Optimization of an LNP-mRNA vaccine candidate targeting SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain

Kobiyama, Kouji; Imai, Masaki; Jounai, Nao; Nakayama, Misako; Hioki, Kou; Iwatsuki-Horimoto, Kiyoko; Yamayoshi, Seiya; Tsuchida, Jun; Niwa, Takako; Suzuki, Takashi; Ito, Mutsumi; Yamada, Shinya; Watanabe, Tokiko; Kiso, Maki; Negishi, Hideo; Temizoz, Burcu; Ishigaki, Hirohito; Kitagawa, Yoshinori; Nguyen, Cong Thanh; Itoh, Yasushi; Takeshita, Fumihiko; Kawaoka, Yoshihiro; Ishii, Ken J.

In 2020, two mRNA-based vaccines, encoding the full length of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein, have been introduced for control of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic1,2. However, reactogenicity, such as fever, caused by innate immune responses to the vaccine formulation remains to be improved. Here, we optimized a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based mRNA vaccine candidate, encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (LNP-mRNA-RBD), which showed improved immunogenicity by removing reactogenic materials from the vaccine formulation and protective potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection in cynomolgus macaques. LNP-mRNA-RBD induced robust antigen-specific B cells and follicular helper T cells in the BALB/c strain but not in the C57BL/6 strain; the two strains have contrasting abilities to induce type I interferon production by dendritic cells. Removal of reactogenic materials from original synthesized mRNA by HPLC reduced type I interferon (IFN) production by dendritic cells, which improved immunogenicity. Immunization of cynomolgus macaques with an LNP encapsulating HPLC-purified mRNA induced robust anti-RBD IgG in the plasma and in various mucosal areas, including airways, thereby conferring protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, fine-tuning the balance between the immunogenic and reactogenic activity of mRNA-based vaccine formulations may offer safer and more efficacious outcomes.