Using mRNA to Generate Therapeutic Antibodies in the Brain
The use of mRNA for generating therapeutic antibodies in the brain could prove to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional antibody delivery methods. By encapsulating mRNA in lipid nanoparticles or linking it to cell-penetrating molecules, researchers are exploring new ways to target tissues and achieve cytoplasmic uptake. This approach is particularly promising in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, where antibodies targeting protein aggregates associated with the disease are being developed.
Monoclonal antibodies have shown great promise in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, with recent approvals of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies like lecanemab and aducanumab in the USA. However, the production of these antibodies is costly, time-consuming, and requires frequent dosing. Synthetic mRNA encoding antibodies offers a solution to these challenges. By generating mRNA encoding tau-specific antibodies, researchers have demonstrated successful translation and functional expression in vitro. This approach opens up new possibilities for delivering antibody therapeutics, including intrabodies, to target tau in Alzheimer’s and other tau-related diseases.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae100
