Nucleic acid delivery systems, compositions, and methods of use thereof
The nucleic acid delivery system using a fusion polypeptide with a self-assembly and ESCRT-recruiting domain improves genetic material delivery efficiency, enabling sustained protein production and overcoming biological barriers.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU ROCROCK NO 1 BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing gene therapy technologies face limitations in delivering genetic material, particularly mRNA, due to degradation and inefficiency across biological barriers, limiting protein production and efficacy in poorly accessible tissues.
A nucleic acid delivery system comprising a fusion polypeptide with a self-assembly region, an ESCRT-recruiting domain, and a nucleic acid-binding domain, which facilitates efficient delivery and expression of nucleic acids by promoting membrane budding and iteratively transferring between cells.
Enhances the efficiency and stability of nucleic acid delivery, allowing for sustained protein production and overcoming barriers like the blood-brain barrier, with improved delivery across multiple cells.
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Figure CN2025147450_09072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
NUCLEIC ACID DELIVERY SYSTEMS, COMPOSITIONS, AND METHODS OF USE THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the benefit of PCT / CN2024 / 143589, filed December 30, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of gene therapy, particularly to a method for nucleic acid delivery. Existing gene therapy technologies typically utilize viruses to introduce target nucleic acids into target cells, allowing the target cells to express the target nucleic acids, thereby achieving therapeutic purposes. However, existing technologies for delivering genetic material face certain limitations, especially mRNA, which is easily degraded and not easily transmitted in the body.
[0003] Current mRNA therapies operate through a "single-use" paradigm -delivered mRNA functions transiently within individual cells before degradation. This restricts protein production, hampers delivery across biological barriers (e.g., blood-brain barrier) , and limits efficacy in poorly accessible tissues. Existing delivery methods are thus limited in the amount and efficiency of genetic material delivered in a single instance, consuming human and material resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to improve the efficiency of genetic material delivery.SUMMARY
[0004] Recognized herein is a need for improved gene therapies. Provided herein are methods and composition relating to the delivery of target nucleic acids which can result in improved efficiency of expressing the target nucleic acids and improved replication or proliferation of the delivery system. Provided herein is a composition comprising: a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-assembly region, a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide, and a third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence encodes a fusion polypeptide comprising the self-assembly region, and wherein the fusion polypeptide further comprises a membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region comprises an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the ESCRT-recruiting domain comprises an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) . In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is linked to the membrane-promoting region via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a flexible linker. In some embodiments, the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n where n is any integer from 1 to 10. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or a ribonucleic acid (RNA) . In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA, and wherein the third nucleic acid sequence encodes an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the fifth nucleic acid sequence is located in between the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide, the fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain, the fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding the cleavable linker, the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide, and the third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one nucleic acid sequence presented in Tables 1-5. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the membrane-promoting region.
[0005] Also provided herein is a composition comprising: a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a self-assembly region from a vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) and an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain that is an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) . In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is configured to be delivered from a host cell to a different host cell. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is linked to the EABR via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a flexible linker. In some embodiments, the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n where n is any integer from 1 to 10. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA or an RNA. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA, and wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a third nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is a RNA-binding domain, and wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the fifth nucleic acid sequence is located in between the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide, the fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain, the fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding the cleavable linker, the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide, and the third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one nucleic acid sequence presented in Tables 1-5. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the EABR. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the EABR. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first and the second nucleic acids each comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a sequence encoding the RNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid comprises: (a) the first nucleic acid sequence; (b) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA-binding domain; and (c) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA-binding domain, and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid sequence comprises: (a) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide; and (b) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid sequence comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure.
[0006] Also provided herein is a composition comprising: a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a targeting region, a self-assembly region, and an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain, wherein the targeting region and the self-assembly region are from different proteins.
[0007] Also provided herein is a composition comprising: a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising an extracellular domain comprising a targeting region linked via a linker to a self-assembly region comprising at least a transmembrane domain, wherein the linker comprises at most 450 amino acids, and wherein the targeting region and the self-assembly region are from different proteins. In some embodiments, the targeting region is linked via a linker to the self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises at least a transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the linker comprises at most 450 amino acids. In some embodiments, the linker comprises at most 100, at most 80, at most 50, at most 30, at most 20 amino acids. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide further comprises a membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region comprises an ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is linked to the ESCRT-recruiting domain via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is flexible linker. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region further comprises an intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the targeting region is an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is an scFv. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is capable of binding to a cell surface marker. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker is a cell-specific surface marker, a tissue-specific surface marker, a tumor-associated antigen, or a tumor-specific antigen. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker comprises a marker selected from the group consisting of CD19, TYRP1, CD20, CD22, BCMA, CD3, CD7, EGFR, HER2, PSMA, and MSLN. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is from an intracellular domain of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) . In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises the transmembrane domain of VSVg. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region only comprises the transmembrane domain of VSVg. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide does not comprise an extracellular domain of VSVg. In some embodiments, the targeting region comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the signal peptide is from VSVg. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA, and wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a third nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid binding domain is a RNA-binding domain, and wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid molecule, and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.
[0008] Also provided herein is a composition comprising: a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a self-assembly region, an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain, and a nucleic acid-binding domain, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain is located downstream of the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MS2 coat protein (MCP) , a L7Ae protein, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop is located within a sequence encoding 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of the nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are on the same nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the self-assembly region, the ESCRT) -recruiting domain and the RNA-binding domain, the second nucleic acid sequence, and the sequence encoding the MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a cleavable linker connecting the fusion polypeptide and the cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker is a P2A, T2A, E2A and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, wherein the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid molecule, and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or a ribonucleic acid (RNA) . In some embodiments, the composition comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5.
[0009] Also provided herein is a protein-nucleic acid complex comprising the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments or a derivative thereof and the fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid, and the derivative is a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcript of the nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the mRNA transcript binds to the fusion polypeptide via the RNA-binding domain.
[0010] Also provided herein is an enveloped particle comprising the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments or the protein-nucleic acid complex of any one of the foregoing embodiments. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle comprises a membrane from a host cell. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle does not comprise a synthetic membrane.
[0011] Also provided herein is a host cell comprising the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments or the protein-nucleic acid complex of any one of the foregoing embodiments.
[0012] Also provided herein is a method of iteratively delivering a nucleic acid into two or more host cells, the method comprising: (a) contacting the composition of any one of the foregoing embodiments, the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments, or the enveloped particle of any one of the foregoing embodiments, with a first host cell, wherein the nucleic acid is delivered into the first host cell; (b) expressing the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide in the first host cell; (c) generating a particle from the first host cell comprising the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide on the surface of the particle; and (d) contacting the particle with a second host cell to iteratively deliver the nucleic acid into the second host cell. In some embodiments, the particle comprises a nucleic acid encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the particle comprises the nucleic acid encoding the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the particle comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5.
[0013] Also provided herein is a composition comprising: a first nucleic acid encoding a cargo polypeptide; and a second nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a self-assembly region and an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain; wherein the fusion polypeptide is capable of promoting a self-assembling of an enveloped particle comprising the fusion polypeptide and the cargo polypeptide when the cargo polypeptide and the fusion polypeptide are expressed in a cell, and wherein a mass ratio of the first nucleic acid and the second nucleic acid within the composition is from 1: 3 to 1: 1. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide is a transmembrane protein. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises a transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) . In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises an extracellular domain. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv binds to a cell-specific or a tissue specific surface marker. In some embodiments, the ESCRT-recruiting domain comprises an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) . In some embodiments, the enveloped particle is a nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle is a virus-like nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the particle comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 2.
[0014] Also provided herein is a protein-nucleic acid complex comprising the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments or a derivative thereof and the fusion polypeptide.
[0015] Also provided herein is an enveloped particle comprising the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments or the protein-nucleic acid complex of the foregoing embodiments. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle comprises a membrane from a host cell. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle does not comprise a synthetic membrane.
[0016] Also provided herein is a host cell comprising the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments or the protein-nucleic acid complex of any one of the foregoing embodiments.
[0017] Also provided herein is a method of iteratively delivering a nucleic acid into two or more host cells, the method comprising: (a) contacting the composition of any one of the foregoing embodiments, the nucleic acid of any one of the foregoing embodiments, or the enveloped particle of any one of the foregoing embodiments, with a first host cell, wherein the nucleic acid is delivered into the first host cell; (b) expressing the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide in the first host cell; (c) generating a particle from the first host cell comprising the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide on the surface of the particle; and (d) contacting the particle with a second host cell to iteratively deliver the nucleic acid into the second host cell. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0018] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a design diagram of the target nucleic acid delivery system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a comparison of transfection efficiency data for the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system with dual mRNA and single mRNA.
[0022] FIGs. 3-5 are results of transfection efficiency tests of the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system for three different cell types. FIG. 3 shows results using 293T cells. FIG. 4 shows results using B16 cells. FIG. 5 shows results using RAW cells.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a data chart showing the effect of GFP and Nluc on the transfection effect of the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system.
[0024] FIG. 7A is a data chart showing the optimal ratio results of the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system.
[0025] FIGs. 7B-7D depict results showing the effect of plasmid ratios of the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system. FIG. 7B shows results using GFP reporter constructs. FIG. 7C shows results using luciferase reporter constructs. FIG. 7D shows results using both GFP and luciferase reporter constructs.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a results of a single iteration test of the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system.
[0027] FIGs. 9A-9B are results of two and three iteration tests of the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system. FIG. 9A depicts the two iteration test. FIG. 9B depicts the three iteration test.
[0028] FIG. 10 shows results of a further iteration test of up to 7 iterations.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the results of the MEFI target nucleic acid delivery system injected into mice, and imaging results of the lungs after aerosol inhalation into the mice.
[0030] FIG. 12 shows imaging results using constructs which include a HER2 gRNA after the 5’LTR.
[0031] FIG. 13 is an schematic illustrating the particle assembly and propagation.
[0032] FIGs. 14A-14L and FIGs. 15A-15D depict results measuring the effectiveness of generating particles for nucleic acid delivery. FIG. 14A depicts an exemplary fusion protein construct. FIG. 14B depicts an electron micrograph of a particle. FIG. 14C depicts an image of cells infected with the particles. FIG. 14D depicts an exemplary diagram of a fusion protein construct. FIG. 14E depicts a schematic of fusion protein constructs. FIG. 14F is a quantification of mRNA expression by infected packaging cells. FIG. 14G depicts mRNA expression by infected cells. FIG. 14H shows the flow cytometry results from the infected cells. FIG. 14I depicts a schematic of particle assembly. FIG. 14J shows results quantifying particle gene expression in infected cells. FIG. 14K shows results quantifying cargo expression in infected cells. FIG. 14L shows function of luciferase cargo in infected cells. FIG. 15A shows imaging of infected cells. FIG. 15B shows flow cytometry results of infected cells. FIG. 15C shows relative mRNA expression of particle components in infected cells. FIG. 15D shows a flow chart of an experiment to test iterative expression.
[0033] FIGs. 16A-16H and FIGs. 17A-17I depict results measuring the effectiveness of generating particles for nucleic acid delivery. FIG. 16A shows functionality of luciferase cargo at the indicated ratios of fixed pNluc-MS2 ratio. FIG. 16B shows functionality of luciferase cargo with varying pNluc-MS2 ratio. FIG. 16C shows functionality of luciferase cargo with a 1: 2 ratio at different concentrations. FIG. 16D imaging of luciferase in mice administered the construct intravenously. FIG. 16E shows expression of luciferase in brain. FIG. 16F shows expression of luciferase in spleen. FIG. 16G shows expression of luciferase in lung. FIG. 16H shows expression of luciferase in liver. FIG. 17A depicts imaging of infected cells and fluorescence results. FIG. 17B depicts a schematic diagram of a single mRNA construct. FIG. 17C depicts function of luciferase cargo in infected cell supernatants. FIG. 17D depicts the secondary structure of mRNAs. FIG. 17E depicts luciferase activity in infected cells. FIG. 17F shows ex vivo bioluminescence in kidney. FIG. 17G shows ex vivo bioluminescence in heart. FIG. 17H shows ex vivo bioluminescence in pancreas. FIG. 17I shows ex vivo bioluminescence in the inguinal lymph node.
[0034] FIGs. 18A-18E and FIGs. 19A-19B depict results from in vivo experiments testing the effectiveness of the nucleic acid delivery. FIG. 18A shows whole body bioluminescence imaging of mice after intramuscular injection of the plasmids. FIG. 18B shows quantification of bioluminescence. FIG. 18C shows serum hEPO quantity. FIG. 18D shows ex vivo expression of cargo in specific organs. FIG. 18E shows confocal imaging from indicated organs. FIG. 19A shows the schematic of a cre-recombinase system to control tdTomato expression. FIG. 19B shows additional confocal images of tissue sections.
[0035] FIGs. 20A-20E and FIGs. 21A-21B show results using cell-targeting constructs. FIG. 20A shows a schematic of constructs used. FIG. 20B shows luminescence using constructs comprising an anti-CD19 scFv. FIG. 20C shows luminescence using constructs comprising an anti-TRYP1 scFv. FIG. 20D shows cell viability using constructs comprising an anti-CD19 scFv. FIG. 20E shows cell viability using constructs comprising an anti-TRYP1 scFv. FIG. 21A shows cell viability using constructs comprising an anti-CD19 scFv. FIG. 21B shows cell viability using constructs comprising an anti-TRYP1 scFv.
[0036] FIG. 22 shows results using a cargo encoding diphtheria toxin.
[0037] FIG. 23 shows results measuring mRNA expression using the indicated constructs.
[0038] FIG. 24A shows exemplary constructs.
[0039] FIG. 24B shows expression data obtained using the constructs shown in FIG. 24A.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONDefinitions
[0040] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The meaning and scope of the terms should be clear, however, in the event of any latent ambiguity, definitions provided herein take precedent over any dictionary or extrinsic definition. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. In this application, the use of “or” means “and / or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including” , as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included” , is not limiting.
[0041] Generally, nomenclatures used in connection with, and techniques of, cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics and protein and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. The methods and techniques of the present disclosure are generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification unless otherwise indicated. Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed according to manufacturer’s specifications, as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The nomenclatures used in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients.
[0042] As used herein, the singular forms “a, ” “an, ” and “the” include the plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0043] The terms “about” and “approximately” indicate and encompasses an indicated value and a range above and below that value. In certain embodiments, the term “about” indicates a range within 20%, within 15%, within 10%, within 9%, within 8%, within 7%, within 6%, within 5%, within 4%, within 3%, within 2%, within 1%, or less of a given value or range. In certain embodiments, the term “about” indicates the designated value ± one standard deviation of that value.
[0044] The term “combinations thereof” includes every possible combination of elements to which the term refers to.
[0045] The determination of “percent identity” between two sequences (e.g., amino acid sequences or nucleic acid sequences) can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. A specific, non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of two sequences is the algorithm of Karlin S &Altschul SF (1990) PNAS 87: 2264-2268, modified as in Karlin S &Altschul SF (1993) PNAS 90: 5873-5877, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such an algorithm is incorporated into the NBLAST and XBLAST programs of Altschul SF et al., (1990) J Mol Biol 215: 403, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. BLAST nucleotide searches can be performed with the NBLAST nucleotide program parameters set, e.g., for score=100, wordlength=12 to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to a nucleic acid molecule described herein. BLAST protein searches can be performed with the XBLAST program parameters set, e.g., to score 50, wordlength=3 to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a protein molecule described herein. To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul SF et al., (1997) Nuc Acids Res 25: 3389-3402, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, PSI BLAST can be used to perform an iterated search which detects distant relationships between molecules (Id. ) . When utilizing BLAST, Gapped BLAST, and PSI Blast programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g., of XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used (see, e.g., National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) on the worldwide web, ncbi. nlm. nih. gov) . Another specific, non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of sequences is the algorithm of Myers and Miller, 1988, CABIOS 4: 11-17, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such an algorithm is incorporated in the ALIGN program (version 2.0) which is part of the GCG sequence alignment software package. When utilizing the ALIGN program for comparing amino acid sequences, a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12, and a gap penalty of 4 can be used. The percent identity between two sequences can be determined using techniques similar to those described above, with or without allowing gaps. In calculating percent identity, typically only exact matches are counted.
[0046] The term “antibody” describes a type of immunoglobulin molecule or a fragment thereof and is used herein in its broadest sense. An antibody specifically includes intact antibodies (e.g., intact immunoglobulins) , and antibody fragments (e.g., antigen-binding fragments) . Antibodies can comprise at least one antigen-binding domain. One example of an antigen-binding domain is an antigen binding domain formed by a VH-VL dimer. An antibody as described herein may be monospecific, bi-specific, or multispecific. Multispecific antibodies may be specific for different epitopes of one target polypeptide or may contain antigen-binding domains specific for more than one target polypeptide. See, e.g., Tutt et al., (1991) , J. Immunol. 147: 60-69; Kufer et al., (2004) , Trends Biotechnol. 22: 238-244; and Brinkmann and Kontermann, (2017) , MABS, 9 (2) : 182–212.
[0047] An “antibody fragment” comprises a portion of an intact antibody, such as the antigen binding or variable region of an intact antibody. Antibody fragments include, for example, Fv fragments, Fab fragments, F (ab’) 2 fragments, F (ab’) fragments, scFv (sFv) fragments, scFv-Fc fragments and nanobody fragments.
[0048] “Fv” fragments comprise a non-covalently-linked dimer of one heavy chain variable domain and one light chain variable domain.
[0049] “Single-chain Fv” or “sFv” or “scFv” antibody fragments comprise a VH domain and a VL domain in a single polypeptide chain. The VH and VL are generally linked by a peptide linker. See Plückthun A. (1994) .
