Trans-replicating RNA

US12338448B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• TRON—Translationale Onkologie an der Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz · DE
• BIONTECH SE · DE

Inventors

• Tim Beissert · Groß-Gerau, DE
• Ugur Sahin · Mainz, DE
• Mario Perkovic · Frankfurt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 2017
• Grant date: Jun 24, 2025
• Expiry date: Aug 31, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2770/36143
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods suitable for high-level protein production. In particular, a system comprising two separate RNA molecules is foreseen, each comprising a nucleotide sequence derived from an alphavirus: one RNA molecule comprises a RNA construct for expressing alphavirus replicase, and one RNA molecule comprises a RNA replicon that can be replicated by the replicase in trans. The system of the present invention enables expression of a protein of interest in a cell or organism, but is not associated with undesired virus-particle formation. The present invention is suitable for efficiently and safely producing a protein of interest in a target organism. Respective methods of protein production in vitro and in vivo as well as medical uses are provided herein. The present invention also provides DNA encoding the RNA molecules of the invention, and cells comprising the RNA molecules of the invention.