The present invention relates to
RNA molecules, and particularly, although not exclusively, to unlocked nucleotides (UNAs) and unlocked
nucleic acid (UNA)-
RNA molecules per se, to methods for preparing UNA-
RNA molecules, and to methods for translating UNA-RNA molecules into
protein. The invention extends to improved methods for forming UNA-RNA by
in vitro transcription, and to the
resultant UNA-RNA molecules. Furthermore, the invention relates to novel methods for enhancing the expression and / or translation of RNA, i.e.
protein expression, and to methods for improving the stability of an
RNA molecule. The invention also involves reducing the activation of innate sensing,
interferon generation and / or degradation of an
RNA molecule in a host. The invention also incorporates the use of the UNA-RNA molecules in vaccines and other therapeutic pharmaceutical compositions, and their use in immunisation and therapy, such as RNAi,
gene therapy,
gene editing and
protein replacement. Furthermore, the invention relates to novel methods for enhancing translation of RNA, i.e.
protein expression.