OLIGOSACCHARIDE COMPLEXES AND USES

Abstract

The present disclosure provides complexes comprising a cationic oligosaccharide and an RNA, wherein the cationic oligosaccharide comprises a plurality of cationic moieties bonded to a trehalose, a sucrose, or a gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety, where n is 2-6, and a ratio of N/P in the complex is less than 20:1

Description

BACKGROUND

Targeted delivery and expression of therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents such as nucleic acids present certain challenges due to the instability of nucleic acids and their inability to permeate the cell membrane. Certain approaches, including use of lipid or polymer-based systems, exhibit promise but suffer from drawbacks related to manufacturing difficulties, poor structural definition, and high polydispersity. Still further, many such compositions lack satisfactory safety and efficacy for use in delivery of therapeutic agents.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides, among other things, a surprising and unexpected insight that cationic and/or ionizable oligosaccharide complexes are useful for targeted delivery of biological agents, including small molecules and nucleic acids. For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure encompasses an insight that cationic and/or ionizable oligosaccharides are surprisingly useful for the delivery of RNA. Previous work related to cationic oligosaccharides focused on their use with DNA. In particular, Carbajo-Gordillo, et al., reported use of certain oligosaccharides for DNA nanocomplexing and delivery. See Carbajo-Gordillo, et al., Chem. Comm., 55:8227-8230 (2019). Notably, however, the oligosaccharide-DNA complexes reported by Carbajo-Gordillo, et al., exhibit surprisingly distinct properties from those reported in the present application, in particular when complexed with RNA. For example, the compositions reported herein, in some embodiments, exhibit different behavior in vivo, such as targeting (i.e., causing expression of RNA in) different systems in the body, and can be prepared with significantly reduced ratios of oligosaccharide to nucleic acid. For at least these reasons, the presently reported complexes exhibit unexpected benefits over those complexes previously reported.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides, among other things, a complex comprising a cationic oligosaccharide and an RNA, wherein the cationic oligosaccharide comprises a plurality of cationic moieties bonded to a trehalose, a sucrose, or a gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety, where n is 2-6; and a ratio of N/P in the complex is less than 20:1.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a complex comprising RNA and an oligosaccharide of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

• • A is A¹, A², or A³:

• • each of R¹ and R² are independently selected, at each instance, from H, R^a, and —C(O)—R^a, wherein at least one instance of R¹ or R² is not H;
  • each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b;
  • each R^b is independently selected from halogen, —N₃, —R^c, —OR^c, —SR^c, —NHR^c, —C(O)—R^c, —OC(O)R^c, —NHC(O)R^c, —C(O)NHR^c, and —NHC(O)NHR^c;
  • each R^c is independently selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;
  • X¹ and X² are each independently selected from —S—, and —NH—;
  • Y¹ and Y² are each independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O, —SO—, or —SO₂—;
  • each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S;
  • Z¹ and Z² are each independently a cationic or ionizable group selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

• • each M is independently —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z or —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃;
  • each R^z is independently selected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; or
  • two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; and
  • p is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of increasing or causing increased expression of RNA in a target in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a complex as described herein.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treating and or providing prophylaxis for a disease, disorder, or condition in a subject comprising administering to the subject a complex as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA formulated at different N/P ratios with certain oligosaccharides.

FIG. 1B is a plot illustrating zeta potential at different N/P ratios for example oligosaccharides.

FIG. 1C is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of example compositions comprising modRNA in different organs and at different N/P ratios.

FIG. 1D is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA.

FIG. 1E is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential for example compositions.

FIG. 1F is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of example compositions comprising modRNA in different organs.

FIG. 1G is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA.

FIG. 1H is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential for example oligosaccharide compositions.

FIG. 1I is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of compositions comprising modRNA in the spleen.

FIG. 2A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA formulated at different N/P ratios.

FIG. 2B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential at different N/P ratios for example compositions.

FIG. 2C is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of example compositions comprising modRNA in different organs and at different N/P ratios.

FIG. 2D is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA.

FIG. 2E is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential of example compositions.

FIG. 2F is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of compositions comprising modRNA in the spleen.

FIG. 2G is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of compositions comprising modRNA in different organs.

FIG. 3A is a bar graph illustrating a percentage of free RNA quantified by gel electrophoresis of example compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios between 0-3 for either JRL13 or JRL45.

