil content of the ORF is between about 117% and about 134% or between 118% and 132% of the %U TM . In some cases, the %U TM is about 115%, about 120%, about 125%, about 130%, about 135%, about 140%, about 145%, or about 150%. In this context, the term "uracil" can refer to 5-methoxyuracil and / or naturally occurring uracil.

[0382] In some cases, the uracil content in the ORF of the mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure is less than about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, or about 20% of the total nucleobase content in the ORF. In some cases, the uracil content in the ORF is between about 15 % and about 25% of the total nucleobase content in the ORF. In other cases, the uracil content in the ORF is between about 20% and about 30% of the total nucleobase content in the ORF. In one case, the uracil content in the ORF of the mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides is less than about 20% of the total nucleobase content in the open reading frame. In this context, the term "uracil" can refer to 5-methoxyuracil and / or naturally occurring uracil.

[0383] In further cases, the ORF of the mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides having 5-methoxyuracil and adjusted uracil content has increased Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), or Guanine / Cytosine (G / C) content (absolute or relative). In some cases, the overall increase in C, G, or G / C content (absolute or relative) of the ORF is at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% relative to the G / C content (absolute or relative) of the wild-type ORF. In some cases, the G, the C, or the G / C content in the ORF is less than about 100%, less than about 90%, less than about 85%, or less than about 80% of the theoretical maximum G, C, or G / C content of the corresponding wild type nucleotide sequence encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides (%G TMX ; %C TMX , or %G / C TMX ). In other cases, the G, the C, or the G / C content in the ORF is between about 70% and about 80%, between about 71% and about 79%, between about 71% and about 78%, or between about 71% and about 77% of the %G TMX , %C TMX , or %G / C TMX . In some cases, the increases in G and / or C content (absolute or relative) described herein can be conducted by replacing synonymous codons with low G, C, or G / C content with synonymous codons having higher G, C, or G / C content. In other cases, the increase in G and / or C content (absolute or relative) is conducted by replacing a codon ending with U with a synonymous codon ending with G or C.

[0384] In further cases, the ORF of the mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure comprises 5-methoxyuracil and has an adjusted uracil content containing less uracil pairs (UU) and / or uracil triplets (UUU) and / or uracil quadruplets (UUUU) than the corresponding wild-type nucleotide sequence encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides. In some cases, the ORF of the mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure contains no uracil pairs and / or uracil triplets and / or uracil quadruplets. In some cases, uracil pairs and / or uracil triplets and / or uracil quadruplets are reduced below a certain threshold, e.g., no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 occurrences in the ORF of the mRNA encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides. In a particular case, the ORF of the mRNA encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure contains less than 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 non-phenylalanine uracil pairs and / or triplets. In another case, the ORF of the mRNA encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides contains no non-phenylalanine uracil pairs and / or triplets.

[0385] In further cases, the ORF of the mRNA encoding an IL12A polypeptide, an IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure comprises 5-methoxyuracil and has an adjusted uracil content containing less uracil-rich clusters than the corresponding wild-type nucleotide sequence encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides. In some cases, the ORF of the mRNA encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides of the disclosure contains uracil-rich clusters that are shorter in length than corresponding uracil-rich clusters in the corresponding wild-type nucleotide sequence encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides.

[0386] In further cases, alternative lower frequency codons are employed. At least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 99%, or 100% of the codons in the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides -encoding ORF of the 5-methoxyuracil-comprising mRNA are substituted with alternative codons, each alternative codon having a codon frequency lower than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set. The ORF also has adjusted uracil content, as described above. In some cases, at least one codon in the ORF of the mRNA encoding the IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides is substituted with an alternative codon having a codon frequency lower than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set.

