Custom Self Amplifying RNA Synthesis

The development of vaccines has historically relied on conventional methods such as live-attenuated or inactivated pathogens. While effective, these approaches often pose challenges in terms of safety, scalability, and adaptability to emerging pathogens. In contrast, self amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines represent a promising alternative, harnessing the power of synthetic RNA to stimulate robust immune responses without the need for live pathogens. Here, at BOC Sciences, we have a place at the forefront of this innovative field and are committed to providing our global customers with reliable and custom-designed cutting-edge saRNA synthesis services to help accelerate your RNA vaccine innovation development programs.

What is Self Amplifying RNA?

Self amplifying RNA (saRNA), also known as self replicating RNA (srRNA), is a synthetic RNA with the ability to self-replicate within host cells, leading to increased expression of target proteins. This characteristic makes it a promising tool for vaccine development and gene therapy. The process of encoding the target protein by saRNA is similar to mRNA encoding, but saRNA also encodes an RNA replicase, which enables RNA replication. During replication of saRNA within cells, a double-stranded RNA intermediate is produced, which is recognized by immune receptors within the cell, making saRNA a potent activator of the immune system. Therefore, nucleic acid drugs based on saRNA, especially saRNA vaccines, are excellent immunotherapies. saRNA can replicate and amplify within cells transduced with low doses of mRNA, thereby sustaining high levels of antigen production. These characteristics make saRNA an ideal prophylactic vaccine for infectious diseases.

Self Amplifying RNA Mechanism

Self amplifying RNA (saRNA) is a promising tool for vaccine development, leveraging the replicative machinery of positive-sense RNA viruses to drive robust antigen expression and replication within host cells. saRNA contains genetic sequences encoding the antigen of interest and elements from positive-sense RNA viruses, such as alphaviruses, which facilitate replicase complex formation and RNA replication. Upon delivery into host cells, saRNA is recognized by the translational machinery, leading to replicase protein production and assembly into a functional complex. This complex binds to the saRNA template, initiating RNA replication and generating multiple copies of saRNA within the cell. Concurrently, the saRNA template serves as a template for antigen expression, which is processed and presented on the cell surface, initiating an immune response. The replication machinery ensures sustained antigen expression, contributing to a prolonged and robust immune response, making saRNA an attractive platform for vaccine development.

BOC Sciences' Custom Self Amplifying RNA Synthesis Service

At BOC Sciences, we are at the forefront of innovation in the RNA field, offering cutting-edge Custom Self Amplifying RNA (saRNA) Synthesis Services to meet the diverse needs of global researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Our tailored services provide reliable, high-quality saRNA constructs designed and modified according to your specific requirements, accelerating your innovative research projects.

We leverage cutting-edge technologies and techniques in saRNA synthesis, including in vitro transcription (IVT), chemical modification, and nanoparticle encapsulation, to enhance the stability, delivery, and immunogenicity of saRNA constructs. Our innovative approaches enable the development of highly potent and efficacious saRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. We have an optimized process for custom self amplifying RNA synthesis services.

Self Amplifying RNA Design

Our team of expert scientists specializes in the design and modification of saRNA constructs tailored to your unique research objectives. Whether you require customization of antigen sequences, optimization of replicase elements, or incorporation of specific regulatory motifs, we are dedicated to delivering saRNA constructs precisely engineered to meet your needs.

High-Quality saRNA Production

BOC Sciences is committed to delivering saRNA constructs of the highest quality, ensuring optimal performance in your research applications. Leveraging state-of-the-art synthesis technologies and stringent quality control measures, we guarantee the purity, integrity, and functionality of our saRNA products, enabling reliable and reproducible results.

Comprehensive Service Portfolio

Our comprehensive service portfolio covers the entire spectrum of saRNA synthesis, from design and optimization to production and characterization. Whether you require small-scale synthesis for preliminary studies or large-scale production for preclinical applications, we offer flexible and scalable solutions tailored to your project requirements.