FIG. 3B is a plot illustrating zeta potential after formulation of example compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios with either JRL13 or JRL45.

FIG. 3C is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter for example compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios with either JRL13 or JRL45.

FIG. 3D is a bar graph illustrating expression of luciferase-encoding modRNA after transfection of C2C12 cells, where example compositions were prepared with N/P 6 and comprise modRNA with either JRL13 or JRL45, at 25 ng of RNA/well.

FIG. 3E is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence in different organs 6 hours after injection of 10 μg of example compositions comprising modRNA formulated at N/P 3 with either JRL13 or JRL45.

FIG. 3F is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence in different organs 6 hours after injections and assessing the total flux [p/s] ratio from the JRL13 group to JRL45 group.

FIG. 3G is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence in different organs after injection of compositions comprising pDNA complexed with either JRL13 (compound 8) or JRL45 (compound 10).

FIG. 4A is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example complexes formulated at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA.

FIG. 4B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential of example compositions at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA.

FIG. 4C is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example compositions having indicated N/P ratios comprising modRNA and JRL13.

FIG. 4D is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example compositions having indicated N/P ratios comprising saRNA and JRL13.

FIG. 5A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 and comprising saRNA and different oligosaccharides.

FIG. 5B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment and normalized to the JRL13-saRNA group.

FIG. 5C is a plot illustrating quantified bioluminescence at each measured time point for example compositions.

FIG. 6A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example complexes formulated at different N/P ratios with modRNA and different oligosaccharides.

FIG. 6B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment.

FIG. 7A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 with modRNA and different oligosaccharides.

FIG. 7B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment and normalized to the JLF41-modRNA group.

FIG. 8A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at different N/P ratios.

FIG. 8B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential of compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios.

FIG. 8C is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for various example compositions.

FIG. 9A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions.

FIG. 9B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example oligosaccharide formulations.

FIG. 10A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of certain complexes.

FIG. 10B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example oligosaccharide formulations.

FIG. 10C is a bar graph illustrating quantified response of CD8 positive T cells from spleen samples of treated mice 20 days after s.c. application.

FIG. 11A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA.

FIG. 11B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA.

FIG. 11C is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for modRNA groups.

FIG. 11D is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for saRNA groups.

FIG. 12A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA.

FIG. 12B is a plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG against HA during the course of experiment at a serum dilution of 1:300.

FIG. 12C is a plot illustrating end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA.

FIG. 12D is a bar graph illustrating the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

FIG. 13A is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 but with different surfactants and with a surfactant-to-JLF99 ratio between 0:1 and 0.5:1 (where C14-pMeOx45 is C₁₄ alkyl-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)₄₅, C14pSar23 is C14 alkyl-poly(sarcosine)₂₃, and Tween20 is polysorbate 20).

FIG. 13B is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 with either Tween20 or Tween40 and within a surfactant-to-JLF99 ratio between 0 and 1.5.

FIG. 13C is a plot illustrating expression of luciferase-encoding modRNA 24 h after transfection of C2C12 cells, example compositions had an N/P 6 and were formulated with modRNA, and either Tween20 or Tween40 at different surfactant-to-JLF99 ratios, at 100 ng of RNA/well. The present example represents 3 independent experiments (n=3) with technical triplicates.

FIG. 13D is a plot illustrating expression of luciferase-encoding modRNA after 24 of transfection of HepG2 cells, example compositions had an N/P 6 and were formulated with modRNA and either Tween20 or Tween40 at different surfactant-to-JLF99 ratio, at 100 ng of RNA/well. The present example represents 3 independent experiments (n=3) with technical triplicates.

FIG. 13E is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 with different oligosaccharide to surfactant ratios (where T20 refers to Tween20).

FIG. 13F is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment represented as area under the curve (where T20 refers to Tween20).

FIG. 13G is a plot illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment (where T20 refers to Tween20).

FIG. 13H is an image showing bioluminescence of the ventral axis 6 hours after injection of a composition comprising modRNA into each group (where T20 refers to Tween20).

FIG. 14A is a graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of a composition comprising saRNA complexed with different oligosaccharides.

FIG. 14B is a plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG for indicated formulations over time.

FIG. 14C is a plot illustrating end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA for provided formulations.

FIG. 14D is a bar graph illustrating the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools for provided formulations.

FIG. 15A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of compositions comprising modRNA formulated with JLF99 and different polysorbates at N/P 6.