[0387] In some cases, the adjusted uracil content, IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides -encoding ORF of the 5-methoxyuracil-comprising mRNA exhibits expression levels of IL12 when administered to a mammalian cell that are higher than expression levels of IL12 from the corresponding wild-type mRNA. In other cases, the expression levels of IL12 when administered to a mammalian cell are increased relative to a corresponding mRNA containing at least 95% 5-methoxyuracil and having a uracil content of about 160%, about 170%, about 180%, about 190%, or about 200% of the theoretical minimum. In yet other cases, the expression levels of IL12 when administered to a mammalian cell are increased relative to a corresponding mRNA, wherein at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or about 100% of uracils are 1-methylpseudouracil or pseudouracils. In some cases, the mammalian cell is a mouse cell, a rat cell, or a rabbit cell. In other cases, the mammalian cell is a monkey cell or a human cell. In some cases, the human cell is a HeLa cell, a BJ fibroblast cell, or a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). In some cases, IL12 is expressed when the mRNA is administered to a mammalian cell in vivo. In some cases, the mRNA is administered to mice, rabbits, rats, monkeys, or humans. In one case, mice are null mice. In some cases, the mRNA is administered to mice in an amount of about 0.01 mg / kg, about 0.05 mg / kg, about 0.1 mg / kg, or about 0.15 mg / kg. In some cases, the mRNA is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. In other cases, the IL12 polypeptide is expressed when the mRNA is administered to a mammalian cell in vitro. In some cases, the expression is increased by at least about 2-fold, at least about 5-fold, at least about 10-fold, at least about 50-fold, at least about 500-fold, at least about 1500-fold, or at least about 3000-fold. In other cases, the expression is increased by at least about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 100%.

[0388] In some cases, adjusted uracil content, IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides -encoding ORF of the 5-methoxyuracil-comprising mRNA exhibits increased stability. In some cases, the mRNA exhibits increased stability in a cell relative to the stability of a corresponding wild-type mRNA under the same conditions. In some cases, the mRNA exhibits increased stability including resistance to nucleases, thermal stability, and / or increased stabilization of secondary structure. In some cases, increased stability exhibited by the mRNA is measured by determining the half-life of the mRNA (e.g., in a plasma, cell, or tissue sample) and / or determining the area under the curve (AUC) of the protein expression by the mRNA over time (e.g., in vitro or in vivo). An mRNA is identified as having increased stability if the half-life and / or the AUC is greater than the half-life and / or the AUC of a corresponding wild-type mRNA under the same conditions.

[0389] In some cases, the mRNA of the present disclosure induces a detectably lower immune response (e.g., innate or acquired) relative to the immune response induced by a corresponding wild-type mRNA under the same conditions. In other cases, the mRNA of the present disclosure induces a detectably lower immune response (e.g., innate or acquired) relative to the immune response induced by an mRNA that encodes for an IL12B polypeptide, IL12A polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides but does not comprise 5-methoxyuracil under the same conditions, or relative to the immune response induced by an mRNA that encodes for an IL12A polypeptide, IL12B polypeptide, and / or IL12A and IL12B fusion polypeptides and that comprises 5-methoxyuracil but that does not have adjusted uracil content under the same conditions. The innate immune response can be manifested by increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of intracellular PRRs (RIG-I, MDA5, etc), cell death, and / or termination or reduction in protein translation. In some cases, a reduction in the innate immune response can be measured by expression or activity level of Type 1 interferons (e.g., IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-κ, IFN-δ, IFN-ε, IFN-τ, IFN-ω, and IFN-ζ) or the expression of interferon-regulated genes such as the toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR7 and TLR8), and / or by decreased cell death following one or more administrations of the mRNA of the disclosure into a cell.

[0390] In some cases, the expression of Type-1 interferons by a mammalian cell in response to the mRNA of the prese...

Claims

1. A composition for use in a method of reducing the size of a tumor or inhibiting growth of a tumor in a subject in need thereof, wherein (a) the composition comprises an mRNA encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the mRNA comprises an open reading frame ("ORF") encoding an interleukin 12 p40 subunit ("IL12B") polypeptide and an interleukin 12 p35 subunit ("IL12A") polypeptide, (b) the mRNA is formulated as a lipid nanoparticle that comprises a cationic lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, and a PEG-modified lipid, and (c) the method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of said composition intratumorally.

2. The composition for use of claim 1, further comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising an mRNA comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or an effective amount of a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide, wherein optionally (a) the checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide inhibits PD1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, or a combination thereof; and / or (b) the checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide comprises an antibody, wherein further optionally the antibody is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds CTLA-4, an anti-PD1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds PD1, an anti-PD-L1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds PD-L1, or a combination thereof; wherein, further optionally, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is atezolizumab, avelumab, or durvalumab; the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is tremelimumab or ipilimumab; the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab or pembrolizumab; and / or (c) the composition of claim 1 alone, or in combination with the composition comprising an mRNA comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or the composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide activates T cells in the subject.