[0050] Antibodies described herein may also comprise additional antibody variants, such as diabodies, diabody-Fc, single-chain diabodies, tandem diabodies (Tandab's ) , tandem scFv, tandem scFv-scFc, tandem di-scFvs, tandem tri-scFvs, “multivalent antibodies” (e.g., trivalent or tetravalent antibodies) , bivalent or bispecific single chain variable fragments, including bispecific IgG and Fab-IgG bispecific. Bis-scFv or di-scFv variants can be engineered by linking two scFv molecules with a linker. Bispecific antibodies may comprise two scFv molecules having different binding specificities ( (scFv) 2) . Ligation can be performed by creating a single peptide chain with two VH and two VL regions, resulting in a tandem scFv (see, eg, Kufer P. et al. (2004) Trends in Biotechnology 22 (5) : 238-244) . Diabodies can be generated with scFv molecules having linker peptides that are too short for the two variable regions to fold together (eg, about 5 amino acids) , forcing the scFv to dimerize. See, eg, Hollinger, Philipp et al. (July 1993) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 90 (14) : 6444-8) .
[0051] The term “membrane promoting region” as used herein refers to a protein or a portion thereof (e.g., a region or a domain of a protein, or a functional fragment thereof) which directly or indirectly can promote membrane budding or formation of a new membrane. The membrane-promoting region can recruit or interact with other proteins which can bind to a cell membrane. The membrane-promoting region can recruit one or more proteins in the ESCRT pathway, which can result in a change in membrane topology or membrane budding. The membrane-promoting region can recruit an ESCRT protein or an ALIX protein. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a viral protein, including but not limited to, a retroviral protein, herpes simplex viral protein, vaccinia viral protein, hepadnaviral protein, togaviral protein, flaviviral protein, arenaviral protein, coronaviral protein, orthomyxoviral protein, paramyxoviral protein, bunyaviral protein, bomaviral protein, rhabdoviral protein or filoviral protein, a Gag protein, EIAV, HTLV-1, MLV, or MPMV, EIAV p9, HIV-1 p6, an Ebola protein, or EBOV VP40. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a nonhuman protein, a nonmammalian protein, a chicken protein, a mouse protein, a lizard protein, a reptile protein, a hamster protein, or a goldfish protein. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from Syntenin-1, rat Galectin-3 (rGalectin-3) , Elrs, or CD2AP. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a human protein. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a human CEP55 protein. In some embodiments, the membrane promoting region is an ESCRT and ALIX binding region (EABR) protein.
[0052] The term “self-assembly region” as used herein refers to a protein or a portion thereof (e.g., a region or a domain of a protein, or a functional fragment thereof) which is involved in the attachment to a cell membrane. The self-assembly region can be from a protein involved in viral infection or membrane fusion. The self-assembly region can be a fusogen. In some cases, the self-assembly region is from a viral protein. The self-assembly region can be from any virus including, but not limited to Sindbis Virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) , Cocal Virus, Chikungunya Virus, baclulovirus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) , lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) , Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) , vaccinia virus, Hepatitis A, B, or C virus, vaccinia virus, alphavirus, dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Zika virus, influenza virus, hantavirus, Ebola virus, rabies virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) , coronavirus, and any members of the rhabdoviridae family. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) . In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is a VSV glycoprotein (VSVG) or a portion thereof.
[0053] The term “particle” as used herein refers to any delivery vehicle which can encapsulate a nucleic acid. In some cases, the particle is a natural particle. In some cases, the particle is a synthetic particle. In some cases, the particle is a lipid nanoparticle, a polymeric nanoparticle, a viral particle, a virus-like particle, an extracellular vesicle or an exosome. Particles can be modified to comprise any one of the proteins, nucleic acids, protein-nucleic acid complexes, or fusion polypeptides disclosed herein.
[0054] As used herein, the terms “subject” , “individual” or “patient” refer, interchangeably, to a warm-blooded animal such as a mammal. In particular embodiments, the term refers to a human. A subject may have, be suspected of having, or be predisposed to, a disease or disorder (e.g., a hemoglobinopathy) for which receiving an HSCT may be beneficial. The term also includes livestock, pet animals, or animals kept for study, including horses, cows, sheep, poultry, pigs, cats, dogs, zoo animals, goats, primates (e.g., cynomolgus macaques, or rhesus macaques) , and rodents (e.g., mice and rats) . A “subject in need thereof” refers to a subject that has one or more symptoms of, that has received a diagnosis, or that is suspected of having or being predisposed to a disease or condition which may be treated with, and / or may potentially benefit from HSCT as described herein.
[0055] The term “administering” as used herein refers to a method of giving a dosage of a composition (e.g., an antibody and / or cell therapy composition) to a subject. The method of administration can vary depending on various factors (e.g., the pharmaceutical composition being administered, and the severity of the condition, disease, or disorder being treated) .
[0056] The term “treating” or “treatment” refers to any one of the following: ameliorating one or more symptoms of a disease or condition; preventing the manifestation of such symptoms before they occur; slowing down or completely preventing the progression of the disease or condition (as may be evident by longer periods between reoccurrence episodes, slowing down or prevention of the deterioration of symptoms, etc. ) ; enhancing the onset of a remission period; slowing down the irreversible damage caused in the progressive-chronic stage of the disease or condition (both in the primary and secondary stages) ; delaying the onset of said progressive stage; or any combination thereof.
[0057] An “effective amount” refers to an amount of a compound or composition, as disclosed herein effective to achieve a particular biological, therapeutic, or prophylactic result. Such results include, without limitation, the depletion of hematopoietic stem cells, the engraftment of exogenous hematopoietic stem cells, and the treatment of a disease or condition disclosed herein as determined by any means suitable in the art. Overview
[0058] Messenger RNA (mRNA) -based therapeutics have emerged as a transformative platform for treating diverse diseases, including infectious diseases, cancers, and genetic disorders. Innovations in mRNA engineering and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery have significantly enhanced stability and translational efficiency, exemplified by the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.
[0059] Virus-like particles (VLPs) present a promising approach for the transfer of intercellular mRNA by encapsulating cargo during the budding process from producer cells. Yet, conventional VLP systems may require multiple viral components (e.g., gag, pol) for assembly, increasing complexity and immunogenicity. While the overexpression of the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) can lead to the release of simplified VLPs, their packaging efficiency for cargo mRNA remains low in the absence of capsid proteins. Critically, no existing system achieves iterative transfer, where cargo mRNA delivered to primary cells initiates secondary production of VLPs, amplifying cargo expression across cell populations.
[0060] Disclosed herein, in some embodiments, is a nucleic acid delivery system which can enable self-propagating mRNA delivery. Enveloped viruses can recruit endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -associated proteins such as TSG101 and / or ALIX through capsid to conduct the budding and releasing process. TSG101 and ALIX can also be recruited by the protein CEP55 through a short amino acid sequence termed ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) in the process of cytokinesis. Thus, without intending to be bound by any particular theory, fusing the EABR to the cytoplasmic tail of a viral glycoprotein or other membrane protein can directly recruit TSG101 and ALIX, bypassing the need for co-expression of other viral proteins for VLP self-assembly. The aptamer MS2 and its interacting aptamer-binding protein, MS2 coat protein (MCP) , can also be used.
[0061] VSVg can mediate broad tropism and fusion via LDL receptor interaction. By integrating these elements, a single chimeric protein can be engineered, VSVg-EABR-MCP (VEM) , that autonomously assembles mRNA-packaging VLPs. Furthermore, systems are, in some embodiments, herein disclosed which insert MS2 aptamers into the 3’ UTR of VEM mRNA, creating a self-packaging entity termed mRNA Exporting and Ferrying Implement (MEFI) . This design can allow MEFI to: export both cargo mRNA and itself via VLPs; initiate VLP re-production in target cells, establishing iterative transfer cycles; serve as a modular platform capable of cell-specific delivery. Collectively, the delivery systems disclosed herein can establish a paradigm for self-propagating mRNA delivery via recursive VLP assembly and intercellular transfer. MEFI harnesses a self-replicating VLP system to amplify cargo expression across cellular barriers, significantly enhancing therapeutic potency and durability.
[0062] In some embodiments, the delivery systems disclosed herein can package both cargo mRNA and its own mRNA into fusogenic VLPs, enabling continuous propagation from primary to secondary target cells. This "multiple-use" effect addresses a fundamental limitation of short-lived expression of current mRNA therapies by extending cargo availability across cell populations. MEFI enhances low-efficiency delivery methods (including but not limited to, naked plasmid intramuscular injection) by orders of magnitude, potentially revolutionizing DNA vaccine strategies. The sustained protein production by naked plasmid intramuscular injection for two months underscore its potential for long-term treatments, such as protein replacement therapies. The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier further expands applications to neurological disorders. By replacing VSVg’s extracellular domain with specific scFvs (including but not limited to, anti-CD19 / anti-TYRP1) , MEFI achieves cell-type-specific cargo delivery. This modular targeting system can allow for selective cytotoxicity in antigen-positive cells using lethal cargoes (DTA) or bioPROTACs, while sparing off-target cells. Such precision can mitigate systemic toxicity in oncology and expand the scope of biologics delivery, including previously undruggable intracellular targets.
[0063] The nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein can simplify the production and reduce the immunogenicity of the system. The systems disclosed herein can utilize capsid-independent assembly, which can bypass the packaging constraints of lentiviral systems. While delivered mRNA to primary cells, the nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein enable secondary spread, amplifying effects in poorly accessible tissues (e.g., brain, solid tumors) . Hypoimmunogenic variants of the delivery system disclosed herein (including but not limited to, humanized fusogens) can further mitigate risk of immunogenicity. The nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein can comprise RNA-stabilizing elements (including but not limited to, UTR optimization, nucleotide modifications or circular mRNA) to enhance persistence. The nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein can also include other RNA-binding protein systems, including but not limited to L7Ae-kink-turn.
[0064] The nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein can provide a modular, extensible platform that transforms mRNA from a transient payload into a self-propagating therapeutic agent. Its capacity for iterative delivery, systemic amplification, and cell-specific targeting positions it as a platform technology for next-generation biologics. Future work can focus on optimizing safety profiles, extending cargo diversity (e.g., base editors, transcription factors, large transgenes) , and advancing toward clinical translation in oncology, genetic disorders, and regenerative medicine in animal models, organoids and patients.
[0065] To achieve the delivery of target nucleic acids, this application discloses a target nucleic acid delivery system based on mRNA, wherein the structure of the target nucleic acid delivery system includes: a self-packaging carrier protein and a target nucleic acid, wherein the target nucleic acid is the substance to be delivered. In some cases, the target nucleic acids can be initially delivered into the host cells via the form of DNAs, and the DNAs can be transcribed and translated in the host cells, and the mRNAs transcribed from the DNAs can be encapsulated within additional enveloped particles generated in the host cells to deliver the mRNAs in additional host cells.
[0066] In a specific embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein includes: a self-assembly region and a membrane-promoting region. Furthermore, the self-packaging carrier protein and the target nucleic acid are combined through a nucleic acid binding region to form a whole. In a specific embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region are relatively defined, wherein the target nucleic acid is specifically designed according to the treatment of the disease. In a specific embodiment, the relatively defined self-packaging carrier protein and nucleic acid binding region framework is referred to as the MEFI system. In a specific embodiment, the target nucleic acid can be a macromolecule, vaccine, or an encoding sequence for modifying specific cells. In a specific embodiment, when the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is delivered to target cells in the form of DNA, the target nucleic acid can achieve amplified expression after being delivered to specific cells through the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, thereby achieving the purpose of treating diseases.
[0067] In a specific embodiment, when the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is delivered to target cells in the form of RNA, the target nucleic acid can achieve expression after being delivered to specific cells through the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, thereby achieving the purpose of treating diseases. In a specific embodiment, the target nucleic acid delivery system further includes structures encoding targeted delivery, which are used to deliver the target nucleic acid delivery system to specific cells.
[0068] Furthermore, the RNA, after being delivered into the cells, can be translated and expressed. Furthermore, the self-packaging carrier protein can be expressed as a protein that protects the mRNA. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid can be expressed as a protein with specific functions, thereby achieving the purpose of treating diseases. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid can bind to the self-packaging carrier protein through the nucleic acid binding region, wherein the nucleic acid binding region can adopt a viral transfection mechanism. In a specific embodiment, when the target nucleic acid delivery system is designed as a single plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding region is MCP and MS2 stem loop, wherein the target nucleic acid can be located between MCP and MS2 stem loop. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid may also include P2A to achieve co-expression of genes.
[0069] In a specific embodiment, when the target nucleic acid delivery system is designed as a dual plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding regions are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, and the dual plasmid / mRNA can be divided into a first plasmid / mRNA and a second plasmid / mRNA, wherein the first plasmid / mRNA has the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region, and the second plasmid / mRNA has the nucleic acid binding region and the target nucleic acid. In a specific embodiment, the promoter of the target nucleic acid delivery system is SEQ ID NO: 1. furthermore, those skilled in the art can select an appropriate promoter as needed. In a specific embodiment, the sequence of the self-packaging carrier protein is SEQ ID NO: 7. in a specific embodiment, the sequence of the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein is SEQ ID NO: 2. In a specific embodiment, the sequence of the EPM region is SEQ ID NO: 8. In a specific embodiment, the sequences of the nucleic acid binding regions are SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6.
[0070] The target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application realizes that the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein, after entering the cell, promotes the cell to express and assemble the structure of the target nucleic acid delivery system, to produce new progeny and / or new target nucleic acid delivery systems, allowing genetic material to continue to be transmitted in the form of mRNA, completing the expression of the target nucleic acid and the replication and / or proliferation of the target nucleic acid delivery system.
[0071] Moreover, the target nucleic acid delivery system obtained through replication and / or proliferation can still further enter cells to complete a new round of replication and / or proliferation. Thus, further amplifying or transmitting the population of the target nucleic acid delivery system, in other words, the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can further utilize the self-packaging carrier protein structure to increase the number of itself multiple times through cells, further automatically completing its replication and transmission, that is, further completing the replication and transmission of the target nucleic acid. Simultaneously, after the delivery system completes its replication and transmission proliferation, it also utilizes the cells to express the target nucleic acid, thereby completing the delivery and expression of the target nucleic acid.
[0072] Based on the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, an innovation in gene therapy methods can be achieved, directly delivering nucleic acids to the somatic cells of the target organism, and enabling the somatic cells to express the target nucleic acid, thereby treating diseases while allowing the nucleic acid delivery system to continue delivering and expressing, automatically completing the delivery and expression of a new generation of target nucleic acids, saving time, money, and other costs in gene therapy (a batch of target nucleic acid delivery systems can complete multiple batches of target nucleic acid delivery) , amplifying the delivery effect of the target nucleic acid. Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems
[0073] The present disclosure provides compositions, systems and methods to iteratively deliver nucleic acids into host cells. The compositions, systems and methods disclosed here can deliver the nucleic acids into initial host cells, generate additional enveloped particles from the initial host cells, and then deliver the nucleic acids into additional host cells via the additional enveloped particles. To achieve the delivery of target nucleic acids, this application discloses a target nucleic acid delivery system based on mRNA, wherein the structure of the target nucleic acid delivery system includes: a self-packaging carrier protein and a target nucleic acid, wherein the target nucleic acid is the substance to be delivered. In a specific embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein includes: a self-assembly region and a membrane-promoting region. Furthermore, the self-packaging carrier protein and the target nucleic acid can be combined through a nucleic acid binding region to form a whole.
[0074] In a specific embodiment, the target nucleic acid can be a macromolecule, small molecule, vaccine, or an encoding sequence for modifying specific cells. Furthermore, when the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is delivered to target cells in the form of DNA, the target nucleic acid can achieve amplified expression after being delivered to specific cells through the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, thereby achieving the purpose of treating diseases. At the same time, the target nucleic acid and the self-packaging protein are expressed separately, and furthermore, the expressed self-packaging protein can further package the sequences encoding the target nucleic acid and the self-packaging protein, and bud out to the extracellular space, thereby completing a new round of delivery of the target nucleic acid. More specifically, the expressed target nucleic acid is translated into a protein with specific functions, thereby completing the treatment of diseases.
[0075] In a specific embodiment, the target nucleic acid region is a nucleic acid that can encode a therapeutic corresponding to the disease to be treated, wherein the nucleic acid can include one or more therapeutic sequences for the disease. In a specific embodiment, the target nucleic acid delivery system further includes structures encoding targeted delivery, which are used to deliver the target nucleic acid delivery system to specific cells. In a specific embodiment, the target nucleic acid can include structures encoding targeted binding sites, which are used to enable the expressed target nucleic acid to bind to the target. It should be noted that the delivery system disclosed in this application simultaneously completes a new round of delivery and translation expression of the target nucleic acid. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid binds to the self-packaging carrier protein through the nucleic acid binding region, wherein the nucleic acid binding region adopts a viral transfection mechanism.
[0076] In a specific embodiment, when the target nucleic acid delivery system is designed as a single plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding region is MCP and MS2 stem loop, wherein the target nucleic acid is located between MCP and MS2 stem loop. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid may also include P2A to achieve co-expression of genes. In a specific embodiment, when the target nucleic acid delivery system is designed as a dual plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding regions are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, and the dual plasmid / mRNA can be divided into a first plasmid / mRNA and a second plasmid / mRNA, wherein the first plasmid / mRNA has the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region, and the second plasmid / mRNA has the nucleic acid binding region and the target nucleic acid. In other words, the target nucleic acid and the self-packaging carrier protein are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, wherein the ends of the two plasmids / mRNA each have a structure of a nucleic acid binding region, so that the self-packaging carrier protein can be expressed and then both can be passed on to complete a new round of delivery and expression. In a specific embodiment, the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein promotes the expression of the structure of the target nucleic acid delivery system in the cell after entering the cell, to produce more progeny target nucleic acid delivery systems, completing the replication and proliferation of the target nucleic acid delivery system. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid delivery system obtained through replication and proliferation can further enter cells to complete a new generation of replication and proliferation. Thus, further amplifying (DNA) and / or continuing (RNA) the population of the target nucleic acid delivery system, in other words, the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can further utilize the self-packaging carrier protein structure to increase its own number multiple times through cells, further automatically completing its replication and transmission, that is, further completing the replication and transmission of the target nucleic acid.