Expert Guidance and Support

Throughout the synthesis process, our team of experienced scientists provides expert guidance and support, offering valuable insights and recommendations to optimize the performance of your saRNA constructs. From initial design consultation to post-production analysis, we are committed to ensuring the success of your research endeavors.

Applications in Self Amplifying RNA Vaccines Development

Self Amplifying RNA (saRNA) has emerged as a promising platform for vaccine development due to its unique ability to induce robust and long-lasting immune responses against infectious diseases. We recognize the transformative potential of saRNA technology and offer advanced synthesis services to support vaccine development efforts worldwide. Here are the targeted applications of saRNA vaccines.

Infectious Diseases

saRNA vaccines hold promise for the prevention and control of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Target pathogens include influenza, Zika virus, HIV-1, rabies virus, and emerging coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2. By encoding antigenic proteins from these pathogens, saRNA vaccines can induce protective immunity and mitigate disease transmission.

Cancer Immunotherapy

Beyond infectious diseases, saRNA vaccines have potential applications in cancer immunotherapy, harnessing the immune system to target and eliminate tumor cells. By encoding tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or neoantigens, saRNA vaccines can stimulate antitumor immune responses and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy regimens.

Contact BOC Sciences today to learn more about our self amplifying RNA synthesis service and embark on a journey towards groundbreaking discoveries in saRNA vaccines and nucleic acid drugs.

Case Study

Case study 1 Using Lipid Nanoparticles for Self Amplified RNA Delivery.

Scheme showing a self amplifying RNA derived from an alphavirus in which structural genes have been replaced by the gene of interest. (Rodríguez, G.A.; et al, 2024)

The development of nucleic acid vaccines, particularly utilizing self amplifying RNA within lipid nanoparticles, presents a promising avenue for vaccine innovation. SaRNA, derived from RNA viruses, offers versatility by encoding target antigens and essential replicase enzymes. Overcoming challenges of efficient delivery is crucial for realizing the full potential of saRNA vaccines. Lipid nanoparticles serve as ideal carriers, protecting saRNA from nucleases, prolonging circulation, facilitating cellular uptake, and ensuring escape from endosomal degradation. This case highlights the potential of saRNA vaccines in conjunction with lipid-based delivery systems for advancing clinical outcomes through safe, effective, and scalable administration.

FAQ

1. Is self amplifying mRNA vaccine approved?

Yes, self amplifying mRNA vaccines have been approved for use in some countries.

2. What is the self replicating RNA mechanism?

The self-replicating RNA mechanism involves utilizing a modified form of RNA that can replicate itself within a host cell. This type of RNA contains genetic instructions not only for the desired antigen but also for the enzymes necessary for its own replication. Once inside the cell, the RNA instructs the host machinery to produce both the antigen and the replicase enzymes, enabling the RNA to replicate itself and produce more copies of the antigen, thus enhancing the immune response.

3. What is a self-replicating RNA virus?

A self-replicating RNA virus is a type of virus that contains RNA as its genetic material and has the ability to replicate itself within host cells without the need for DNA intermediates. These viruses encode the necessary enzymes and proteins to replicate their RNA genome and produce viral proteins within infected cells. Examples of self-replicating RNA viruses include influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, and the coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2.

4. What are the applications of RNA vaccines?

RNA vaccines have the potential to be rapidly developed against a variety of infectious diseases, including viral infections such as COVID-19, influenza, Zika and Ebola, while also promising for cancer treatment and immunotherapy for allergic diseases.

5. How does self replicating RNA work?

Self-replicating RNA works by encoding both the desired antigen and the necessary enzymes for its own replication within the RNA molecule. Once introduced into host cells, the RNA is translated by the cell's machinery to produce the antigen and the replicase enzymes. These enzymes facilitate the replication of the RNA molecule, leading to the production of more copies of both the antigen and the RNA itself. This amplification process enhances the immune response by continuously presenting the antigen to the immune system, resulting in a robust and prolonged immune reaction.

Reference

1. Rodríguez, G.A.; et al. Development of nucleic acid vaccines: use of self-amplifying RNA in lipid nanoparticles. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2014, 9(1): 1833-1843.