3. A composition for use in a method of (i) activating T cells in a subject in need thereof, (ii) increasing an effector to suppressor T cell ratio in a tumor of a subject in need thereof, (iii) increasing the number of activated Natural Killer (NK) cells in a subject in need thereof, and / or (vi) increasing cross-presenting dendritic cells in a tumor of a subject in need thereof, wherein (a) the composition comprises an mRNA encoding an IL-12 polypeptide, wherein the mRNA comprises an ORF encoding an IL12B polypeptide and an IL12A polypeptide, (b) the mRNA is formulated as a lipid nanoparticle that comprises a cationic lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, and a PEG-modified lipid, and (c) the method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of said composition intratumorally.

4. The composition for use of claim 2(c) or 3, wherein the T cell activation comprises inducing T cell proliferation; and / or wherein the T cells activation comprises inducing T cell infiltration in the tumor or increasing the number of tumor-infiltrating T cells; and / or wherein the T cell activation comprises inducing a memory T cell response; and / or wherein the activated T cells comprise CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, or both.

5. The composition for use of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein (a) administering the composition alone or in combination with a composition comprising a mRNA comprising an ORF encoding a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide or a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide increases an effector to suppressor T cell ratio in the tumor, wherein optionally the effector to suppressor T cell ratio is a CD8+ T cells: T regulatory (Treg) cells ratio, wherein further optionally the CD8+: Treg ratio is at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, at least 100, at least 110, at least 120, at least 130, at least 140, or at least 150; and / or (b) administering the composition further increases the number of activated NK cells in the subject, wherein optionally the number of activated NK cells is increased at least about two-fold, at least about three-fold, at least about four-fold, at least about fivefold, at least about six-fold, at least about seven-fold, at least about eight-fold, at least about nine-fold, or at least about ten-fold; and / or the increased activated NK cells are maintained for at least about one day, at least about two days, at least about three days, at least about four days, at least about five days, at least about six days, at least about seven days, at least about eight days, at least about nine days, at least about ten days, at least about 11 days, at least about 12 days, at least about 13 days, or at least about 14 days; and / or (c) administering the composition increases cross-presenting dendritic cells in the tumor of the subject, wherein optionally the cross-presenting dendritic cells are CD103+ cells.

6. The composition for use of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein administering the composition reduces the size of a distal tumor or inhibits growth of a distal tumor in the subject.

7. The composition for use of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the IL12B polypeptide and the IL12A polypeptide are fused directly or by a nucleic acid encoding a linker, wherein optionally (i) the IL12B polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12A polypeptide or the linker, or (ii) the IL12A polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12B polypeptide or the linker; and / or (iii) the IL12B polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identical to amino acids 23 to 328 of SEQ ID NO: 48, wherein the amino acid sequence has IL12B activity; and / or (iv) the IL12A polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identical to amino acids 336 to 532 of SEQ ID NO: 48, wherein the amino acid sequence has IL12A activity; and / or (v) the mRNA comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide, wherein optionally the signal peptide is an IL12B signal peptide; and / or the signal peptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identical to amino acids 1 to 22 of SEQ ID NO: 48; and / or (vi) the ORF encodes an IL12B polypeptide operably linked via a linker to an IL12A polypeptide; and / or (vii) the ORF encodes an IL12B signal peptide, an IL12B polypeptide, a linker and an IL12A polypeptide; and / or (viii) the linker comprises a Gly / Ser linker, wherein optionally the Gly / Ser linker comprises (GnS)m, wherein n is 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or 20 and m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or 20, wherein further optionally the Gly / Ser linker comprises (GnS)m, and wherein n is 6 and m is 1.

8. The composition for use of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein (a) the IL12 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 48; (b) the mRNA comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 5 to 44, 236, and 237; (c) the mRNA comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 236 or 237; and / or (d) the mRNA comprises an ORF comprising at least one chemically modified nucleoside, wherein optionally (i) the at least one chemically modified nucleoside is selected from the group consisting of pseudouridine, N1-methylpseudouridine, 5-methylcytosine, 5-methoxyuridine, and a combination thereof; (ii) the nucleosides in the ORF are chemically modified by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100%; and / or (iii) the chemically modified nucleosides in the ORF are selected from the group consisting of uridine, adenine, cytosine, guanine, and any combination thereof.