[0077] In a specific embodiment, the coding DNA sequence of the target nucleic acid delivery system also includes a coding sequence for a promoter at the beginning, wherein the promoter includes but is not limited to: ubiquitous promoters, inducible promoters, tissue-specific promoters, and / or lineage-specific promoters. In some implementations, the ubiquitous promoter is selected from the group consisting of: cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter, CMV promoter, simian virus 40 (SV40) (e.g., early or late) , Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) LTR promoter, Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR, RSV promoter, herpes simplex virus (HSV) (thymidine kinase) promoter, H5, P7.5, and P11 promoters from vaccinia virus, elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1a) promoter, early growth response 1 (EGR1) , ferritin H (FerH) , ferritin L (FerL) , glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) , eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (EIF4A1) , heat shock protein 70kDa (HSPA5) , heat shock protein 90kDa beta member 1 (HSP90B1) , heat shock protein 70kDa (HSP70) , beta-actin (β-KIN) , human ROSA 26 locus, ubiquitin C promoter (UBC) , phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK) promoter, 3-phosphoglycerate kinase promoter, cytomegalovirus enhancer, human β-actin (HBA) promoter, chicken β-actin (CBA) promoter, CAG promoter, CASI promoter, CBH promoter, or any combination thereof.
[0078] In a specific embodiment, the membrane-promoting region of the self-packaging carrier protein includes elements that facilitate membrane budding to promote the budding of the new target nucleic acid delivery system. Furthermore, the membrane-promoting region may also include elements that prevent endocytosis within the cell. In a specific embodiment, the membrane-promoting region may include EPM, transport-essential endosomal sorting complexes. In a specific embodiment, the membrane-promoting region includes but is not limited to: RAB family genes, SNARE family genes, and ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) related genes. In a specific embodiment, the elements that prevent endocytosis within the cell are any combination of EPM and / or ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) . Furthermore, the DNA sequence of EPM is SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the DNA sequence of the membrane-promoting region comprises SEQ ID NO: 4.
[0079] Furthermore, the RAB proteins are members of the small GTPase family, playing an important role in intracellular vesicle transport. For example, RAB27A and RAB27B genes are involved in regulating the process of exosome and other cell secretion vesicles detaching from the plasma membrane of donor cells. RAB proteins regulate the transport, docking, and fusion of vesicles by interacting with effector molecules on vesicles and target membranes. Based on the RAB proteins, the transport, docking, and fusion of membrane vesicles related to the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can be adjusted as needed. Furthermore, in melanoma cells, the upregulation of RAB27A gene expression promotes the secretion of exosomes containing melanin-related proteins, a process involving the fusion of exosomes from intracellular multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the cell membrane and their release into the extracellular space. In a specific embodiment, when the RAB protein serves as a specific membrane-promoting element, it can be used in the delivery system disclosed in this application to deliver gene drugs for treating melanoma cells.
[0080] Furthermore, the SNARE proteins are core components of membrane fusion, divided into v-SNARE (located on vesicle membranes) and t-SNARE (located on target membranes) . For example, proteins encoded by genes such as syntaxin and SNAP-25 belong to t-SNARE, which interact with v-SNARE on vesicle membranes (such as VAMP family proteins, encoded by related genes) to form SNARE complexes, providing energy for the fusion of vesicles with the cell membrane, facilitating the release of vesicle contents into the extracellular space. In neurons, the release of synaptic vesicles relies on the membrane fusion process mediated by SNARE proteins, which is similar to the mechanism of vesicles such as exosomes budding from cells. Based on the delivery system disclosed in this application, the SNARE proteins can assist the target nucleic acid delivery system in completing a new round of delivery and expression in neurons.
[0081] In a specific embodiment, the ESCRT complex contains multiple subunits encoded by multiple genes. These genes are involved in the formation process of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) , which can fuse with the cell membrane to release internal vesicles (such as exosomes) into the extracellular space. For example, the TSG101 gene is an important component of the ESCRT-I complex, which can recognize and sort ubiquitinated membrane proteins, wrapping them into the lumen of MVBs, and at the appropriate time, through the cooperation of other members of the ESCRT complex (such as proteins encoded by CHMP4, which belong to ESCRT-III) , promote the fusion of MVBs with the cell membrane, allowing vesicles to bud out. The ESCRT can be designed as a membrane-promoting element in the delivery system disclosed in this application, facilitating the completion of a new round of delivery and expression of the target nucleic acid system. In a specific embodiment, the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein includes but is not limited to: capsid protein genes, envelope protein genes (for enveloped viruses) , viral protease genes, nucleic acid polymerase genes (which have an indirect role in some viral assembly) .
[0082] In a specific embodiment, to enable the self-assembly region of the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, taking bacteriophages as an example, the protein encoded by the capsid protein gene can self-assemble to form the outer shell of the bacteriophage. For example, the product encoded by the major capsid protein gene of T4 bacteriophage can self-assemble according to a certain geometric shape and pattern, wrapping the bacteriophage's nucleic acid inside, forming complete bacteriophage particles. In this process, the interaction between capsid proteins is achieved through specific amino acid sequences and domains to realize self-assembly. For other viruses such as adenoviruses, their capsid proteins also play a key role in the self-assembly process of viral particles, and the correct expression of capsid protein genes and normal self-assembly of proteins are important steps in the viral life cycle. Encoding the capsid protein in the self-assembly region disclosed in this application can promote the assembly of new target nucleic acid delivery systems, further completing the new delivery of target nucleic acids.
[0083] Furthermore, the self-assembly region of the target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can also adopt a virus-like self-assembly mechanism, wherein the RNA sequence of the virus-like itself can form double-stranded regions and various circular structures through base complementary pairing. For example, the RNA chain of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) can fold into a series of stem-loop structures. The complementary base pairing in these structures acts like "molecular glue, " allowing RNA molecules to stabilize themselves and form specific three-dimensional shapes.
[0084] The target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can utilize this RNA sequence-based structural formation as the basis for virus-like self-assembly, playing an important role in promoting self-replication, movement, and other processes. Furthermore, the elements that can prevent endocytosis include but are not limited to: clathrin-related regulatory genes, caveolin gene-related regulatory genes, and Rho family small G protein-related genes. Those skilled in the art can select corresponding genes to prevent endocytosis based on needs and specific application scenarios. Furthermore, the elements preventing endocytosis disclosed in this application are sequentially connected to the elements of the membrane-promoting region. Furthermore, the clathrin-mediated endocytosis is one of the main ways of cellular endocytosis. Clathrin is a triskelion protein complex composed of three heavy chains and three light chains. By regulating the gene expression or function of clathrin and its related adaptor proteins (such as AP-2) , cellular endocytosis can be affected. For example, reducing the expression of clathrin heavy chain genes may decrease the formation of clathrin-coated pits, thereby inhibiting endocytosis. For instance, when certain signaling pathways in the cell change, such as inhibiting the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) signaling pathway, it can affect the localization and function of clathrin-related proteins. PI3K can regulate the phosphorylation state of phosphoinositides on membranes, which is crucial for the formation of clathrin-coated pits and the detachment of endocytic vesicles. If PI3K activity is inhibited, it may indirectly prevent endocytosis. The target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can utilize the above mechanisms to inhibit endocytosis, thereby promoting the delivery and expression of the target nucleic acid delivery system. Furthermore, caveolin proteins can be involved in caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Caveolae are specialized microdomains of the cell membrane rich in cholesterol and sphingolipids. Mutations in the caveolin-1 (Caveolin-1) gene or changes in its expression can affect the structure and function of caveolae. When the expression of the Caveolin-1 gene is downregulated, the caveolae-mediated endocytosis process may be inhibited. Caveolin proteins interact with various signaling molecules; for example, they can bind to G-protein-coupled receptors. Altering the expression of caveolin genes may disrupt this interaction, thereby preventing the endocytosis of signaling molecules and related signal transduction processes through caveolae. The target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can utilize the above mechanisms to inhibit endocytosis, thereby promoting the delivery and expression of the target nucleic acid delivery system.
[0085] Rho family small G proteins (such as RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1) can play a key role in regulating dynamic changes in the cytoskeleton, and the reorganization of the cytoskeleton is essential for the formation and transport of endocytic vesicles. For example, Rac1 protein is involved in regulating membrane ruffling and the formation of endocytic vesicles. By gene manipulation (such as RNA interference techniques) , the expression of Rac1 genes can be inhibited, obstructing the endocytic process. The activity of these small G proteins can be regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) . Altering the gene expression of these regulatory proteins can, without intending to be bound by any particular theory, also indirectly affect the activity of Rho family small G proteins, thereby influencing cellular endocytosis. For example, inhibiting the expression of GEF genes may reduce the proportion of Rho family small G proteins in their active state (GTP-bound form) , thus preventing endocytosis. The nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can, without being bound by any particular theory, utilize the aforementioned mechanism to inhibit endocytosis, thereby promoting the delivery and expression of the said nucleic acid delivery system. In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid binding region is used to guide the binding of the target nucleic acid and the self-packaging carrier protein, further enabling expression in target cells.
[0086] In another specific embodiment, the target nucleic acid region encodes nucleic acid that expresses specific functions to be delivered to target cells. In a specific embodiment, the delivery method of the delivery system is through naked plasmid delivery, a combination of nanolipids and plasmid delivery, or a combination of nanolipids and mRNA delivery, with at least one of these methods. Furthermore, the mRNA-based target nucleic acid delivery system can be either a dual-plasmid structure or a single-plasmid structure. Moreover, the mRNA-based target nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application has a self-protective function after entering the cell.
[0087] In a specific embodiment, the self-assembling region includes elements with self-assembly functions found in viral and / or virus-like particles. In a specific embodiment, the self-assembling element is VSV-G. The VSV-G gene encodes the glycoprotein of the vesicular stomatitis virus, which can play the following important roles. Mediating virus attachment and invasion: The VSV-G protein is a key determinant for the vesicular stomatitis virus to attach to and enter host cells. The VSV-G can recognize and bind to receptors on the surface of host cells, such as low-density lipoprotein receptors, thereby initiating the first step of infection. In mature viral particles, the VSV-G protein can exist in a trimeric form with fusion activity, allowing it to specifically bind to host cell receptors and promote the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane through a clathrin-mediated endocytosis mechanism, thereby releasing genetic material into the host cell and completing the invasion process, which, without being bound by any particular theory, is the delivery function of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application. More specifically, the VSV-G protein determines a broader range of host cells: the receptor binding characteristics of the VSV-G protein determine that the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application has a wide host range, capable of infecting various mammalian cells, including livestock such as cattle, horses, pigs, and human cells. In gene therapy and biotechnological applications, utilizing this characteristic of the VSV-G protein allows for the construction of recombinant viral vectors with a broad host cell tropism, enabling effective delivery of exogenous genes into different types of cells. In other words, using the VSV-G protein can allow the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application to deliver target nucleic acids in more cells.
[0088] Furthermore, designing the nucleic acid delivery system based on the VSV-G protein to complete gene therapy and vector construction can increase vector titer. When constructing gene therapy vectors, using the VSV-G gene as the envelope protein gene can significantly enhance the titer of recombinant vectors. This is because, without intending to be bound by any particular theory, the VSV-G protein can more effectively mediate the packaging and release of viral particles, resulting in more infectious nucleic acid delivery systems, which is beneficial for improving the efficiency of the nucleic acid delivery disclosed in this application, providing a sufficient number of vectors for gene therapy. In other words, based on the use of the VSV-G protein, the nucleic acid transfer efficiency of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can be higher, ensuring the quantity and efficiency of the target nucleic acid during the delivery process. Moreover, designing the nucleic acid delivery system based on the VSV-G protein broadens the host range of the vector: as mentioned earlier, the VSV-G protein can allow vectors constructed based on it to infect various cell types, overcoming the limitations of some traditional vectors with narrow host ranges. This is crucial for delivering therapeutic genes to different tissues and cell types in gene therapy applications. For example, in treating neurological diseases, genes need to be delivered to neuronal cells; in treating hematological diseases, genes need to be delivered to hematopoietic stem cells, etc. Vectors mediated by the VSV-G protein can effectively accomplish these tasks.
[0089] Furthermore, designing the nucleic acid delivery system based on the VSV-G protein enhances vector stability: the VSV-G protein has high stability, maintaining the integrity of its structure and function under different environmental conditions. This makes viral vectors constructed based on the VSV-G protein more stable during storage, transportation, and in vivo and in vitro applications, which is beneficial for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of gene therapy.
[0090] In some embodiments the nucleic acid delivery system comprises a sequence having at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 22 and comprises a VSVG, EABR, MCP, and MS2 loop domains. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid delivery system comprises a sequence having at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 23 and comprises a VSVG, EABR, and L7a domains.
[0091] Provided herein is a composition comprising a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure. In some embodiments, the secondary structure is for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.
[0092] In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence encodes a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide further comprises a membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the membrane promoter region comprises endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the ESCRT-recruiting domain comprises an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) .
[0093] In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is linked to the membrane-promoting region via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a flexible linker. In some embodiments, the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n where n is any integer from 1 to 50, from 1 to 40, from 1 to 30, from 1 to 20, from 1 to 10, or from 1 to 5. In some embodiments, the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n, wherein n is 3. In some embodiments, the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n, wherein n is 2.
[0094] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or a ribonucleic acid (RNA) . In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is an RNA. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA and the third nucleic acid sequence encodes an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain.
[0095] In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction.
[0096] In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a K homology (KH) domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0097] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a T2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a E2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a F2A.
[0098] In some embodiments, the fifth nucleic acid sequence is located in between the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide, the fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain, the fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding the cleavable linker, the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide, and the third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.
[0099] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a sequence having at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%sequence identity to any one nucleic acid sequence presented in Tables 1-5.
[0100] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the membrane-promoting region.
[0101] Also provided herein is a composition comprising a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises a self-assembly region from a vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) . In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the ESCRT recruiting domain is an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) . In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is configured to be delivered from a host cell to a different host cell. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is linked to the EABR via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a flexible linker. In some embodiments, the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n where n is any integer from 1 to 50, from 1 to 40, from 1 to 30, from 1 to 20, from 1 to 10, or from 1 to 5. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a RNA.
[0102] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a third nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction.
[0103] In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a K homology (KH) domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0104] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction.
[0105] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a T2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a E2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a F2A.
[0106] In some embodiments, the fifth nucleic acid sequence is located in between the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide, the fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain, the fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding the cleavable linker, the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide, and the third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.
[0107] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a sequence having at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%sequence identity to any one nucleic acid sequence presented in Tables 1-5.
[0108] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the EABR.
[0109] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first and the second nucleic acids each comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a guide RNA. In some embodiments, the guide RNA is a HER2 guide RNA.
[0110] In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a sequence encoding the RNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a T2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a E2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a F2A. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a guide RNA. In some embodiments, the guide RNA is a HER2 guide RNA.
[0111] In some embodiments, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises (a) the first nucleic acid; (b) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA binding domain; and (c) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA-binding domain, and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid sequence comprises (a) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide; and (b) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure.
[0112] In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid sequence comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure.
[0113] Also provided herein is a composition comprising a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises a targeting region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises a self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the targeting region and the self-assembly region are from different proteins.
[0114] Also provided herein is a composition comprising a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises an extracellular domain comprising a targeting region. In some embodiments, the targeting region is linked via a linker to a self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises at least a transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the linker comprises at most 550, at most 500, at most 450, at most 400, at most 350, at most 300, at most 250, at most 200, at most 150, at most 100, at most 90, at most 80, at most 70, at most 60, at most 50, at most 40, at most 30, at most 20, or at most 10. In some embodiments, the linker comprises at most 450 amino acids. In some embodiments, the targeting region and the self-assembly region are from different proteins.
[0115] In some embodiments, the targeting region is linked via a linker to the self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises at least a transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the linker comprises at most 450 amino acids. In some embodiments, the linker comprises at most 550, at most 500, at most 450, at most 400, at most 350, at most 300, at most 250, at most 200, at most 150, at most 100, at most 90, at most 80, at most 70, at most 60, at most 50, at most 40, at most 30, at most 20, or at most 10.
[0116] In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide further comprises a membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region comprises an ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is linked to the ESCRT-recruiting domain via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is flexible linker. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region further comprises an intracellular domain.
[0117] In some embodiments, the targeting region is an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is an scFv. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is capable of binding to a cell surface marker. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker is a cell-specific surface marker, a tissue-specific surface marker, a tumor-associated antigen, or a tumor-specific antigen. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker is a cell-specific surface marker. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker is a tissue-specific surface marker. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker is a tumor-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker is a tumor-specific antigen.
[0118] In some embodiments, the cell surface marker comprises a marker selected from the group consisting of CD19, TYRP1, CD20, CD22, BCMA, CD3, CD7, EGFR, HER2, PSMA, and MSLN. In some embodiments, the marker is CD19. In some embodiments, the marker is TYRP1. In some embodiments, the marker is CD20. In some embodiments, the marker is CD22. In some embodiments, the marker is BCMA. In some embodiments, the marker is CD3. In some embodiments, the marker is CD7. In some embodiments, the marker is EGFR. In some embodiments, the marker is HER2. In some embodiments, the marker is PSMA. In some embodiments, the marker is MSLN.
[0119] In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is from an intracellular domain of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) . In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises the transmembrane domain of VSVg. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region only comprises the transmembrane domain of VSVg. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide does not comprise an extracellular domain of VSVg.
