Implementation of mRNA–Lipid Nanoparticle Technology in Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar )

• Published in: Vaccines
• Main Authors: Lars Ole Sti Dahl, Sjoerd Hak, Stine Braaen, Alicja Molska, Francesca Rodà, Jeremie Parot, Øystein Wessel, Johanna Hol Fosse, Håvard Bjørgen, Sven Even Borgos, Espen Rimstad
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2024
• Subjects: mRNA vaccination; lipid nanoparticle technology; Atlantic salmon; Medicine; R; Salmo salar
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070788; https://doaj.org/article/ee3adfb08fe94cae93f79fc993143548

Background: This study was conducted to investigate whether mRNA vaccine technology could be adapted for the ectothermic vertebrate Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ). Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology has been developed and optimized for mRNA vaccines in mammals, stabilizing mRNA and facilitating its delivery into cells. However, its utility at the temperatures and specific biological environments present in ectotherms remains unclear. In addition, it is unknown if modified mRNA containing non-canonical nucleotides can correctly translate in salmonid cells. Methods: We used an mRNA transcript coding for enhanced green fluorescence protein, flanked by the untranslated regions of the hemagglutinin-esterase gene of the infectious salmon anemia virus, and a 120-base-long poly(A) tail. The mRNA was generated via in vitro transcription where uridine residues were replaced with N1-methyl-pseudouridines, and then encapsulated in LNPs. Results: When transfected into the salmonid cell line CHH-1, the mRNA-LNP construct induced expression of EGFP. Furthermore, when mRNA-LNPs were injected intramuscularly into salmon, in vivo protein expression was demonstrated via immunohistochemistry. EGFP was observed in cells infiltrating the spaces between muscle cells in a focal inflammatory response. Conclusion: The results indicate that N1-methyl-pseudouridine-modified mRNA encapsulated in LNPs can be used to express antigens of interest in salmonid fish.