9. The composition for use of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein (a) the uridine nucleosides in ORF are chemically modified by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100%; (b) the adenosine nucleosides in the ORF are chemically modified by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100%; (c) the cytidine nucleosides in the ORF are chemically modified by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100%; (d) the guanosine nucleosides in the ORF are chemically modified by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100%; and / or (e) the mRNA comprises a miRNA binding site, wherein optionally (i) the miRNA binding site is a miR-122 binding site; and / or (ii) the miRNA binding site is a miR-122-3p or miR-122-5p binding site, or (iii) the miRNA binding site comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% identical to aacgccauua ucacacuaaa ua (SEQ ID NO: 51), wherein the miRNA binding site binds to miR-122; or (iv) the miRNA binding site comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% identical to uggaguguga caaugguguu ug (SEQ ID NO: 53), wherein the miRNA binding site binds to miR-122; or (v) the miRNA binding site comprises a nucleotide sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% identical to caaacaccau ugucacacuc ca (SEQ ID NO: 54), wherein the miRNA binding site binds to miR-122.

10. The composition for use of any preceding claim wherein the mRNA (a) comprises a 5' untranslated region (UTR), wherein optionally the 5' UTR comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a sequence listed in Table 3; and / or (b) comprises a 3' untranslated region (UTR), wherein optionally the 3' UTR comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a sequence listed in Table 4A or 4B, and / or the mRNA comprises a miRNA binding site within the 3' UTR, wherein further optionally the polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide spacer sequence fused to the miRNA binding site wherein further optionally the nucleotide spacer sequence comprises at least 10 nucleotides, at least 20 nucleotides, at least 30 nucleotides, at least 40 nucleotides, at least 50 nucleotides, at least 60 nucleotides, at least 70 nucleotides, at least 80 nucleotides, at least 90 nucleotides, or at least 100 nucleotides; and / or (c) comprises a 5' terminal cap structure; wherein optionally the 5' terminal cap structure is a Cap0, Cap1, ARCA, inosine, N1-methyl-guanosine, 2'fluoro-guanosine, 7-deaza-guanosine, 8-oxo-guanosine, 2-amino-guanosine, LNA-guanosine, 2-azidoguanosine, Cap2, Cap4, 5' methylG cap, or an analog thereof, and / or (d) comprises a 3' polyA tail; and / or (e) comprises at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, or at least ten miRNA binding sites; and / or (f) comprises a codon optimized ORF; and / or (g) is in vitro transcribed (IVT) polynucleotide and / or is circular.

11. The composition for use of any preceding claim, wherein the lipid nanoparticle comprises (a) the lipid selected from the group consisting of DLin-DMA, DLin-K-DMA, 98N12-5, C12-200, DLin-MC3-DMA, DLin-KC2-DMA, DODMA, PLGA, PEG, PEG-DMG, PEGylated lipids, amino alcohol lipids, KL22, and combinations thereof; or (b) a compound having formula (I) or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of C5-20 alkyl, C5-20 alkenyl, -R∗YR", -YR", and -R"M'R'; R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-14 alkyl, C2-14 alkenyl, -R∗YR", -YR", and -R∗OR", or R2 and R3, together with the atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycle or carbocycle; R4 is selected from the group consisting of a C3-6 carbocycle, -(CH2)nQ, -(CH2)nCHQR, -CHQR, -CQ(R)2, and unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, where Q is selected from a carbocycle, heterocycle, -OR, -O(CH2)nN(R)2, -C(O)OR, -OC(O)R, -CX3, -CX2H, -CXH2, -CN, -N(R)2, -C(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(O)R, -N(R)S(O)2R, -N(R)C(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(S)N(R)2, and -C(R)N(R)2C(O)OR, and each n is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -N(R')C(O)-, -C(O)-, -C(S)-, -C(S)S-, -SC(S)-, -CH(OH)-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S(O)2-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; R7 is selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R' is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-18 alkyl, C2-18 alkenyl, -R∗YR", -YR", and H; each R" is independently selected from the group consisting of C3-14 alkyl and C3-14 alkenyl; each R∗ is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-12 alkyl and C2-12 alkenyl; each Y is independently a C3-6 carbocycle; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I; and m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; and provided when R4 is -(CH2)nQ, -(CH2)nCHQR, -CHQR, or -CQ(R)2, then (i) Q is not -N(R)2 when n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or (ii) Q is not 5, 6, or 7-membered heterocycloalkyl when n is 1 or 2; wherein optionally (i) the compound is of Formula (IA): or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; M1 is a bond or M'; R4 is unsubstituted C1-3 alkyl, or -(CH2)nQ, in which n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 and Q is OH, -NHC(S)N(R)2, or -NHC(O)N(R)2; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -P(O)(OR')O-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-14 alkyl, and C2-14 alkenyl, wherein preferably m is 5, 7, or 9; or (ii) the compound is of Formula (II): or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; M1 is a bond or M'; R4 is unsubstituted C1-3 alkyl, or -(CH2)nQ, in which n is 2, 3, or 4 and Q is OH, -NHC(S)N(R)2, or -NHC(O)N(R)2; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -P(O)(OR')O-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-14 alkyl, and C2-14 alkenyl; or (iii) the compound is selected from Compound 1 to Compound 147, and salts and stereoisomers thereof; or (iv) the compound is of the Formula (IIa), or a salt or stereoisomer thereof; or (v) the compound is of the Formula (IIb), or a salt or stereoisomer thereof; or (vi) the compound is of the Formula (IIc) or (IIe), or a salt or stereoisomer thereof; or (vii) R4 in formula I is selected from -(CH2)nQ and -(CH2)nCHQR, wherein Q, R and n are as defined above in (b) or (b)(i); or (viii) the compound is of the Formula (IId), or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of C5-14 alkyl and C5-14 alkenyl, n is selected from 2, 3, and 4, and R', R", R5, R6 and m are as defined above in (b) or (b)(i), wherein optionally R2 is C8 alkyl, and / or R3 is C5 alkyl, C6 alkyl, C7 alkyl, C8 alkyl, or C9 alkyl, and / or m is 5, 7, or 9, and / or each R5 is H, wherein optionally further each R6 is H.