[0120] In some embodiments, the targeting region comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the signal peptide is from VSVg. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a third nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid binding domain is an RNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0121] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid binding domain is an RNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0122] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a T2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a E2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a F2A.
[0123] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain.
[0124] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid molecule, and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid binding domain is an RNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0125] Also provided herein is a composition comprising a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises a self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises a membrane-promoting region (e.g., an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain) . In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is located downstream of the membrane-promoting region (e.g., the ESCRT-recruiting domain) . In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0126] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop is located within a sequence encoding 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of the nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are on the same nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’, the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the self-assembly region, the ESCRT) -recruiting domain and the RNA-binding domain, the second nucleic acid sequence, and the sequence encoding the MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a cleavable linker connecting the fusion polypeptide and the cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker is a P2A, T2A, E2A or F2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a T2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a E2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a F2A.
[0127] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain.
[0128] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid molecule, and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or a ribonucleic acid (RNA) . In some embodiments, the composition comprises a sequence having at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5.
[0129] Also provided herein is a composition comprising a first nucleic acid encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a second nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises a self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide is capable of promoting a self-assembling of an enveloped particle comprising the fusion polypeptide and the cargo polypeptide when the cargo polypeptide and the fusion polypeptide are expressed in a cell. In some embodiments, a mass ratio of the first nucleic acid and the second nucleic acid within the composition is from 1: 3 to 1: 1, from 1: 10 to 1: 1, from 1: 9 to 1: 1, from 1: 8 to 1: 1, from 1: 7 to 1: 1, from 1: 6 to 1: 1, from 1: 5 to 1: 1, from 1: 4 to 1: 1, from 1: 3 to 1: 1, from 1: 2 to 1: 1.
[0130] In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide is a transmembrane protein. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises a transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) . In some embodiments, the self-assembly region comprises an extracellular domain.
[0131] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv. In some embodiments, the scFv binds to a cell-specific or a tissue specific surface marker. In some embodiments, the scFv binds to a cell-specific marker. In some embodiments, the scFv binds to a tissue-specific marker. In some embodiments, the ESCRT-recruiting domain comprises an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) .
[0132] In some embodiments, the enveloped particle is a nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle is a virus-like nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid binding domain is an RNA binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0133] In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker is a P2A, T2A, E2A or F2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a T2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a E2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a F2A. In some embodiments, the first or second nucleic acid comprises a guide RNA. In some embodiments, the guide RNA is a HER2 guide RNA.
[0134] In some embodiments, the particle comprises a sequence having at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) . In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain.
[0135] In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 2. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 1. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 3. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 4. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 5. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 6. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 7. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 8. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 9. In some embodiments, the mass ratio is 1: 10. Table 1. Exemplary System Components Table 2. Exemplary System Components Table 3. Exemplary System Components Table 4. Exemplary System Components Table 5. Exemplary Full Length Constructs Self-Assembly Regions
[0136] The compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein can comprise a self assembly region. In some embodiments, the compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein comprise a fusion polypeptide comprising the self-assembly region. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide can promote membrane attachment or membrane fusion. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is a fusogen.
[0137] In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is from a virus. The self-assembly region can be from any virus including, but not limited to Sindbis Virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) , Cocal Virus, Chikungunya Virus, baclulovirus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) , lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) , Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) , vaccinia virus, Hepatitis A, B, or C virus, vaccinia virus, alphavirus, dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Zika virus, influenza virus, hantavirus, Ebola virus, rabies virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) , coronavirus, and any members of the rhabdoviridae family. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region from VSV. In some embodiments, the self-assembly region is a VSV glycoprotein (VSVG) or a fragment thereof.. Membrane-Promoting Regions
[0138] The compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein can comprise a membrane promoting region. In some embodiments, the compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein comprise a fusion polypeptide comprising the membrane-promoting region. In some embodiments, the membrane promoting region can interact with proteins which can interact with a cell membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region can interact with cytosolic peripheral membrane proteins. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region can interact with cytosolic peripheral membrane proteins. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region interacts with a protein in the ESCRT pathway. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region interacts with an ESCRT protein. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region interacts with an ALIX protein. In embodiments, an interaction between the membrane-promoting region and a protein which interacts with a cell membrane can result in a change in cell membrane topology. In some embodiments, the change in cell membrane topology can result in increased budding of the membrane.
[0139] In some embodiments, the membrane promoting region can be from any protein which can interact with a membrane-associated protein. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a viral protein, including but not limited to, a retroviral protein, herpes simplex viral protein, vaccinia viral protein, hepadnaviral protein, togaviral protein, flaviviral protein, arenaviral protein, coronaviral protein, orthomyxoviral protein, paramyxoviral protein, bunyaviral protein, bomaviral protein, rhabdoviral protein or filoviral protein, a Gag protein, EIAV, HTLV-1, MLV, or MPMV, EIAV p9, HIV-1 p6, an Ebola protein, or EBOV VP40 In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a nonhuman protein, a nonmammalian protein, a chicken protein, a mouse protein, a lizard protein, a reptile protein, a hamster protein, or a goldfish protein. In some embodiments the membrane promoting region is from Syntenin-1, rat Galectin-3 (rGalectin-3) , Elrs, or CD2AP. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a human protein. In some embodiments, the membrane-promoting region is from a human CEP55 protein. In some embodiments, the membrane promoting region is an ESCRT and ALIX binding region (EABR) protein. Nucleic Acid-Binding Domains
[0140] The compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein can comprise nucleic acid-binding domains. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is selected to bind to a nucleic acid of the composition or the nucleic acid delivery system. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is a DNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain. Host Cells
[0141] The compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein may be delivered to host cells. Provided herein is a host cell comprising any one of the nucleic acids disclosed herein. Also provided herein is a host cell comprising any one of the protein-nucleic acid complexes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the host cell is from a cell line. In some embodiments the host cell is an in vivo cell. In some embodiments, the cell is an ex vivo cell. Methods of Delivery
[0142] The compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein may be delivered to any cell. Provided herein is a method of iteratively delivering a nucleic acid into two or more host cells. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting any one of the compositions disclosed herein, any one of the enveloped particles disclosed herein, or any one of the nucleic acids disclosed herein with a first host cell. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is delivered into the first host cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises expressing the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide in the first host cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises generating a particle from the first host cell. In some embodiments, the particle comprises the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide on the surface of the particle. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the particle with a second host cell to iteratively deliver the nucleic acid into the second host cell.
[0143] In some embodiments, the particle comprises a nucleic acid encoding a cargo polypeptide. In some embodiments, the particle comprises the nucleic acid encoding the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a box C / D. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a hairpin loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a pseudoknot. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a bulge loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a branch loop. In some embodiments, the RNA secondary structure is a stem junction.
[0144] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain is an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain.
[0145] In some embodiments, the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a P2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a T2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a E2A. In some embodiments, the cleavable linker comprises a F2A. In some embodiments, the particle comprises a sequence having at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5. Propagation of Delivered Nucleic Acids
[0146] In some embodiments, the first host cell is contacted with a first particle comprising any one of the compositions disclosed herein, any one of the nucleic acids disclosed herein (e.g., naked nucleic acids) , any one of the enveloped particles disclosed herein, or any one of the protein-nucleic acid complexes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the first particle is a viral particle. In some embodiments, the first particle is a virus-like particle. In some embodiments, the second host cell generates a second particle which can infect a third cell. In some embodiments, the second particle comprises any one of the compositions disclosed herein, any one of the nucleic acids disclosed herein, any one of the enveloped particles disclosed herein, or any one of the protein-nucleic acid complexes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the second particle comprises a membrane derived from the second host cell. In some embodiments, the membrane of the second particle does not comprise a viral protein. Protein-Nucleic Acid Complexes
[0147] The compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein may comprise protein-nucleic acid complex. Provided herein is a protein-nucleic acid complex comprising (a) any one of the nucleic acids disclosed herein or any derivative thereof and (b) any one of the fusion polypeptides disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a DNA. In some embodiments, the derivative is an mRNA transcript of the nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the mRNA transcript binds to the fusion polypeptide via the RNA-binding domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is MCP. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is L7Ae. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a KH domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is a zinc finger domain. In some embodiments, the RNA-binding domain is an RGG box domain. Enveloped Particles
[0148] The compositions and nucleic acid delivery systems disclosed herein may be encapsulated in an enveloped particle. Provided herein is an enveloped particle comprising any one of the nucleic acids disclosed herein. Also provided herein is an enveloped particle comprising any one of the protein-nucleic acid complexes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle comprises a membrane from a cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a host cell. In some embodiments, the cell is from a cell line. In some embodiments the cell is an in vivo cell. In some embodiments, the cell is an ex vivo cell. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle comprises a synthetic membrane. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle does not comprise a synthetic membrane.
[0149] In some embodiments, the enveloped particle is the initial delivery particle used to deliver the target nucleic acids into the initial host cells in vivo or ex vivo. The enveloped particle can be any form of lipid-based particles. The enveloped particle can be a viral particle. In some embodiments, the enveloped particle is not the initial delivery particle, but the particle generated from a host cell. In such cases, the enveloped particle comprises a membrane budded from the host cell. Delivery of Macromolecular Drugs
[0150] The nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application in macromolecular drugs. In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid (macromolecule) delivery system disclosed in this application is specifically applied in the design of antibody drugs. The structure of the nucleic acid delivery system can include: self-packaging carrier protein and target nucleic acid, where the target nucleic acid is the substance to be delivered. In a specific embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein includes: self-assembly region, membrane budding region. Furthermore, the self-packaging carrier protein and the target nucleic acid are combined into a whole through the nucleic acid binding region. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid encodes nucleic acids that encode macromolecules (proteins, peptides, etc. ) . In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encodes one or more base editors, one or more transcription factors, or one or more large transgenes.
[0151] In a specific embodiment, when the antibody protein delivery system is designed as a single plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding region is MCP and MS2 stem loop, where the antibody protein is located between MCP and MS2 stem loop. Furthermore, there may also be P2A between the antibody protein and MCP to achieve co-expression of the gene. In a specific embodiment, when the nucleic acid (macromolecule) delivery system is designed as a dual plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding regions are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, and the dual plasmid / mRNA can be divided into the first plasmid / mRNA and the second plasmid / mRNA, where the first plasmid / mRNA has the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region, and the second plasmid / mRNA has the nucleic acid binding region and the target nucleic acid. In a specific embodiment, the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein promotes the expression of the structure of the target nucleic acid (macromolecule) delivery system in the cell after entering the cell, to produce more progeny target nucleic acid (macromolecule) delivery systems, completing the replication and proliferation of the target nucleic acid (macromolecule) delivery system. Furthermore, the progeny target nucleic acid (macromolecule) delivery system obtained through replication and proliferation further enters the cell to complete a new generation of replication and proliferation. Thus, further amplifying the population of the target nucleic acid (macromolecule) delivery system, and further, the macromolecule includes but is not limited to proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, etc., where the macromolecule is expressed after being delivered to the target cells.
[0152] In a specific embodiment, the delivered macromolecule is a protein, where the protein replaces missing or functionally abnormal proteins (some diseases in humans are caused by a lack of specific proteins or abnormal protein functions) . The protein can supplement these missing proteins or provide normally functioning proteins to treat diseases. For example, in type I diabetes, the patient's own insulin secretion is insufficient, and exogenous insulin is injected to replace the insulin that is lacking in the body. Insulin can promote glucose entry into cells, lowering blood sugar levels. In other words, the delivery system disclosed in this application can serve as a means to treat diseases caused by the lack or functional abnormalities of proteins.
[0153] In a specific embodiment, the protein regulates various physiological functions of the body. For example, cytokines can regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and activity of immune cells. The protein can also be interferon, which can activate immune cells and enhance the body's ability to resist viruses and tumors. Interferon can induce host cells to produce various antiviral proteins that can inhibit viral replication; in terms of anti-tumor effects, interferon can regulate the immune system to enable immune cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. In other words, the delivery system disclosed in this application can serve as a means to regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and activity of immune cells, thereby enhancing the body's ability to treat related diseases. In a specific embodiment, the protein can be designed to be a targeted protein. For example, monoclonal antibody drugs are highly specific protein drugs that can recognize and bind to specific antigens on the surface of certain cells (such as tumor cells) , killing target cells through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement activation. In other words, the delivery system disclosed in this application can serve as a way to deliver targeted proteins, thereby treating diseases such as tumors.
[0154] In a specific embodiment, the macromolecule that can be delivered in this application can also be a peptide. The peptide can regulate physiological functions by binding to receptors on the cell surface. They can act as signaling molecules, activating or inhibiting receptor-mediated signaling pathways. For example, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an intestinal secreted peptide that can bind to GLP-1 receptors on the surface of pancreatic β cells, promoting insulin secretion while inhibiting glucagon secretion, thereby regulating blood sugar. In a specific embodiment, the peptide can also be a targeted transport peptide, which can further perform drug delivery functions, completing multiple transport tasks based on the delivery system disclosed in this application and the transport function of the peptide itself, delivering drugs to specific targets. For example, some cell-penetrating peptides can carry drugs across the cell membrane into the cell. These cell-penetrating peptides typically contain specific amino acid sequences that can interact with the cell membrane, allowing the drugs attached to them to enter the cell, thus achieving treatment of intracellular targets. In other words, utilizing the delivery system disclosed in this application can deliver the coding nucleic acid of the targeted transport peptide, thereby treating diseases.
[0155] In a specific embodiment, the macromolecule can also be nucleic acid, where the nucleic acid can replace or repair defective genes by introducing normal genes into cells. For example, for certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, which is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. By using viral or non-viral vectors to introduce the normal CFTR gene into the patient's cells, normal cellular function can be restored. In a specific embodiment, the delivered nucleic acid can also treat diseases by regulating gene expression. For example, small interfering RNA (siRNA) can specifically bind to the mRNA of the target gene, leading to its degradation and thus inhibiting the expression of the target gene. In treating certain viral infections and tumor diseases, siRNA can target viral genes or tumor-associated genes to reduce viral replication or tumor cell proliferation.
[0156] Furthermore, when the macromolecule is nucleic acid, it has high specificity and can act on specific gene sequences, providing high targeting. For example, when designing siRNA, it can be customized based on the specific sequence of the target gene to precisely inhibit the expression of the target gene without affecting the function of other genes. Delivery of Antibody Drugs
[0157] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid (or antibody protein) delivery system disclosed in this application is specifically applied in the design of antibody drugs.
[0158] The structure of the nucleic acid delivery system can include: self-packaging carrier protein and target nucleic acid, where the target nucleic acid is the substance to be delivered. In a specific embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein includes: self-assembly region, membrane budding region. Furthermore, the self-packaging carrier protein and the target nucleic acid are combined into a whole through the nucleic acid binding region. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid encodes nucleic acids that encode antibody proteins. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid is combined with the self-packaging carrier protein through the nucleic acid binding region, where the nucleic acid binding region adopts a viral transfection mechanism. In a specific embodiment, when the antibody protein delivery system is designed as a single plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding region is MCP and MS2 stem loop, where the antibody protein is located between MCP and MS2 stem loop. Furthermore, there may also be P2A between the antibody protein and MCP to achieve co-expression of the gene. In a specific embodiment, when the nucleic acid (antibody protein) delivery system is designed as a dual plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding regions are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, and the dual plasmid / mRNA can be divided into the first plasmid / mRNA and the second plasmid / mRNA, where the first plasmid / mRNA has the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region, and the second plasmid / mRNA has the nucleic acid binding region and the target nucleic acid.
[0159] In a specific embodiment, the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein promotes the expression of the structure of the target nucleic acid (antibody protein) delivery system in the cell after entering the cell, to produce more progeny target nucleic acid (antibody protein) delivery systems, completing the replication and proliferation of the target nucleic acid (antibody protein) delivery system. Furthermore, the progeny target nucleic acid (antibody protein) delivery system obtained through replication and proliferation further enters the cell to complete a new generation of replication and proliferation. Thus, further amplifying the population of the target nucleic acid (antibody protein) delivery system, and further, the antibody protein is expressed after being delivered to the target cells, thereby expressing the antibody protein. In a specific embodiment, the expressed antibody protein recognizes and binds to specific epitopes of antigens (such as viruses, bacteria, specific molecules on the surface of tumor cells, etc. ) . For example, in the case of viral infections, antibodies can accurately recognize viral surface proteins, such as the spike protein (Sprotein) of the novel coronavirus.
[0160] In a specific embodiment, the expressed antibody protein, after binding to key proteins on the surface of pathogens (such as viruses) , can prevent the pathogen from entering host cells. For example, viruses need to bind their surface proteins to receptors on host cells to enter the cells for replication. After the antibody binds to the viral surface protein, it can cover these key binding sites, preventing the virus from binding to the cell receptors, thus preventing entry into the cells and achieving neutralization of the virus. For example, antibodies against certain influenza viruses can prevent the virus from invading respiratory epithelial cells by binding to the hemagglutinin protein of the influenza virus. Furthermore, the expressed antibody protein can also recognize and bind to toxins, rendering the toxins non-toxic. For instance, tetanus toxin is a neurotoxin that can cause severe symptoms such as muscle spasms. Anti-tetanus toxin antibodies can bind to tetanus toxin, preventing it from binding to nerve cells, thus avoiding damage to nerve cells.
[0161] In a specific embodiment, the Fc region (crystallizable fragment) of the expressed antibody can bind to Fc receptors on the surface of immune cells (such as natural killer cells, macrophages, etc. ) , while the variable region of the antibody binds to antigens on the surface of target cells (such as tumor cells or virus-infected cells) , activating immune cells. These immune cells release cytotoxic substances such as perforin and granzymes, leading to the lysis and death of target cells. For example, in tumor therapy, monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor cell surface antigens can recruit and activate natural killer cells to kill tumor cells through ADCC.
[0162] In a specific embodiment, after the expressed antibody binds to the antigen, the Fc region of the antibody can activate the complement system. The complement system is a group of proteins present in serum that, upon activation, form a series of complement components, such as C3b, C5b-9, etc. C3b can bind to target cells (such as bacteria) , enhancing phagocytosis by phagocytic cells; C5b-9 can form a membrane attack complex (MAC) on the surface of target cells, creating pores in the target cell membrane, leading to cell lysis and death. In combating bacterial infections, antibodies activating the complement system can effectively clear bacteria. In a specific embodiment, the expressed antibody can regulate the function of the immune system. For example, in autoimmune diseases, some antibodies can regulate signaling between immune cells, inhibiting overactive immune responses. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis, anti-cytokine antibodies can bind to inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α) , blocking their binding to cell surface receptors, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses and joint damage. Delivery of Vaccines
[0163] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is specifically applied in the design of vaccines.
[0164] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is specifically applied in the design of vaccines: The structure of the nucleic acid delivery system can include: self-packaging carrier protein and target nucleic acid, where the target nucleic acid is the substance to be delivered. In a specific embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein includes: self-assembly region, membrane budding region. Furthermore, the self-packaging carrier protein and the target nucleic acid are combined into a whole through the nucleic acid binding region. Furthermore, the target nucleic acid encodes nucleic acids that encode antigenic peptides.
[0165] In a specific embodiment, when the antigenic peptide delivery system is designed as a single plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding region is MCP and MS2 stem loop, where the target nucleic acid is located between MCP and MS2 stem loop. Furthermore, there may also be P2A between the antigenic peptide and MCP to achieve co-expression of the gene.
[0166] In a specific embodiment, when the nucleic acid delivery system is designed as a dual plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding regions are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, and the dual plasmid / mRNA can be divided into the first plasmid / mRNA and the second plasmid / mRNA, where the first plasmid / mRNA has the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region, and the second plasmid / mRNA has the nucleic acid binding region and the target nucleic acid.
[0167] In a specific embodiment, the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein promotes the expression of the structure of the antigenic peptide delivery system in the cell after entering the cell, to produce more progeny antigenic peptide delivery systems, completing the replication and proliferation of the antigenic peptide delivery system. Furthermore, the progeny antigenic peptide delivery system obtained through replication and proliferation further enters the cell to complete a new generation of replication and proliferation. Thus, further amplifying the population of the antigenic peptide delivery system, and further, the antigenic peptide is expressed after being delivered to the target cells, thereby expressing the antigen, stimulating the immune system to produce an immune response, generating antibodies and immune cells.
[0168] In the application of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application to the vaccine scenario, the functional elements in the self-assembly region and membrane budding region can be designed according to specific needs. Furthermore, the antigenic peptide can be at least viral-derived antigenic peptides and / or autoimmunity-related antigenic peptides and / or tumor antigenic peptides.
[0169] Furthermore, the viral-derived antigenic peptides include but are not limited to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigenic peptides: the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HIV contains multiple antigenic peptide regions. For example, the V3 loop region is a highly variable antigenic peptide sequence that plays a key role in the binding process of HIV to the CD4 receptor and co-receptors on the surface of host cells and is an important target for antibody recognition. Additionally, the gag protein of HIV can be processed into antigenic peptides that can be recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) , thereby triggering an immune response against virus-infected cells.
[0170] Furthermore, the viral-derived antigenic peptides include but are not limited to influenza virus antigenic peptides: the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins of the influenza virus can produce antigenic peptides. The antigenic peptides of the HA protein are crucial for the process of viral invasion of host cells and are also important targets for the host immune system to recognize the influenza virus. When the influenza virus undergoes antigenic drift or antigenic shift, the sequences of these antigenic peptides change, leading to the emergence of new viral strains that evade recognition by previously generated immune antibodies.
[0171] Furthermore, the antigenic peptides include but are not limited to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigenic peptides: some proteins secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis can produce antigenic peptides. For example, early secretory antigen target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) are a pair of important antigenic peptide combinations. They play a significant role in the diagnosis and immunotherapy of tuberculosis. These two antigenic peptides can stimulate the body to produce specific T cell immune responses and can be recognized by the immune system in the early stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
[0172] Furthermore, the antigenic peptides include but are not limited to Staphylococcus aureus antigenic peptides: some virulence factor proteins of Staphylococcus aureus, such as α-hemolysin and enterotoxin, can produce antigenic peptides. The α-hemolysin antigenic peptide can activate the host's immune system, while enterotoxin-related antigenic peptides are associated with food poisoning and some hypersensitivity reactions. These antigenic peptides can be used to develop vaccines or diagnostic reagents against Staphylococcus aureus infections.
[0173] Furthermore, the antigenic peptides include but are not limited to malaria parasite antigenic peptides: during the developmental stage of the malaria parasite in red blood cells, various antigenic peptides are produced. For example, circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antigenic peptides are the main antigens on the surface of the malaria parasite sporozoite, playing a key role in the early stages of malaria infection in humans. When the malaria parasite sporozoite enters the human bloodstream through a mosquito bite, CSP antigenic peptides can be recognized by the host immune system. Additionally, merozoite surface protein (MSP) antigenic peptides are also important antigens during the intraerythrocytic stage of the malaria parasite, related to the proliferation and immune evasion of the malaria parasite in red blood cells.
[0174] In some embodiments, the antigenic peptides contain or are derived from at least about 5%of the full-length antigen protein, optionally, where the antigenic peptides contain or are derived from the full-length surface protein of the pathogen.
[0175] In some embodiments, the disease or condition corresponding to the vaccine is an infectious disease or condition caused by a pathogen, where the antigenic peptide AP contains or is derived from the antigen protein of the pathogen, and the antigen protein of the pathogen is a pathogenic antigen. In some embodiments, the disease or condition targeted for treatment by the vaccine is related to the expression of tumor-associated antigens, and the antigen protein is a tumor-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the disease or condition targeted for treatment by the vaccine is an autoimmune disease or condition, and the antigen protein is an autoimmune antigen. In some embodiments, the disease or condition targeted for treatment by the vaccine is an allergic disease or condition, and the antigen protein is an allergenic antigen.
[0176] The pathogen can be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa. In some embodiments, the pathogen is a coronavirus (CoV) (e.g., α-coronavirus, β-coronavirus, γ-coronavirus, or δ-coronavirus) . In some embodiments, the pathogen is selected from the group consisting of: Acinetobacter baumannii, Anaplasma genus, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma duodenale, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Aspergillus genus, Astroviridae, Babesia genus, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Bartonella henselae, BK virus, Blastocystis hominis, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Bordetella pertussis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borreliagenus, Borreliaspp, Brucella genus, Brugia malayi, Bunyaviridae family, Burkholderia cepacia and other Burkholderia, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Caliciviridae family, Campylobacter genus, Candida albicans, Candida spp, Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psittaci, CJD prion, Clonorchis sinensis, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, certain species of Clostridium spp, Clostridium tetani, certain species of Coccidioides spp, coronaviruses, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Coxiella burnetii, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptosporidium genus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) , Dengue viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4) , Dientamoeba fragilis, Ebolavirus (EBOV) , Echinococcus genus, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia genus, Entamoeba histolytica, Enterococcus genus, Enterovirus genus, Enteroviruses (mainly Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 71 (EV71) ) , certain species of Epidermophyton spp, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) , Escherichia coli (O157: H7, O111, and O104: H4) , Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, FFI prion, Filarioidea superfamily, Filoviruses, Flaviviruses, Francisella tularensis, Fusobacterium genus, Geotrichum candidum, Giardia intestinalis, certain species of Gnathostoma spp, GSS prion, Guanarito virus, Haemophilus ducreyi, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Henipavirus (Hendra virus, Nipah virus) , Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) , Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) , Hepatitis D Virus, Hepatitis E Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) , Histoplasma capsulatum, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) , Hortaea werneckii, Human bocavirus (HBoV) , Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) , Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) , Human papillomavirus (HPV) , Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) , Japanese encephalitis virus, JC virus, Junin virus, Kingella kingae, Klebsiella granulomatis, Kuru prion, Lassa virus, Legionella pneumophila, Leishmania genus, Leptospira genus, Listeria monocytogenes, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) , Machupo virus, certain species of Malassezia spp, Marburg virus, Measles virus, Metagonimus yokagawai, Microsporidia phylum, Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) , Mumps virus, Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Naegleria fowleri, Necator americanus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Nocardia asteroides, certain species of Nocardia spp, Onchocerca volvulus, Orientia tsutsugamushi, Orthomyxoviridae family (influenza virus) , Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, certain species of Paragonimus spp, Paragonimus westermani, Parvovirus B19, Pasteurella genus, Plasmodium genus, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Poliovirus, Rabies virus, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) , Rhinovirus, Rickettsia akari, Rickettsia genus, Rickettsia prowazekii, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia typhi, Rift Valley fever virus, Rotavirus, Rubella virus, Sabiavirus, Salmonella genus, Sarcoptes scabiei, SARS coronavirus, Schistosoma genus, Shigella genus, Sin Nombre virus, Hantavirus, Sporothrix schenckii, Staphylococcus genus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia genus, Taenia solium, Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) , Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum, Trichinella spiralis, Trichomonas vaginalis, certain species of Trichophyton spp, Trichuris trichiura, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Varicella zoster virus (VZV) , Variola major or Variola minor, vCJD prion, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Vibrio cholerae, West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, Wuchereria bancrofti, Yellow fever virus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pestis, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid for the stated purpose may also be an antigen of the rabies virus.
[0177] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application may also be applied to vaccines for animals, such as vaccines for chickens, geese, cats and dogs, ducks, cattle, and horses.
[0178] In a specific embodiment, the chicken vaccine includes at least: Marek's disease vaccine, Newcastle disease vaccine, infectious bursal disease vaccine, avian influenza vaccine, chicken pox vaccine, infectious bronchitis vaccine, infectious laryngeotracheitis vaccine, chicken E. coli inactivated vaccine, and mycoplasma live vaccine. Furthermore, Marek's disease is a common lymphoproliferative disease in chickens that poses a significant threat to the poultry industry. One-day-old chicks may require subcutaneous injection of Marek's disease vaccine in the neck and back, 0.2ml per chick, to prevent tumor occurrence, but it cannot prevent viral infection, and the later the vaccination, the greater the risk of infection for the chicks. Based on the delivery system disclosed in this application, the delivery of the antigen can be achieved.
[0179] Newcastle disease vaccine: Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause massive mortality in chicken flocks. Commonly, there are four strains of live vaccines: I, II, III, and IV, where strains II, III, and IV are suitable for chicks and adult chickens, while strain I is highly virulent and used for chickens over two months old, providing the strongest immune efficacy, suitable for areas with severe outbreaks. Generally, strain II or III is used for basic immunization before using strain I. Additionally, there is an inactivated oil emulsion vaccine for Newcastle disease, which is more effective than the attenuated vaccine and can be used for both large and small chickens, with a long immune period.
[0180] Infectious bursal disease vaccine: This vaccine can prevent diseases caused by the infectious bursal disease virus, typically administered to chickens at 3 to 4 weeks of age for the first dose, followed by a second dose at 8 to 10 weeks of age. There are inactivated and attenuated vaccines, and a mild attenuated vaccine such as PBC98 has been developed domestically, which can be injected into one-day-old chicks and administered via drinking water at 28 days of age
[0181] Avian influenza vaccine: Avian influenza is a disease caused by highly pathogenic viruses, significantly impacting chicken production and farming. Chickens are generally vaccinated at 6 to 8 weeks of age to prevent the spread of avian influenza. The avian influenza vaccine includes inactivated vaccines of various subtypes, and the appropriate vaccine can be selected based on the local circulating strains.
[0182] Chicken pox vaccine: Currently, there are two types of vaccines made from pigeon pox virus and attenuated chicken pox virus. The pigeon pox attenuated vaccine is suitable for chickens of all ages and has no adverse reactions in one-day-old chicks, but the immune response is slightly weaker, with an immune period of 3 to 4 months; the chicken pox attenuated vaccine is suitable for 20-day-old chickens, and vaccination in chicks may cause severe reactions, with some even dying, with an immune period of about 5 months.
[0183] Infectious bronchitis vaccine: The most widely used attenuated strains are H52 and H120, both from Massachusetts, along with other serotypes such as Connecticut and inactivated vaccines. H120 is mildly virulent and suitable for young chicks; H52 has slightly stronger virulence and is used for chickens over one month old or for booster immunization. The immune period for attenuated vaccines is not long, requiring re-vaccination every 2 to 3 months.
[0184] Infectious laryngeotracheitis vaccine: both attenuated and virulent vaccines can be designed. The attenuated vaccine can be administered via eye drops, nasal drops, or feather follicle inoculation; the virulent vaccine can only be administered via rectal swabbing or rectal drops, as respiratory tract administration can cause severe illness.
[0185] Inactivated E. coli vaccine for chickens: E. coli disease is one of the common bacterial diseases in chickens. Breeding chickens can be immunized at 4 weeks and 18 weeks of age, approximately 10 to 15 days before the peak incidence, with 0.5 to 1ml injected into each chicken's muscle.
[0186] Mycoplasma live vaccine: Used to prevent chronic respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens, it is recommended to vaccinate at 3 to 6 weeks of age using eye drops, gently placing the vaccine in the eye.
[0187] In a specific embodiment, a vaccine for ducks can be designed. Duck plague vaccine: This is an effective vaccine for preventing duck plague, typically administered to ducklings around 20 days of age, with 0.2ml to 0.3ml injected into the muscle of each duckling. Adult ducks may require a booster immunization once a year, effectively preventing symptoms such as high fever, soft feet, and diarrhea caused by duck plague virus, reducing the incidence and mortality rate in duck flocks. Duck infectious serositis vaccine: This vaccine primarily prevents duck infectious serositis, an infectious disease caused by the duck Pasteurella multocida, commonly seen in ducklings. The vaccine can be administered to ducklings at 3 to 5 days of age using subcutaneous injection or drinking water immunization, effectively controlling the occurrence and spread of the disease, reducing duck mortality and culling rates. Avian influenza vaccine: Similar to the chicken avian influenza vaccine, ducks also need to be vaccinated against avian influenza to prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza. The first vaccination can be given to ducklings at 7 to 14 days of age, with 0.3ml to 0.5ml injected into the neck, and adult ducks receive a booster immunization every 3 to 6 months, using suitable avian influenza subtype vaccines to ensure the health of the duck flock.
[0188] In a specific embodiment, a vaccine for geese can be designed. Goose plague vaccine: This is a key vaccine for preventing goose plague, usually administered within 24 hours after hatching, with 0.3ml to 0.5ml injected subcutaneously into each gosling, effectively preventing acute septicemia and exudative enteritis caused by goose plague virus, improving the survival rate of goslings. Goose paramyxovirus disease vaccine: This vaccine is used to prevent goose paramyxovirus disease, typically administered to geese around 20 days of age, with 0.5ml injected into the muscle of each goose, and adult geese receive a booster immunization once a year, preventing symptoms such as depression, reduced appetite, and diarrhea, thereby reducing the incidence and mortality rate in goose flocks. Avian influenza vaccine: Geese also need to be vaccinated against avian influenza, with the first vaccination given at 7 to 10 days of age, with 0.3ml to 0.5ml injected subcutaneously into the neck, and adult geese receive a booster immunization every 3 to 4 months to prevent avian influenza virus infection, ensuring healthy growth and production performance.
[0189] The following poultry diseases can be vaccinated against. Chicken viral diseases can include the following. Newcastle disease: This is a highly contagious disease caused by Newcastle disease virus. Vaccination can effectively prevent large-scale outbreaks and deaths in chicken flocks. For example, in some poultry farms, using Newcastle live vaccines (strains II, III, IV) for nasal, eye, or drinking water immunization in chicks and adult chickens can stimulate the production of antibodies to resist viral infections. Avian influenza: Highly pathogenic avian influenza can cause significant losses in the poultry industry. Avian influenza vaccines can prevent various subtypes of avian influenza virus. By vaccinating chickens with inactivated vaccines, an immune response can be triggered in the chickens, allowing the immune system to recognize and eliminate the virus, especially important in poultry farms near migratory bird routes. Infectious bursal disease: This disease primarily affects the bursa of Fabricius in chickens, impacting their immune function. Vaccination can prevent viral infections and reduce incidence rates. For example, vaccinating chickens at 3 to 4 weeks of age with infectious bursal disease vaccine can help produce antibodies, providing protection for the chickens' immune systems. Marek's disease: This is a lymphoproliferative disease caused by a herpesvirus, primarily infecting young chickens. Marek's disease vaccine, when injected subcutaneously into the neck of one-day-old chicks, can effectively prevent tumor occurrence, although it cannot stop viral infection, it can significantly reduce the severity of the disease. Infectious bronchitis: Caused by infectious bronchitis virus, it can lead to lesions in the respiratory and urogenital systems of chickens. Using attenuated vaccines (such as H120 and H52) can immunize chickens of different ages, with H120 suitable for young chicks and H52 for chickens over one month old or for booster immunization, stimulating the immune response and reducing disease transmission. Infectious laryngeotracheitis: This is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by a virus. By using attenuated or virulent vaccines (the virulent vaccine can only be administered via rectal swabbing or drops) , immunization can be achieved through eye drops, nasal drops, or feather follicle inoculation, preventing outbreaks in chicken flocks and reducing the transmissibility and severity of the disease. Chicken pox: This is an acute, contact infectious disease caused by chicken pox virus. Vaccination can prevent viral infections, such as the pigeon pox attenuated vaccine suitable for chickens of all ages, with no adverse reactions in one-day-old chicks, but slightly weaker immunity; the chicken pox attenuated vaccine is suitable for 20-day-old chickens, with an immune period of about 5 months.