12. The composition for use of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lipid nanoparticle comprises a compound having the formula (I) or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of C530 alkyl, C520 alkenyl, R∗YR", YR", and -R"M'R'; R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C114 alkyl, C2-14 alkenyl, -R∗YR", YR", and R∗OR", or R2 and R3, together with the atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycle or carbocycle; R4 is selected from the group consisting of a C36 carbocycle, (CH2)nQ, - (CH2)nCHQR, -CHQR, CQ(R)2, and unsubstituted C16 alkyl, where Q is selected from a carbocycle, heterocycle, OR, O(CH2)nN(R)2, C(O)OR, OC(O)R, CX3, CX2H, CXH2, CN, - N(R)2, C(O)N(R)2, N(R)C(O)R, N(R)S(O)2R, N(R)C(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(S)N(R)2, -N(R)R8, -O(CH2)nOR, -N(R)C(=NR9)N(R)2, -N(R)C(=CHR9)N(R)2, -OC(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(O)OR, -N(OR)C(O)R, -N(OR)S(O)2R, -N(OR)C(O)OR, -N(OR)C(O)N(R)2, -N(OR)C(S)N(R)2, -N(OR)C(=NR9)N(R)2, -N(OR)C(=CHR9)N(R)2, -C(=NR9)N(R)2, -C(=NR9)R, -C(O)N(R)OR, and C(R)N(R)2C(O)OR, and each n is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of C13 alkyl, C23 alkenyl, and H; each R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of C13 alkyl, C23 alkenyl, and H; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -N(R')C(O)-, - (O)-, -C(S)-, - (S)S-, -(S)-, -CH(OH)-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S(O)2-, -S-S- an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; R7 is selected from the group consisting of C13 alkyl, C23 alkenyl, and H; R8 is selected from the group consisting of C3-6 carbocycle and heterocycle; R9 is selected from the group consisting of H, CN, NO2, C1-6 alkyl, -OR, -S(O)2R, -S(O)2N(R)2, C2-6 alkenyl, C3-6 carbocycle and heterocycle; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C13 alkyl, C23 alkenyl, and H; each R' is independently selected from the group consisting of C118 alkyl, C218 alkenyl, -R∗YR", -", and H; each R" is independently selected from the group consisting of C314 alkyl and C314 alkenyl; each R∗ is independently selected from the group consisting of C112 alkyl and C212 alkenyl; each Y is independently a C36 carbocycle; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I; and m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; and provided that when R4 is -(CH2)nQ, -(CH2)nCHQR, -CHQR, or -CQ(R)2, then (i) Q is not -N(R)2 when n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or (ii) Q is not 5, 6, or 7-membered heterocycloalkyl when n is 1 or 2; wherein optionally (a) the delivery agent comprises the compound of Formula (IA): or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; M1 is a bond or M'; R4 is unsubstituted C13 alkyl, or (CH2)nQ, in which Q is OH, NHC(S)N(R)2, or -NHC(O)N(R)2, -NHC(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(O)R, -N(R)S(O)2R, -N(R)R8, -NHC(=NR9)N(R)2, -NHC(=CHR9)N(R)2, -OC(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(O)OR, heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl; M and M' are independently selected from -(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S-S-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C114 alkyl, and C214 alkenyl; wherein further optionally m is 5, 7, or 9; and / or (b) the compound is of Formula (II) or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; M1 is a bond or M'; R4 is unsubstituted C13 alkyl, or (CH2)nQ, in which n is 2, 3, or 4, and Q is OH, - NHC(S)N(R)2, or NHC(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(O)R, -N(R)S(O)2R, -N(R)R8, -NHC(=NR9)N(R)2, -NHC(=CHR9)N(R)2, -OC(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(O)OR, heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl; M and M' are independently selected from - (O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S-S- an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; and R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C114 alkyl, and C214 alkenyl; and / or (c) M1 is M', wherein optionally M and M' are independently -C(O)O- or -OC(O)-; and / or (d) wherein 1 is 1, 3, or 5; and / or (e) the compound is selected from the group consisting of Compound 1 to Compound 232, salts and stereoisomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

13. The composition for use of any preceding claim, wherein (a) the phospholipid is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), 1,2-diundecanoyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (DUPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1,2-di-O-octadecenyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0 Diether PC), 1-oleoyl-2-cholesterylhemisuccinoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (OChemsPC), 1-hexadecyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C16 Lyso PC), 1,2-dilinolenoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine, 1,2-diarachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphocholine, 1,2-didocosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (ME 16:0 PE), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-dilinolenoyl-sn-glycero-3 -phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-diarachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-didocosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) sodium salt (DOPG), sphingomyelin, and mixtures thereof; or wherein the phospholipid is selected from the group consisting of 1-myristoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (14:0-16:0 PC, MPPC), 1-myristoyl-2-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (14:0-18:0 PC, MSPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (16:0-02:0 PC), 1-palmitoyl-2-myristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (16:0-14:0 PC, PMPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (16:0-18:0 PC, PSPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (16:0-18:1 PC, POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (16:0-18:2 PC, PLPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (16:0-20:4 PC), 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (14:0-22:6 PC), 1-stearoyl-2-myristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0-14:0 PC, SMPC), 1-stearoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0-16:0 PC, SPPC), 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0-18:1 PC, SOPC), 1-stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0-18:2 PC), 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0-20:4 PC), 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0-22:6 PC), 1-oleoyl-2-myristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:1-14:0 PC, OMPC), 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:1-16:0 PC, OPPC), 1-oleoyl-2-stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:1-18:0 PC, OSPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (16:0-18:1 PE, POPE), 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (16:0-18:2 PE), 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (16:0-20:4 PE), 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (16:0-22:6 PE), 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (18:0-18:1 PE), 1-stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (18:0-18:2 PE), 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (18:0-20:4 PE), 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (18:0-22:6 PE), 1-oleoyl-2-cholesterylhemisuccinoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (OChemsPC), and any combination thereof; and / or (b) the sterol is selected from the group consisting of cholesterol, fecosterol, sitosterol, ergosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, tomatidine, ursolic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and mixtures thereof; and / or (c) the PEG lipid is selected from the group consisting of a PEG-modified phosphatidylethanolamine, a PEG-modified phosphatidic acid, a PEG-modified ceramide, a PEG-modified dialkylamine, a PEG-modified diacylglycerol, a PEG-modified dialkylglycerol, and mixtures thereof; and / or (d) the lipid nanoparticle comprises an cationic lipid selected from the group consisting of 3-(didodecylamino)-N1,N1,4-tridodecyl-1-piperazineethanamine (KL10), N1-[2-(didodecylamino)ethyl]-N1,N4,N4-tridodecyl-1,4-piperazinediethanamine (KL22), 14,25-ditridecyl-15,18,21,24-tetraaza-octatriacontane (KL25), 1,2-dilinoleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-DMA), 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA), heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate (DLin-MC3-DMA), 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), 1,2-dioleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DODMA), 2-({8-[(3β)-cholest-5-en-3-yloxy]octyl}oxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-die n-1-yloxy]propan-1-amine (Octyl-CLinDMA), (2R)-2-({8-[(3β)-cholest-5-en-3-yloxy]octyl}oxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,1 2-dien-1-yloxy]propan-1-amine (Octyl-CLinDMA (2R)), and (2S)-2-({8-[(3β)-cholest-5-en-3-yloxy]octyl}oxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,1 2-dien-1-yloxy]propan-1-amine (Octyl-CLinDMA (2S)); and / or (e) the lipid nanoparticle comprises a quaternary amine compound, wherein optionally the quaternary amine compound is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA), 1-[2-(oleoyloxy)ethyl]-2-oleyl-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)imidazolinium chloride (DOTIM), 2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(sperminecarboxamido)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanaminium trifluoroacetate (DOSPA), N,N-distearyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), N-(1,2-dimyristyloxyprop-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide (DMRIE), N-(1,2-dioleoyloxyprop-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide (DORIE), N,N-dioleyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DLePC), 1,2-distearoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DSTAP), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DPTAP), 1,2-dilinoleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DLTAP), 1,2-dimyristoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DMTAP), 1,2-distearoyl -sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DSePC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DPePC), 1,2-dimyristoyl -sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DMePC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DOePC), 1,2-di-(9Z-tetradecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (14:1 EPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (16:0-18:1 EPC), and any combination thereof.