[0190] The following chicken bacterial diseases can be vaccinated against. Chicken E. coli disease: Inactivated E. coli vaccines can prevent various diseases caused by pathogenic E. coli, such as septicemia and air sac disease. Breeding chickens are immunized at 4 weeks and 18 weeks of age, approximately 10 to 15 days before the peak incidence, with 0.5 to 1ml injected into each chicken's muscle, effectively reducing the likelihood of E. coli infections. Mycoplasma infection (chronic respiratory disease) : Mycoplasma live vaccines can be used to prevent chronic respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens, recommended for vaccination at 3 to 6 weeks of age using eye drops, gently placing the vaccine in the eye to help produce antibodies and prevent respiratory symptoms caused by mycoplasma infections.
[0191] Duck diseases to be vaccinated against can include the following. Duck plague: Duck plague is an acute, febrile, septicemic infectious disease in ducks. Duck plague vaccines can effectively prevent duck plague virus infections, with the first vaccination given to ducklings around 20 days of age, with 0.2ml to 0.3ml injected into the muscle of each duckling. Adult ducks may require a booster immunization once a year, effectively reducing the incidence and mortality rate of duck plague. Duck infectious serositis: This is an infectious disease caused by duck Pasteurella multocida, primarily affecting ducklings. The vaccine for duck infectious serositis can be administered to ducklings at 3 to 5 days of age using subcutaneous injection or drinking water immunization, effectively controlling the occurrence and spread of the disease, reducing duck mortality and culling rates. Avian influenza (same as chickens) : Ducks are also susceptible to avian influenza, and vaccination against avian influenza can prevent the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The first vaccination is generally given to ducklings at 7 to 14 days of age, with adult ducks receiving a booster immunization every 3 to 6 months, using suitable avian influenza subtype vaccines for immunization.
[0192] Goose diseases to be vaccinated against can include the following Goose plague: Goose plague is an acute or subacute septicemia in goslings. The goose plague vaccine is typically administered within 24 hours after hatching, with 0.3ml to 0.5ml injected subcutaneously into each gosling, effectively preventing acute septicemia and exudative enteritis caused by goose plague virus, improving the survival rate of goslings. Goose paramyxovirus disease: The goose paramyxovirus disease vaccine is used to prevent goose paramyxovirus infections, typically administered to geese around 20 days of age, with 0.5ml injected into the muscle of each goose, and adult geese receive a booster immunization once a year, preventing symptoms such as depression, reduced appetite, and diarrhea, thereby reducing the incidence and mortality rate in goose flocks. Avian influenza (same as chickens and ducks) : Geese also need to be vaccinated against avian influenza to prevent avian influenza virus infections. The first vaccination can be given at 7 to 10 days of age, with 0.3ml to 0.5ml injected subcutaneously into the neck, and adult geese receive a booster immunization every 3 to 4 months to ensure healthy growth and production performance. Cell Therapy Applications
[0193] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is specifically designed for use in cell therapy.
[0194] The structure of the nucleic acid delivery system can include a self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid for the intended purpose, where the nucleic acid is the material to be delivered. In a specific embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein includes a self-assembly region and a membrane-promoting region. Furthermore, the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid are combined through a nucleic acid binding region to form a whole.
[0195] Additionally, the nucleic acid for the intended purpose encodes nucleic acid that modifies the corresponding cells. In a specific embodiment, when the antigen peptide delivery system is designed as a single plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding region is MCP and MS2 stem loop, where the nucleic acid for the intended purpose is located between MCP and MS2 stem loop. Furthermore, the antigen peptide and MCP may also include P2A to achieve co-expression of genes. In a specific embodiment, when the nucleic acid delivery system is designed as a dual plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding regions are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, which can be divided into the first plasmid / mRNA and the second plasmid / mRNA, where the first plasmid / mRNA has the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region, and the second plasmid / mRNA has the nucleic acid binding region and the nucleic acid for the intended purpose. In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid for the intended purpose can be a coding sequence targeting a specific target, where the cells, after being modified by the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, become cells for targeted therapy of specific diseases.
[0196] In a specific embodiment, the self-assembly region of the self-packaging carrier protein promotes the expression of the structure of the antigen peptide delivery system in the cells after entering the cells, to produce more progeny antigen peptide delivery systems, completing the replication and proliferation of the antigen peptide delivery system. Furthermore, the antigen peptide delivery systems obtained through replication and proliferation further enter the cells to complete a new generation of replication and proliferation. This further amplifies the population of the antigen peptide delivery system, and after the antigen peptide is delivered to the target cells, it is expressed, thereby expressing the antigen, stimulating the immune system to produce an immune response, generating antibodies and immune cells.
[0197] In the scenario where the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is applied to vaccines, the functional elements in the self-assembly region and membrane-promoting region can be designed according to specific needs. More specifically, the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application allows for the modification of somatic cells directly in vivo without the need to collect cells from the patient. In a specific embodiment, the cells can be stem cells or immune cells. Furthermore, the stem cells include at least hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) , mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) , neural stem cells (NSCs) , and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) . Additionally, the immune cells include at least T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) .
[0198] In a specific embodiment, the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are primarily sourced from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. Traditional cell therapy may require obtaining HSCs through bone marrow aspiration, while peripheral blood HSCs can be collected from peripheral blood using blood cell separators, and umbilical cord blood HSCs are obtained from the umbilical cord and placenta of newborns. The aforementioned cell collection methods can increase the suffering of patients undergoing treatment (requiring collection, modification, and reinfusion) , and may require ex vivo modification of the HSCs. Based on the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, it is possible to directly modify the HSCs in vivo. If needed, those skilled in the art can also modify the HSCs ex vivo, meaning that the delivery system disclosed in this application can complete the delivery of the nucleic acid regardless of whether the cells are in vivo or ex vivo.
[0199] Furthermore, the HSCs are applied in the treatment of hematological diseases. For example, for leukemia patients, after high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy destroys the patient's own hematopoietic system, healthy hematopoietic stem cells are transplanted into the patient's body, where the hematopoietic stem cells migrate to the bone marrow, rebuilding the patient's hematopoietic and immune systems, allowing the patient to produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets normally.
[0200] In a specific embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are primarily isolated from various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and placenta. Among them, bone marrow MSCs are the earliest discovered and studied, while adipose MSCs are relatively easy to obtain. Traditional cell therapy may require obtaining a large number of cells through liposuction and other methods. Based on the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, it is possible to directly modify the MSCs in vivo. If needed, those skilled in the art can also modify the MSCs ex vivo, meaning that the delivery system disclosed in this application can complete the delivery of the nucleic acid regardless of whether the cells are in vivo or ex vivo.
[0201] Furthermore, the MSCs have multi-directional differentiation potential and can differentiate into various cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes, used for tissue repair and regeneration. For example, in the treatment of osteoarthritis, MSCs can differentiate into chondrocytes to repair damaged articular cartilage. At the same time, MSCs also have powerful immune regulatory functions, capable of suppressing overactive immune responses, with potential applications in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
[0202] In a specific embodiment, the neural stem cells (NSCs) are primarily sourced from embryonic brain tissue, certain specific regions of adult brain tissue (such as the hippocampal dentate gyrus and subventricular zone) , and the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) . The NSCs have enormous potential for the treatment of neurological diseases. For example, in Parkinson's disease, NSCs can differentiate into dopaminergic neurons to replenish the missing neurons in the patient's brain, improving motor symptoms. In spinal cord injury treatment, NSCs can promote the regeneration and repair of nerve fibers, helping to restore the conduction function of the spinal cord. Similar to the aforementioned hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) , the delivery system disclosed in this application can complete the delivery of the nucleic acid regardless of whether the cells are in vivo or ex vivo, allowing those skilled in the art to make free choices based on actual needs.
[0203] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can obtain induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by gene reprogramming of somatic cells (such as skin cells, blood cells, etc. ) . This technology allows almost any somatic cell to be transformed into pluripotent stem cells with embryonic stem cell-like characteristics, providing a new method for obtaining iPSCs. Furthermore, the iPSCs can provide a source of cells for personalized medicine. For example, using the patient's own somatic cells to induce the generation of iPSCs, which can then be differentiated into specific cell types for the treatment of the patient's disease, thus avoiding immune rejection reactions. They can also be used for drug screening and disease modeling, allowing researchers to test the efficacy and safety of drugs on cell models derived from iPSCs, providing a more accurate platform for drug development. The delivery system disclosed in this application can complete the delivery of the nucleic acid regardless of whether the cells are in vivo or ex vivo, allowing those skilled in the art to make free choices based on actual needs.
[0204] In a specific embodiment, the T lymphocytes are primarily obtained from peripheral blood. Existing technologies may require the use of blood cell separation techniques to isolate T cells from the peripheral blood of patients or healthy donors. The T lymphocytes modified by the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application can be freely chosen to complete the modification in vivo, which can play a key role in tumor immunotherapy. For example, CAR-T cell therapy (chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy) can be directly modified in vivo based on the delivery system disclosed in this application, allowing them to express chimeric antigen receptors on their surface, enabling them to specifically recognize antigens on the surface of tumor cells, activating their own immune activity, releasing cytotoxic substances, and directly killing tumor cells. This therapy has achieved significant efficacy in treating certain refractory hematological tumors, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Based on this, the nucleic acid for the intended purpose in the delivery system disclosed in this application is designed to express chimeric antigen receptors on its surface.
[0205] In a specific embodiment, traditional techniques may require obtaining natural killer (NK) cells from various sources such as peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, and placenta. In healthy human peripheral blood, NK cells account for about 10%to 15%of the total lymphocyte count. Furthermore, the NK cells can directly recognize and kill tumor cells and virus-infected cells without prior sensitization. In tumor immunotherapy, NK cell therapy involves extracting NK cells from the patient or healthy donors, activating and expanding them in vitro, and then reinfusing them into the patient to enhance their anti-tumor or anti-viral capabilities. In the treatment of viral infectious diseases, NK cells can recognize virus-infected cells and exert antiviral immune effects. The delivery system disclosed in this application can deliver target nucleic acids regardless of whether the cells are in vivo or in vitro, allowing skilled personnel to choose based on actual needs.
[0206] Dendritic cells (DCs) , primarily derived from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, are widely distributed in various tissues and organs in vivo. In vitro, they can be obtained by inducing differentiation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. As previously mentioned, the delivery system disclosed in this application can deliver target nucleic acids regardless of whether the cells are in vivo or in vitro, allowing skilled personnel to choose based on actual needs. Dendritic cells are the most important antigen-presenting cells in vivo, capable of capturing, processing, and presenting antigens, thereby activating T lymphocyte immune responses. In tumor therapy, the delivery system disclosed in this application can activate the patient's own anti-tumor immune response by reinfusing dendritic cells loaded with tumor-associated antigens into the patient and / or directly modifying dendritic cells in the patient to load tumor-associated antigens, inducing the body to produce specific immune cells against tumor cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, to kill tumor cells.
[0207] CAR-M (chimeric antigen receptor macrophages) drugs are a new type of cell immunotherapy. They are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) on the surface of macrophages, endowing them with the ability to specifically recognize and phagocytize tumor cells. Macrophages are an important component of the immune system, with functions such as phagocytosing pathogens and cellular debris. Under normal circumstances, macrophages have limited recognition and phagocytosis of tumor cells. By using CAR technology, single-chain antibodies (scFv) that recognize tumor-associated antigens are linked to activation signal molecules of macrophages to construct CAR. When CAR-M cells encounter tumor cells expressing the corresponding antigen, CAR can accurately recognize tumor antigens, activating macrophages to exert powerful phagocytic functions, directly phagocytosing tumor cells, and regulating immune responses by releasing cytokines, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immune effects.
[0208] Macrophages can be obtained from various sources, such as differentiating from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) . By collecting peripheral blood from patients or healthy donors and using methods like density gradient centrifugation to isolate mononuclear cells, they can then be differentiated into macrophages under specific cytokines (e.g., macrophage colony-stimulating factor, M-CSF) . As previously mentioned, the delivery system disclosed in this application can deliver target nucleic acids regardless of whether the cells are in vivo or in vitro, allowing skilled personnel to choose based on actual needs.
[0209] The in vitro preparation of CAR-M may require strict quality control, including testing the purity, activity, and stability of CAR expression in CAR-M cells. Additionally, to obtain a sufficient number of CAR-M cells for treatment, cells need to be expanded under appropriate culture conditions while ensuring that their quality is not compromised during the expansion process. If CAR-M is directly modified in vivo based on the delivery system disclosed in this application, the aforementioned issues can be avoided, and the system's ability to repeatedly deliver can also ensure the quantity of CAR-M.
[0210] Furthermore, the modified immune cells described in this application can treat diseases including tumor-related diseases, such as hematological tumors and leukemia. For acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) , CAR-T cell therapy has shown good therapeutic effects. For example, CD19-CAR-T cells can accurately recognize the CD19 antigen on the surface of leukemia cells, triggering an immune response to eliminate leukemia cells. In clinical trials, many patients resistant to traditional chemotherapy have shown significant relief after receiving CAR-T cell therapy. Similarly, for lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a common malignant hematological tumor where CAR-T cell therapy is also applied. For CD20-positive lymphoma, modified CAR-T cells can effectively recognize and attack lymphoma cells, providing new treatment options for patients with relapsed and refractory lymphoma. For solid tumor-related diseases, dendritic cell (DC) vaccines have certain applications in melanoma treatment. DCs can capture melanoma-associated antigens, process them, and present the antigen information to T lymphocytes, activating the body's anti-tumor immune response. Additionally, combining with immune checkpoint inhibitors can further enhance the immunotherapy effect and prolong patient survival. In lung cancer, NK cells can recognize abnormal antigens on the surface of lung cancer cells, releasing cytotoxic substances such as perforin and granzyme to directly kill lung cancer cells. Moreover, genetically engineered NK cells to enhance their anti-tumor activity hold promise for providing more effective treatment options for lung cancer patients. Furthermore, the delivery system disclosed in this application can modify corresponding cells to treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential application value in the treatment of RA. MSCs have immunoregulatory functions, capable of inhibiting the overactivation of immune cells such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and monocytes, and reducing the production of inflammatory factors like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) . In preclinical studies and some clinical trials, MSC transplantation has been shown to alleviate joint inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function to some extent. For systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , MSCs can also be used for treatment, regulating autoimmune responses and repairing damaged tissues. For example, MSCs can correct the abnormal functions of T and B cells in SLE patients and reduce the levels of autoantibodies. Some small-scale clinical trials have shown that MSC treatment can stabilize the condition of some SLE patients and reduce the occurrence of complications such as lupus nephritis.
[0211] Furthermore, the delivery system disclosed in this application can modify corresponding cells to treat neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) . Dopaminergic neurons derived from neural stem cells (NSCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are expected to be used for the treatment of PD. The main pathological feature of PD is the degeneration and death of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain, leading to reduced dopamine secretion in the brain. By transplanting NSCs or dopaminergic neurons differentiated from iPSCs into the patient's brain, the missing neurons can theoretically improve the patient's motor symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. For Alzheimer's disease (AD) , although there are currently no mature cell therapies for AD, research is ongoing. iPSC technology can reprogram the patient's somatic cells into neural stem cells, which can then differentiate into neurons and glial cells. These cells can be used to construct disease models, study the pathogenesis of AD, and potentially treat patients in the future through cell transplantation, such as repairing damaged neural circuits and improving cognitive function.
[0212] Furthermore, the delivery system disclosed in this application can modify corresponding cells to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI) . Both NSCs and MSCs have been used in research for the treatment of SCI. NSCs can differentiate into neurons and glial cells, promoting the regeneration and connection of spinal cord nerve fibers. MSCs primarily improve the microenvironment at the injury site by secreting neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) , inhibiting inflammatory responses, and promoting the repair and regeneration of spinal cord tissue.
[0213] Furthermore, the delivery system disclosed in this application can modify corresponding cells to treat cardiovascular diseases. For example, in myocardial infarction (MI) , MSCs and cardiac stem cells (CSCs) have potential applications in the treatment of MI. After a myocardial infarction occurs, a large number of myocardial cells die, leading to impaired heart function. MSCs can exert therapeutic effects through various mechanisms, including differentiating into cardiomyocyte-like cells to replenish damaged myocardial cells, and secreting cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promote neovascularization and improve myocardial blood supply. CSCs, which are stem cells found in the heart, can self-renew and differentiate into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells, also showing potential in repairing damaged myocardium. Similarly, for heart failure (HF) , MSCs and CSCs have been studied for their therapeutic effects. By improving the regenerative capacity of myocardial cells, reducing myocardial fibrosis, and enhancing the heart's contraction and relaxation functions, it is hoped to improve the condition and quality of life of heart failure patients.