14. The composition for use of any preceding claim, wherein (a) the administration treats a cancer, wherein optionally the cancer is selected from the group consisting of adrenal cortical cancer, advanced cancer, anal cancer, aplastic anemia, bileduct cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, bone metastasis, brain tumors, brain cancer, breast cancer, childhood cancer, cancer of unknown primary origin, Castleman disease, cervical cancer, colon / rectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophagus cancer, Ewing family of tumors, eye cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, gestational trophoblastic disease, Hodgkin disease, Kaposi sarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, lung carcinoid tumor, lymphoma of the skin, malignant mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, penile cancer, pituitary tumors, prostate cancer, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, salivary gland cancer, sarcoma in adult soft tissue, basal and squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma, small intestine cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, throat cancer, thymus cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine sarcoma, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, Wilms tumor, secondary cancers caused by cancer treatment, and any combination thereof; and / or (b) the composition is administered by a device comprising a pump, patch, drug reservoir, short needle device, single needle device, multiple needle device, micro-needle device, jet injection device, ballistic powder / particle delivery device, catheter, lumen, cryoprobe, cannula, microcanular, or devices utilizing heat, RF energy, electric current, or any combination thereof; and / or (c) the effective amount is between about 0.10 mg / kg to about 1,000 mg / kg; and / or (d) the subject is a human.

15. A lipid nanoparticle comprising an mRNA encoding a human IL12 polypeptide, wherein the mRNA comprises an ORF encoding a human IL12B polypeptide operably linked to a human IL12A polypeptide, and the lipid nanoparticle comprises a cationic lipid, a phospholipid, a sterol, and a PEG-modified lipid.