[0214] Furthermore, the delivery system disclosed in this application can modify corresponding cells to treat tissue repair and regeneration diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA) . MSCs can be used for the treatment of OA, differentiating into chondrocytes to repair damaged articular cartilage. In clinical applications, intra-articular injection of MSCs can relieve joint pain and improve joint function. Additionally, MSCs can secrete cytokines to inhibit inflammatory responses in the joint, slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. For skin injuries and ulcers, stem cells such as epidermal stem cells and MSCs play important roles in skin tissue repair. Epidermal stem cells can rapidly proliferate and differentiate into epidermal cells to repair the damaged epidermal layer. MSCs can promote skin wound healing by secreting growth factors and regulating inflammatory responses, reducing scar formation, and showing certain therapeutic effects for chronic skin ulcers and other difficult-to-treat wounds. EXAMPLES
[0215] The present disclosure will be more specifically illustrated by the following Examples. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by these examples in any manner. Example 1: Design of Single Plasmid and Dual Plasmid Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems
[0216] As shown in FIG. 1, both single and dual plasmid / mRNA constructs were designed.Single plasmid / mRNA
[0217] As shown, this is a design of a single plasmid nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application. In this embodiment, the self-packaging carrier protein is such that the nucleic acid binding region is such that the end of the self-packaging carrier protein is sequentially connected to the beginning of the nucleic acid binding region, where the target nucleic acid is connected to the P2A and MS2 stem loop of the nucleic acid binding region, respectively. In other words, the self-packaging carrier protein, the nucleic acid binding region, and the target nucleic acid are integrated into a single mRNA / plasmid.Dual plasmid / mRNA
[0218] As shown in FIG. 1, this is a design of a dual plasmid / mRNA nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application. In this embodiment, when the design of the nucleic acid delivery system is a dual plasmid / mRNA, the nucleic acid binding regions are located above the two plasmids / mRNA, and the dual plasmid / mRNA can be divided into the first plasmid / mRNA and the second plasmid / mRNA, where the first plasmid / mRNA has the self-packaging carrier protein and the nucleic acid binding region, and the second plasmid / mRNA has the nucleic acid binding region and the target nucleic acid. In other words, the self-packaging carrier protein and the target nucleic acid are integrated into two plasmids / mRNA. Example 2: Testing of Single and Dual Plasmid Systems
[0219] To test the impact of different components on the delivery effect of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application, the inventors designed nucleic acid delivery systems with different component structures and infected RAW cells.
[0220] The comparison of transfection efficiency between the dual mRNA and single mRNA of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is shown in FIG. 2. Based on the results, it can be seen that the transfection efficiency of the dual mRNA disclosed in this application is better than that of the single mRNA.
[0221] The transfection efficiency testing of a preferred embodiment of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application in different cells is shown in FIGs. 3-5, which present the transfection efficiency results of the MEFI nucleic acid delivery system for 293T (FIG. 3) , B16 (FIG. 4) , and RAW cells (FIG. 5) .
[0222] The effect of GFP and Nluc on the transfection effect of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is shown in FIG. 6, which presents the data on the impact of GFP and Nluc on the transfection effect of the MEFI nucleic acid delivery system. Nluc expression using the indicated constructs were also measured as shown in FIG. 23. Similarly, constructs were designed according to FIG. 24A to determine which components result in the highest levels of expression. As shown in FIG. 24B, the VEMpG construct resulted in the greatest level of expression.
[0223] The optimal ratio result data test of a preferred embodiment of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is shown in FIGs. 7A-7D. The iterative proliferation test of a preferred embodiment of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is shown in FIG. 8. FIGs. 9A-9B present the results of two (FIG. 9A) and three (FIG. 9B) iterative tests of the MEFI nucleic acid delivery system. FIG. 10 shows the iterative trend test results of the MEFI-targeted nucleic acid delivery system of the present invention.
[0224] The animal injection test of a preferred embodiment of the nucleic acid delivery system disclosed in this application is shown in FIG. 11, which illustrates the results of intramuscular injection of the MEFI nucleic acid delivery system in mice and the imaging results of the lungs after nebulized inhalation into the mice.
[0225] A construct was also designed which encoded a diphtheria toxin A (DTA) cargo, to test the cell cytotoxicity of the cargo. Cytotoxicity was observed using the MEFI system encoding DTA (FIG. 22) .
[0226] It was also investigated whether an addition of a guide RNA (gRNA) sequence into the LTR of the construct could affect expression. A construct was designed which included a HER2 gRNA in addition to the MEFI components. As shown in FIG. 12, the constructs containing the HER2 gRNA showed increased expression of GFP cargo. Example 3: In Vitro Testing of Delivery System
[0227] A system was designed to test the capability of the system to infect and propagate the delivery system (FIG. 13) . A construct was designed with fused the human CEP55-derived EABR domain to the C terminus of VSVg’s cytoplasmic tail via a flexible Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser linker, appending green fluorescent protein (GFP) for visualization (FIG. 14A) . The transient transfection of the VSVg-EABR-GFP plasmid led to the localization of GFP around the membrane in human HEK293T cells (FIG. 15A) . Electron microscopy images indicated that spherical, ~160-nm-diameter particles were contained in the supernatant (FIG. 14B) . Subsequently, the supernatant was collected and concentrated to infect murine RAW264.7 cells. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry assays indicated that the majority of the cells were GFP-positive, suggesting that the VSVg-EABR-GFP VLPs mediated effective cross-species transduction (FIG. 14C and FIG. 15B) .
[0228] For mRNA delivery, GFP was replaced with the MCP to recruit MS2-tagged cargo mRNAs (FIG. 14D) . To define the roles of VSVg, EABR, and MCP in mRNA packaging and delivery, element-deletion variants were generated (FIG. 14E) . Co-transfection of mCherry-MS2 with the VSVg-EABR-MCP chimera (VEM) resulted in >2,000-fold enrichment of packaged mCherry-MS2 mRNA in supernatants of HEK293T cells (RT-qPCR) , relative to controls lacking VEM. In parallel, it was observed that VSVg, EABR, and MCP were essential for mRNA packaging (FIG. 14F) . Subsequently, the filtered supernatant was used to infect RAW264.7 cells, and the cargo mRNA in these cells was assayed. VEM efficiently delivered mCherry mRNA into target cells. In contrast, negligible cargo mRNA was detected when either VSVg, EABR, or MCP was omitted (FIG. 14G) . Similar results were obtained when NLuc was used as the cargo (FIG. 15C) . In agreement, the expression of mCherry protein in infected cells by flow cytometry assay confirmed that all three elements are necessary for functional mRNA packaging and delivery (FIG. 14H) . These results suggest that VSVg-EABR-MCP fusion protein assembles VLP that enabling MS2-tagged mRNA package and delivery.Experimental MethodsCell Lines
[0229] HEK293T and GL261 cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM, Gibco) supplemented with 10%heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS, EXCELL) and 1%penicillin-streptomycin (Gibco) at 37℃ and 5%CO2. RAW264.7, K562, Nalm-6, and B16 cells are cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 Medium supplemented with 10%FBS and 1%penicillin-streptomycin.Plasmid Constructs
[0230] Some constructs were generated by standard cloning procedures, in which inserts and linearized backbones were generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or restriction digest. The remaining designed constructs were synthesized by a commercial vendor.Mouse Studies
[0231] Animals were group-housed in individually ventilated cages (IVCs) under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions, with constant temperature and humidity with lighting on a fixed light / dark cycle (12-hours / 12-hours) . 5–7 weeks old homozygous mouse littermates were randomly assigned to experimental groups.VLP Production
[0232] VLPs in were produced by transient transfection of HEK293T cells. HEK293T cells were seeded in 6-well plates at a density of 5 x 105 cells per well. After 24h, cells were transfected using the jetPRIME transfection reagent according to the manufacturer’s protocols. The reagent volume to DNA mass ratio (V / m) was 1: 2 (fill-up with transfection buffer, 10 min incubation at room temperature for complex formation) . The detailed plasmid stoichiometries of the different systems are indicated for each experiment. The media was changed after 6 hours, and VLP supernatant was harvested at 36 hr and centrifuged for 5 min at 500 g to remove cell debris. The clarified VLP-containing supernatant was filtered through a 0.45-mm filter. For VLPs that were used in cell culture, unless otherwise stated, the filtered supernatant was concentrated 100-fold using a centrifugal filter. Ultracentrifugation was performed at 135,000 g for 2 h (4℃) using an ultracentrifuge. Following ultracentrifugation, VLP pellets were resuspended in cold PBS. Samples were aliquoted and stored at -20℃. For making specific receptor targeting and integrating VLPs, VSV-G mutant was used instead.Lentiviral infection and viral incubation assay
[0233] To evaluate VLPs, 20 μL concentrated EABR-VLP was added into RAW264.7 cells in 12 well plate. 2 days later, GFP signal was measured by flow cytometry. To define the roles of VSVg, EABR, and MCP in mRNA packaging and delivery, 40 μL concentrated VLPs were added into RAW264.7 cells in 6 well plate. Upon 2 days incubation, cells were subjected to flow cytometry to quantify mCherry+ cells.Negative-stain transmission electron microscopy
[0234] VLPs were centrifuged for 5 min at 500 g to remove debris and then the clarified supernatant were ultracentrifuged for 2 hrs at 135,000 g. A drop of 10 μL of sample was applied to a carbon coated grid that had been glow discharged for 1 min in air, and the grids were immediately negatively stained using 2%phosphotungstic acid for 60 s. Grids were examined in a H-7800 operated at 80-120 kV. Images were taken using Transmission Electron Microscope.Bioluminescence quantification
[0235] NLuc signal was read on-plate 48 hours post-transfection. Measurements were taken on a BioTek synergy H1 plate reads with 1 s acquisition time right after the addition of Furimazine for NLuc.Flow cytometry
[0236] 48 h post-incubation by VLPs, cells were gently detached in a suitable volume of accutase, pelleted (500 g, 5 min) , and resuspended in PBS. Analysis was performed on a FACS machine. Data were analyzed with commercial software. The main population of the cells was gated according to their FSC-A and SSC-A. The single cells were gated using FSC-A and FSC-H.Reverse transcription and quantitative PCR
[0237] An RT-qPCR assay was used to measure the abundance of specific RNA molecules in VLP or cellular RNA. The VLP RNA was extracted from 10 mL of supernatant using the Viral RNA Mini kit according to manufacturer’s instructions. The cellular RNA was extracted from cells using a Super Total RNA Extraction Kit according to manufacturer’s instructions. RNA was then reverse transcribed using a reverse transcriptase mix at 42 ℃ for 15 mins, and 95 ℃for 3 mins. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed with reverse transcription product as input, final concentration of 400 nM per primer, and thermal cycling profile consisting of 95 ℃ for 30 seconds, followed by 40 cycles of 95 ℃ for 10 seconds and 60 ℃ for 30 seconds. Negative controls consisting of supernatant from HEK293T cells subjected to mock transfections without DNA.Cell viability assays
[0238] Cell viability was quantified using a luminescent cell viability kit. 5x104 cells (for B16, Nalm-6, GL261 and K562) were seeded in 100 μL of media per well. The cells were allowed to adhere for 24 h before treatment with VLPs. After 48 h of VLP incubation, 100 μL of luminescence reagent was added to each well in the dark. Cells were incubated for 10 min at room temperature and the 100 μL of solution was transferred into black 96-well flat bottom plates, and the luminescence was measured on a plate reader with 1 s acquisition time. Example 4: Cargo mRNA transfer from cell to cell iteratively in vitro
[0239] Constructs were designed which could result in iterative production of VLPs packaging cargo and VEM mRNA from targeted cells could transfer these mRNA to other cells and amplify the protein output of the cell population. Unless otherwise noted, the methods shown in Example 3 were used. To enable this, constructs were generated by inserting MS2 aptamers into the 3′ UTR of VEM mRNA, enabling self-packaging into VLPs upon translation (FIG. 14I) .
[0240] To determine the efficiency of the constructs to re-package and export cargo mRNA, mCherry alone, mCherry plus VEM, and mCherry plus MEFI plasmids were transfected into 293T cell, respectively. After 36 hours, the supernatants were filtered and added to the RAW264.7 cells. Then, the mixed culture media was replaced with fresh media 6 hours later to remove residue VLPs, and 24 hours later, the supernatants were collected for qPCR assay. The results indicated that MEFI enriched almost 108-fold of mCherry mRNA compared to mCherry alone. In contrast, VEM enriched mCherry mRNA by ~2-fold compared to mCherry alone. In parallel, a similar result was obtained when assessing the VSVg mRNA, suggesting MEFI protein can efficiently export itself mRNA (FIG. 14J) .
[0241] To determine whether external MEFI can export endogenous MS2-tagged mRNA from targeted cells, the NLuc-MS2 plasmid alone was transfected, which is convenient for quantitative detection, into RAW264.7 cells. After 24 hours, the indicated supernatants were added, and NLuc in the cells was detected by chemiluminescence following an additional 24-hour infection period. It was observed that the addition of VEM supernatant did not increase the expression of NLuc, while MEFI increased the expression of NLuc by approximately 10-fold. Subsequently, the cell supernatants from the previous step were added to fresh RAW264.7 cells. The luminescence assay revealed that the supernatant produced by VEM exhibited a slight increase, whereas MEFI achieved an approximate 100-fold enhancement in NLuc expression, thereby demonstrating intercellular ferrying of cargo mRNA (FIG. 14K) . It was then demonstrated that MS2 is indispensable for cargo mRNA intercellular transfer, as MEFI does not enhance the expression of NLuc mRNA without MS2 in cells by transient plasmid transfection and supernatant infection (FIG. 14L) . Next, in order to assess the efficiency of multiple rounds, or iterative, delivery of mRNA by MEFI, mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) were used to infect with the supernatant of previous round (FIG. 15D) . Although each round of Nluc expression is attenuated over the previous one, expression of Nluc remained detectable after seven rounds of MEFI propagation (FIG. 10) . Collectively, these results provide compelling evidence that MEFI can facilitate the iterative delivery of cargo mRNA through recursive VLP assembly and intercellular transfer. Example 5: The optimized MEFI system enhances cargo expression and crosses biological barriers
[0242] It was next determined whether MEFI can enhance the production of total cargo protein. Unless otherwise noted, the methods shown in Example 3 were used. First, GFP-MS2 alone, GFP-MS2 plus VEM, and GFP-MS2 plus MEFI plasmids were transfected into 293T cell, respectively. The flow cytometry assay indicated that co-transfection with VEM increased the rate of GFP+ cells and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the total cell population compared to that of GFP alone. Furthermore, MEFI significantly increased the rate of GFP+ cells and the MFI of the total cell population. Additionally, it was found that neither VEM nor MEFI decreased the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the GFP+ cells, suggesting that the exporting of GFP mRNA did not reduce GFP protein production in individual cells (FIG. 17A) . Moreover, the single MEFI-cargo fused mRNA did not transfer as effectively as the pattern of separated MEFI and cargo mRNA (FIGs. 17B-17C) . Then, codon and secondary structure optimization was performed of MEFI mRNA using the LinearDesign tool. Codon Adaption Index of MEFI increased from (CAI) 0.75 to 0.93, minimal free energy (MFE) decreased from -856.30 to -1478.40 kcal / mol (FIG. 17D) . It was found that the optimized MEFI had an ~2 folds improved capacity to enhance Nluc expression (FIG. 17E) . Thereafter, MEFI indicates the optimized version.
[0243] Next, the mass ratio of cargo to MEFI was tested by transfecting a fixed quantity of the NLuc plasmid (pNLuc) with varying quantities of the MEFI plasmid (pMEFI) . A 5-fold increase was observed in NLuc expression at an initial ratio of 1: 0.5 compared to that at 1: 0 (NLuc alone) . MEFI exhibited maximal potency at a 1: 2 ratio, with a 25-fold enhancement in expression compared to NLuc alone (FIG. 16A) . When the total plasmid quantity was fixed, the highest NLuc expression occurred at a ratio of 1: 2 again, with a 8-fold increase in expression compared to NLuc alone (FIG. 16B) . It was also observed that while achieving the same level of NLuc expression, MEFI reduced total plasmid amount to at least one-tenth of that required for pNLuc alone (FIG. 16C) . Thereafter, unless otherwise specified, a MEFI: cargo ratio of 2: 1 was used.
[0244] MEFI's efficacy in promoting plasmid DNA expression by means of in vivo and ex vivo luminescence was tested. The indicated plasmids were encapsulated in a commercial cationic lipids. After 24 hours of intravenous injection, mice in the pNLuc alone group exhibited nearly undetectable expression of NLuc, whereas in the presence of MEFI, NLuc expression was ~360-fold compared to that of the pNLuc alone (FIG. 16D) . In vivo studies shown in FIG. 16D were done using adult, 8–10-week-old, male BALB / c. Intravenous injection occurred via the lateral tail vein with 100 μL of the test agent. Furimazine solution was injected intraperitoneally at the specified time point into both acquisition and analysis of optical images. A strong expression of NLuc persisted at least 72 hours facilitated by MEFI, and then the mice were sacrificed for organs ex vivo imaging. Weak NLuc expression was detected only in the lungs and spleens of mice treated with pNLuc alone, whereas the presence of MEFI resulted in substantially higher NLuc expression in most major organs compared to that of pNLuc alone: 501-fold higher in the lung, 147-fold higher in the liver, 85-fold higher in the spleen, 53-fold higher in the brain (FIGs. 16E-16H) , 27-fold higher in the kidneys, 50-fold higher in the heart, 35-fold higher in the pancreas, and 142-fold higher in the inguinal lymph nodes (FIGs. 17F-17I) . Importantly, the obvious expression of NLuc in the brain indicates that MEFI could transfer cargo mRNA across the blood-brain barrier (FIG. 16E) . Example 6: MEFI enables robust and durable expression of naked plasmids and interorgan cargo transfer in vivo
[0245] Next, it was evaluated whether MEFI can enhance cargo expression through intramuscular injection of naked plasmids. Unless otherwise noted, the methods shown in Example 3 were used. For the relative uniformity of the comparison, the same mouse was injected with pNLuc plus pGFP into the left caudal thigh muscle, while pNLuc plus pMEFI were injected into the right caudal thigh muscle. Indeed, these experiments did not detect obvious NLuc expression from the left side, but a robust NLuc expression was observed on the right side up to two months post-injection. Moreover, a second administration still evoked significant and durable NLuc expression, suggesting that MEFI and its protein did not elicit an obvious adaptive immune response (FIGs. 18A-18B) . In vivo studies shown in FIG. 18A were done using adult, 8–10-week-old, female BALB / c and intramuscular injection occurred in the lateral muscle group of the thigh with 80 μL of the test agent.