16. The lipid nanoparticle of claim 15, wherein (a) the IL12B polypeptide is operably linked to the IL12A polypeptide by a peptide linker; and / or (b) the IL12B polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12A polypeptide or the peptide linker; or (c) the IL12A polypeptide is located at the 5' terminus of the IL12B polypeptide or the peptide linker; and / or (d) the peptide linker comprises a Gly / Ser linker, wherein optionally the Gly / Ser linker comprises (GnS)m, wherein n is 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or 20 and m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or 20, wherein further optionally the Gly / Ser linker comprises (GnS)m, and wherein n is 6 and m is 1; and / or (e) the ORF encodes a signal peptide, wherein optionally the signal peptide is a human IL12B signal peptide; and / or (f) the human IL12B polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in amino acids 23 to 328 of SEQ ID NO: 48; and / or (g) the human IL12A polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in amino acids 336 to 532 of SEQ ID NO: 48; and / or (h) the human IL12B signal peptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in amino acids 1 to 22 of SEQ ID NO: 48; and / or (i) the human IL12 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 48; and / or (j) the mRNA comprises a miRNA binding site, optionally a miR-122 binding site, further optionally a miR-122-3p or miR-122-5p binding site; further optionally a miR-122-5p binding site comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54; and / or (k) the mRNA comprises a 3' UTR, wherein optionally the 3' UTR comprises a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:240 and / or optionally a miRNA binding site is located in the 3' UTR; and / or (l) the mRNA comprises a 5' UTR, wherein optionally the 5' UTR comprises a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:39; and / or (m) the mRNA comprises a 5' terminal cap structure; wherein optionally the 5' terminal cap structure is a Cap0, Cap1, ARCA, inosine, N1-methyl-guanosine, 2'fluoro-guanosine, 7-deaza-guanosine, 8-oxo-guanosine, 2-amino-guanosine, LNA-guanosine, 2-azidoguanosine, Cap2, Cap4, 5' methylG cap, or an analog thereof; and / or (n) the mRNA comprises a 3' polyA tail; and / or (o) the mRNA comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or SEQ ID NO: 236 or 237; and / or (p) the mRNA comprises an ORF comprising at least one modified nucleoside, wherein optionally the at least one chemically modified nucleoside is selected from the group consisting of pseudouridine, N1-methylpseudouridine, 5-methylcytosine, 5-methoxyuridine, and a combination thereof, wherein preferably the at least one chemically modified nucleoside is N1-methylpseudouridine; and / or (q) wherein the lipid nanoparticle comprises from 30 mol % to 70 mol %, from 35 mol % to 65 mol %, from 40 mol % to 60 mol % or from 45 mol % to 55 mol % of a compound having formula (I): or a salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of C5-20 alkyl, C5-20 alkenyl, -R∗YR", -YR", and -R"M'R'; R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-14 alkyl, C2-14 alkenyl, -R∗YR", -YR", and -R∗OR", or R2 and R3, together with the atom to which they are attached, form a heterocycle or carbocycle; R4 is selected from the group consisting of a C3-6 carbocycle, -(CH2)nQ, -(CH2)nCHQR, -CHQR, -CQ(R)2, and unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, where Q is selected from a carbocycle, heterocycle, -OR, -O(CH2)nN(R)2, -C(O)OR, -OC(O)R, -CX3, -CX2H, -CXH2, -CN, -N(R)2, -C(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(O)R, -N(R)S(O)2R, -N(R)C(O)N(R)2, -N(R)C(S)N(R)2, and -C(R)N(R)2C(O)OR, and each n is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; each R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; M and M' are independently selected from -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, -N(R')C(O)-, -C(O)-, -C(S)-, -C(S)S-, -SC(S)-, -CH(OH)-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S(O)2-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; R7 is selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R' is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-18 alkyl, C2-18 alkenyl, -R∗YR", -YR", and H; each R" is independently selected from the group consisting of C3-14 alkyl and C3-14 alkenyl; each R∗ is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-12 alkyl and C2-12 alkenyl; each Y is independently a C3-6 carbocycle; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I; and m is selected from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; and provided when R4 is -(CH2)nQ, -(CH2)nCHQR, -CHQR, or -CQ(R)2, then (i) Q is not -N(R)2 when n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or (ii) Q is not 5, 6, or 7-membered heterocycloalkyl when n is 1 or 2; and / or (r) the cationic lipid is Compound 18.

17. A lipid nanoparticle as defined in claims 15 or 16 for use in a method of treating or delaying progression of cancer in an individual, wherein the medicament comprises the lipid nanoparticle and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and wherein the treatment comprises administration of the medicament in combination with a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

18. A kit comprising a medicament comprising a lipid nanoparticle of claims 15 or 16 and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a package insert comprising instructions for administration of the medicament alone or in combination with a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for treating or delaying progression of cancer in an individual, wherein optionally the kit further comprises a package insert comprising instructions for administration of the first medicament and the second medicament for treating or delaying progression of cancer in an individual.

19. A composition comprising the lipid nanoparticle of claims 15 or 16 and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for use in treating or delaying progression of cancer in an individual, wherein the treatment comprises intratumoral administration of said lipid nanoparticle in combination with a second composition, wherein the second composition comprises a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the lipid nanoparticle of claims 15 or 16 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, wherein optionally the lipid nanoparticle is formulated for intratumoral administration.

21. A kit comprising a container comprising the pharmaceutical composition of claim 20 and a package insert comprising instructions for administration of the pharmaceutical composition for treating or delaying progression of cancer in an individual, wherein optionally the package insert further comprises instructions for administration of the pharmaceutical composition in combination with a composition comprising a checkpoint inhibitor polypeptide and an optional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for treating or delaying progression of cancer in an individual.