[0246] The ability of MEFI to deliver therapeutic naked pDNA cargo via intramuscular injection was then tested. 28 days post-administration, therapeutic levels of human erythropoietin (hEPO) was detected in the serum of mice injected with phEPO / pMEFI, whereas no detectable hEPO was present in the absence of MEFI (FIG. 18C) . Serum EPO levels were quantified using a Human EPO Assay kit following the manufacturer’s instructions. First, plates were coated with biotinylated capture antibody prior to sample and standard administration. Samples and standards were incubated on plate for 90 mins at 37 ℃, following the addition detection antibody for 1 hour. Avidin-peroxidase complex was added to the plate for a 30 min incubation, and then was analyzed with a plate reader.
[0247] To further confirm whether MEFI can mediate cargo mRNA transfer in vivo, a genetically engineered ZsGreen / tdTomato conversion reporter mice was utilized (CAG-LoxP-ZsGreen-Stop-LoxP-tdTomato) containing a LoxP-flanked ZsGreen-STOP cassette that initially expresses ZsGreen but prevents the expression of the tdTomato protein. Once the ZsGreen-STOP cassette is deleted by Cre, ZsGreen expression is turned off, and tdTomato fluorescence is turned on, allowing for the detection of Cre-mediated gene-edited cells (FIG. 19A) . Seven days following the intramuscular injection of the MS2-tagged Cre plasmid and pMEFI, tdTomato fluorescence was readily detected in some organs through ex vivo imaging (FIG. 18D) . In vivo studies shown in FIG. 18D were done using adult, 8–12-week-old, male B6-G / R. Intramuscular injection occurred in the lateral muscle group of the thigh with 80 μL of the test agent.
[0248] Additionally, tdTomato-positive cells were easily observed using confocal imaging of tissue sections (FIG. 18E and FIG. 19B) . Tissues were fixed in 4%paraformaldehyde (PFA) for 24 h, dehydrated in 30%sucrose solution. Frozen sections were preserved in OCT compound, frozen, sectioned at 3 μm, and stored at -80 ℃. Prior to staining, all samples were rinsed with ddH2O. The sections were then incubated 5 minutes at room temperature with 5 μg / mL DAPI away from light, then washed with ddH2O. Images were captured using a confocal microscopy system. Specifically, tdTomato-positive cells were emerging in the brain, demonstrating that MEFI facilitates Cre mRNA crossing the blood-brain barrier (FIG. 18E) . These findings suggest that MEFI can facilitate interorgan cargo mRNA transfer in mice. Example 7: Cell type-specific cytotoxicity conducted by scFv-MEFI
[0249] Next, MEFI was modified for cell-specific delivery. Unless otherwise noted, the methods shown in Example 3 were used. MEFI variants were constructed targeting CD19 and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1, a melanoma surface antigen) by replacing the extracellular domain of VSVg with the corresponding anti-CD19 or anti-TYRP1 scFv, respectively (FIG. 20A) . Then, NLuc was used as cargo to verify the specific targeting of scFv-MEFI. The chemiluminescence assay revealed that in the presence of MEFI or anti-CD19 scFv-MEFI, the expression of NLuc in Naml6 cells (CD19+) , were almost equal. However, the anti-CD19 scFv-MEFI was inefficient in transferring NLuc mRNA to K562 cells (CD19-) compared to native MEFI (FIG. 20B) . A similar result was obtained in the items of anti-TYRP1 MEFI in TYRP1+ B16 and TYRP1-GL261 cells (FIG. 20C) .
[0250] Diphtheria toxin A chain (DTA) , an inducer of cell death, was selected as the cargo to test the cell type specific killing of scFv-MEFI. Twenty-four hours after adding the indicated transiently co-transfected supernatant, the ATP assay demonstrated the cell viability of Nalm6 cells were both decreased in the present of MEFI and anti-CD19 scFv-MEFI. However, compared with that of anti-CD19 MEFI, only the MEFI DTA-treated K562 cells were obviously killed (FIG. 20D) . A similar result was obtained in the items of anti-TYRP1 MEFI with TYRP1+B16 and TYRP1-GL261 cells, confirming its cell-type cytotoxicity (FIG. 20E) .
[0251] A bioPROTAC was also utilized, targeting the oncology-related protein Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) , as a cargo to assess the specific delivery of scFv-MEFI. The ATP assay revealed a more significant reduction in the viability of Nalm6 cells treated with the supernatant from anti-CD19-MEFI / aPCNA-PROTAC compared to those treated with the supernatant from MEFI / aPCNA-PROTAC. However, the cell viability of K562 cells was more decreased in the presence of MEFI-PROTAC than with anti-CD19 scFv-MEFI-PROTAC (FIG. 21A) . A similar result was obtained for the anti-TYRP1 MEFI with both TYRP1+ B16 and TYRP1-GL261 cells (FIG. 21B) . These results demonstrate that MEFI can be modified for cell-specific targeting to deliver diverse therapeutic cargoes.
[0252] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
Claims
A composition comprising:a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-assembly region, a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide, and a third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 1, wherein the first nucleic acid sequence encodes a fusion polypeptide comprising the self-assembly region, and wherein the fusion polypeptide further comprises a membrane-promoting region.The composition of claim 2, wherein the membrane-promoting region comprises an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain.The composition of claim 3, wherein the ESCRT-recruiting domain comprises an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) .The composition of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the self-assembly region is linked to the membrane-promoting region via a linker.The composition of claim 5, wherein the linker is a flexible linker.The composition of claim 6, wherein the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n where n is any integer from 1 to 10.The composition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or a ribonucleic acid (RNA) .The composition of claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid is a DNA, and wherein the third nucleic acid sequence encodes an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 9, wherein the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.The composition of claim 9, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 12, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 13, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker.The composition of claim 15, wherein the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A.The composition of claim 15 or 16, wherein the fifth nucleic acid sequence is located in between the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence.The composition of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’ , the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide, the fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain, the fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding the cleavable linker, the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide, and the third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one nucleic acid sequence presented in Tables 1-5.The composition of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) .The composition of claim 20, wherein the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the membrane-promoting region.The composition of claim 20 or 21, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the membrane-promoting region.A composition comprising:a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a self-assembly region from a vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) and an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain that is an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) .The composition of claim 23, wherein the nucleic acid is configured to be delivered from a host cell to a different host cell.The composition of claim 23 or 24, wherein the self-assembly region is linked to the EABR via a linker.The composition of claim 25, wherein the linker is a flexible linker.The composition of claim 26, wherein the flexible linker comprises a (GGGS) n where n is any integer from 1 to 10.The composition of any one of claims 23-27, wherein the nucleic acid is a DNA or an RNA.The composition of any one of claims 23-28, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide.The composition of any one of claims 23-29, wherein the nucleic acid is a DNA, and wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a third nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 30, wherein the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.The composition of claim 30, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain is a RNA-binding domain, and wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 30-32, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 33, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 34, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 23-35, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker.The composition of claim 36, wherein the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A.The composition of claim 36 or 37, wherein the fifth nucleic acid sequence is located in between the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence.The composition of any one of claims 36-38, wherein the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’ , the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the fusion polypeptide, the fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain, the fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding the cleavable linker, the second nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide, and the third nucleic acid sequence having a secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of any one of claims 23-39, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one nucleic acid sequence presented in Tables 1-5.The composition of any one of claims 23-40, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) .The composition of claim 41, wherein the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the EABR.The composition of claim 41 or 42, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the EABR.The composition of any one of claims 23-28, wherein the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid.The composition of claim 44, wherein the first or second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide.The composition of claim 44 or 45, wherein the first or second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 46, wherein the first and the second nucleic acids each comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 46 or 47, wherein the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.The composition of any one of claims 46-48, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 44-49, wherein the first or second nucleic acid comprises a sequence encoding the RNA binding domain.The composition of any one of claims 44-50, wherein the first or second nucleic acid comprises a sequence encoding a cleavable linker.The composition of claim 51, wherein the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A.The composition of claim 51 or 52, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises:(a) the first nucleic acid sequence;(b) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA-binding domain; and(c) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure.The composition of claim 53, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’ , the first nucleic acid sequence, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA-binding domain, and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure.The composition of any one of claims 51-53, wherein the second nucleic acid sequence comprises:(a) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide; and(b) the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure.The composition of claim 55, wherein the second nucleic acid sequence comprises, from 5’ to 3’ , the nucleic acid sequence encoding the cargo polypeptide and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the RNA secondary structure.A composition comprising:a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a targeting region, a self-assembly region, and an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain, wherein the targeting region and the self-assembly region are from different proteins.A composition comprising:a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising an extracellular domain comprising a targeting region linked via a linker to a self-assembly region comprising at least a transmembrane domain, wherein the linker comprises at most 450 amino acids, and wherein the targeting region and the self-assembly region are from different proteins.The composition of claim 57, wherein the targeting region is linked via a linker to the self-assembly region.The composition of claim 59, wherein the self-assembly region comprises at least a transmembrane domain.The composition of claim 59 or 60, wherein the linker comprises at most 450 amino acids.The composition of claim 58 or 61, wherein the linker comprises at most 100, at most 80, at most 50, at most 30, at most 20 amino acids.The composition of any one of claims 58-62, wherein the fusion polypeptide further comprises a membrane-promoting region.The composition of claim 63, wherein the membrane-promoting region comprises an ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of claim 57 or 64, wherein the self-assembly region is linked to the ESCRT-recruiting domain via a linker.The composition of claim 65, wherein the linker is flexible linker.The composition of any one of claims 57-66, wherein the self-assembly region further comprises an intracellular domain.The composition of any one of claims 57-67, wherein the targeting region is an antigen-binding domain.The composition of claim 68, wherein the antigen-binding domain is an scFv.The composition of claim 68 or 69, wherein the antigen-binding domain is capable of binding to a cell surface marker.The composition of claim 70, wherein the cell surface marker is a cell-specific surface marker, a tissue-specific surface marker, a tumor-associated antigen, or a tumor-specific antigen.The composition of claim 70 or 71, wherein the cell surface marker comprises a marker selected from the group consisting of CD19, TYRP1, CD20, CD22, BCMA, CD3, CD7, EGFR, HER2, PSMA, and MSLN.The composition of any one of claims 57-72, wherein the self-assembly region is from an intracellular domain of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) .The composition of any one of claims 57-73, wherein the self-assembly region comprises the transmembrane domain of VSVg.The composition of any one of claims 57-74, wherein the self-assembly region only comprises the transmembrane domain of VSVg.The composition of any one of claims 57-75, wherein the fusion polypeptide does not comprise an extracellular domain of VSVg.The composition of any one of claims 57-76, wherein the targeting region comprises a signal peptide.The composition of claim 77, wherein the signal peptide is from VSVg.The composition of any one of claims 57-78, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide.The composition of any one of claims 57-79, wherein the nucleic acid is a DNA, and wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a third nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 80, wherein the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.The composition of claim 80, wherein the nucleic acid binding domain is a RNA-binding domain, and wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 80-82, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a fourth nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 83, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 84, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 57-85, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker.The composition of claim 86, wherein the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A.The composition of any one of claims 57-87, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) .The composition of claim 88, wherein the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of claim 88 or 89, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of any one of claims 57-78 and 80-90, wherein the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid molecule, and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide.The composition of claim 91, wherein the second nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 92, wherein the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.A composition comprising:a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a self-assembly region, an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain, and a nucleic acid-binding domain, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain is located downstream of the ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of claim 94, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain is an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 95, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MS2 coat protein (MCP) , a L7Ae protein, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 94-96, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide.The composition of any one of claims 94-97, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop.The composition of claim 98, wherein the sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop is located within a sequence encoding 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of the nucleic acid.The composition of any one of claims 97-99, wherein the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are on the same nucleic acid molecule.The composition of claim 100, wherein the nucleic acid comprises, from 5’ to 3’ , the first nucleic acid sequence encoding the self-assembly region, the ESCRT) -recruiting domain and the RNA-binding domain, the second nucleic acid sequence, and the sequence encoding the MS2 stem loop.The composition of any one of claims 94-101, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a cleavable linker connecting the fusion polypeptide and the cargo polypeptide.The composition of claim 102, wherein the cleavable linker is a P2A, T2A, E2A and / or F2A.The composition of any one of claims 94-103, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) .The composition of claim 104, wherein the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of claim 104 or 105, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of any one of claims 94-106, wherein the nucleic acid is a first nucleic acid molecule, and the composition further comprises a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a cargo polypeptide.The composition of claim 107, wherein the second nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding a MS2 stem loop.The composition of any one of claims 94-108, wherein the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or a ribonucleic acid (RNA) .The composition of any one of claims 94-109, wherein the composition comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5.A protein-nucleic acid complex comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1-110 or a derivative thereof and the fusion polypeptide.The protein-nucleic acid complex of claim 111, wherein the nucleic acid is a deoxyribonucleic acid, and the derivative is a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transcript of the nucleic acid.The protein-nucleic acid complex of claim 112, wherein the mRNA transcript binds to the fusion polypeptide via the RNA-binding domain.An enveloped particle comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1-110 or the protein-nucleic acid complex of any one of claims 111-113.The enveloped particle of claim 114, wherein the enveloped particle comprises a membrane from a host cell.The enveloped particle of claim 114 or 115, wherein the enveloped particle does not comprise a synthetic membrane.A host cell comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1-110 or the protein-nucleic acid complex of any one of claims 111-113.A method of iteratively delivering a nucleic acid into two or more host cells, the method comprising:(a) contacting the composition of any one of claims 1-110 , the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1-110 , or the enveloped particle of any one of claims 114-116, with a first host cell, wherein the nucleic acid is delivered into the first host cell;(b) expressing the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide in the first host cell;(c) generating a particle from the first host cell comprising the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide on the surface of the particle; and(d) contacting the particle with a second host cell to iteratively deliver the nucleic acid into the second host cell.The method of claim 118, wherein the particle comprises a nucleic acid encoding a cargo polypeptide.The method of claim 118 or 119, wherein the particle comprises the nucleic acid encoding the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide.The method of any one of claims 118-120, wherein the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The method of claim 121, wherein the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.The method of claim 122, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain.The method of any one of claims 121-123, wherein the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain.The method of claim 124, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain.The method of claim 125, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain.The method of any one of claims 118-126, wherein the particle further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker.The method of claim 127, wherein the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A.The method of any one of claims 118-128, wherein the particle comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5.A composition comprising:a first nucleic acid encoding a cargo polypeptide; anda second nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a self-assembly region and an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) -recruiting domain;wherein the fusion polypeptide is capable of promoting a self-assembling of an enveloped particle comprising the fusion polypeptide and the cargo polypeptide when the cargo polypeptide and the fusion polypeptide are expressed in a cell, andwherein a mass ratio of the first nucleic acid and the second nucleic acid within the composition is from 1: 3 to 1: 1.The composition of claim 130, wherein the fusion polypeptide is a transmembrane protein.The composition of claim 130 or 131, wherein the self-assembly region comprises a transmembrane domain.The composition of any one of claims 130-132, wherein the self-assembly region comprises vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg) .The composition of any one of claims 130-133, wherein the self-assembly region comprises an extracellular domain.The composition of claim 134, wherein the extracellular domain comprises an antigen-binding domain.The composition of claim 135, wherein the antigen-binding domain comprises an scFv.The composition of claim 136, wherein the scFv binds to a cell-specific or a tissue specific surface marker.The composition of any one of claims 130-137, wherein the ESCRT-recruiting domain comprises an ESCRT-and ALIX-binding region (EABR) .The composition of any one of claims 130-138, wherein the enveloped particle is a nanoparticle.The composition of any one of claims 130-139, wherein the enveloped particle is a virus-like nanoparticle.The composition of any one of claims 130-140, wherein the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an RNA secondary structure for binding to a nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 141, wherein the RNA secondary structure is a MS2 stem loop, box C / D, a hairpin loop, a pseudoknot, a bulge loop, a branch loop, or a stem junction.The composition of claim 141, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or an RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 130-143, wherein the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the nucleic acid-binding domain.The composition of claim 144, wherein the nucleic acid-binding domain comprises an RNA-binding domain.The composition of claim 145, wherein the RNA-binding domain is MCP, L7Ae, a K homology (KH) domain, a zinc finger domain, or a RGG box domain.The composition of any one of claims 130-146, wherein the first or second nucleic acid further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cleavable linker.The composition of claim 147, wherein the cleavable linker comprises a P2A, T2A, E2A, and / or F2A.The composition of any one of claims 130-148, wherein the particle comprises a sequence having at least 80%sequence identity to any one of the nucleic acid sequences presented in Tables 1-5.The composition of any one of claims 130-149, wherein the nucleic acid further comprises a sequence encoding an endocytosis prevention motif (EPM) .The composition of claim 150, wherein the sequence encoding the EPM is located in between the sequence encoding the self-assembly region and the sequence encoding the ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of claim 150 or 151, wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises the self-assembly region, the EPM, and the ESCRT-recruiting domain.The composition of any one of claims 130-152, wherein the mass ratio is 1: 2.A protein-nucleic acid complex comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 130-153 or a derivative thereof and the fusion polypeptide.An enveloped particle comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 130-153 or the protein-nucleic acid complex of claim 154.The enveloped particle of claim 155, wherein the enveloped particle comprises a membrane from a host cell.The enveloped particle of claim 155 or 156, wherein the enveloped particle does not comprise a synthetic membrane.A host cell comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 130-153 or the protein-nucleic acid complex of claim 154.A method of iteratively delivering a nucleic acid into two or more host cells, the method comprising:(a) contacting the composition of any one of claims 130-153, the nucleic acid of any one of claims 130-153, or the enveloped particle of claim 154, with a first host cell, wherein the nucleic acid is delivered into the first host cell;(b) expressing the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide in the first host cell;(c) generating a particle from the first host cell comprising the self-assembly region or the fusion polypeptide on the surface of the particle; and(d) contacting the particle with a second host cell to iteratively deliver the nucleic acid into the second host cell.