FIG. 15B indicates quantified bioluminescence at the injection site at different time points over the course of the experiment.

FIG. 15C indicates quantified bioluminescence in the liver, 6 hours and 24 hours after injection of modRNA.

FIG. 16A is a plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG against HA for the provided formulations over the indicated time (day 0, day 14, day 28, and day 49).

FIG. 16B is a plot illustrating specific neutralizing titers over the course for the provided formulations over the indicated time.

FIG. 16C is a plot illustrating end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA for the provided formulations.

FIG. 16D is a plot illustrating CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools for provided formulations.

FIG. 17A is a plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG against HA with different RNA complexes formulated with JLF99 at different time points over the course of the experiment.

FIG. 17B is a plot illustrating end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA with different RNA platforms formulated with JLF99.

FIG. 17C is a plot illustrating CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools from different RNA platforms formulated with JLF99.

FIG. 18A is a plot illustrating average liver radiance with example compositions comprising JFL99 or JLF218.

FIG. 18B is an image showing bioluminescence of on the ventral axis 6 hours after injection of an example formulation into each group.

FIG. 19A is a plot illustrating IL-6 secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations.

FIG. 19B is a plot illustrating TNF-α secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations.

FIG. 19C is a plot illustrating IL-1β secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations.

FIG. 19D is a plot illustrating IFN-γ secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations.

FIG. 19E is a plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG against HA in tested formulations.

FIG. 19F is a plot illustrating end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA.

FIG. 19G is a bar graph illustrating the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

FIG. 19H is a bar graph illustrating the hydrodynamic diameter of the different tested formulations.

FIG. 20 A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the example.

FIG. 20 B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA.

FIG. 20C illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

FIG. 21 A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the example.

FIG. 21B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA.

FIG. 21C illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

FIG. 22A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the experiment.

FIG. 22B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA.

FIG. 22C illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

FIG. 23A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against Gc over the course of the example.

FIG. 23B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against Gc.

FIG. 23C illustrates the T-cell response against Gc-peptides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

Compounds of this disclosure include those described generally above and are further illustrated by the classes, subclasses, and species disclosed herein. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply unless otherwise indicated. For purposes of this disclosure, the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75^th Ed. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry are described in “Organic Chemistry”, Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausalito: 1999, and “March's Advanced Organic Chemistry”, 5^th Ed., Ed.: Smith, M. B. and March, J., John Wiley & Sons, New York: 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are meant to include all stereoisomeric (e.g., enantiomeric or diastereomeric) forms of the structure, as well as all geometric or conformational isomeric forms of the structure. For example, the R and S configurations of each stereocenter are contemplated as part of the disclosure. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers, as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational) mixtures of provided compounds are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, in some cases, Table 1 show one or more stereoisomers of a compound, and unless otherwise indicated, represents each stereoisomer alone and/or as a mixture. Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of provided compounds are within the scope of the disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, structures depicted herein are meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures including replacement of hydrogen by deuterium or tritium, or replacement of a carbon by ¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon are within the scope of this disclosure.

About or approximately: As used herein, the term “approximately” or “about,” as applied to one or more values of interest, refers to a value that is similar to a stated reference value. In general, those skilled in the art, familiar within the context, will appreciate the relevant degree of variance encompassed by “about” or “approximately” in that context. For example, in some embodiments, the term “approximately” or “about” may encompass a range of values that are within (i.e., ±) 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less of the referred value.

Administering: As used herein, the term “administering” or “administration” typically refers to the administration of a composition to a subject to achieve delivery of an agent that is, or is included in, a composition to a target site or a site to be treated. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of a variety of routes that may, in appropriate circumstances, be utilized for administration to a subject, for example a human. For example, in some embodiments, administration may be ocular, oral, parenteral, topical, etc. In some particular embodiments, administration may be bronchial (e.g., by bronchial instillation), buccal, dermal (which may be or comprise, for example, one or more of topical to the dermis, intradermal, interdermal, transdermal, etc.), enteral, intra-arterial, intradermal, intragastric, intramedullary, intramuscular, intranasal, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intravenous, intraventricular, within a specific organ (e.g., intrahepatic), mucosal, nasal, oral, rectal, subcutaneous, sublingual, topical, tracheal (e.g., by intratracheal instillation), vaginal, vitreal, etc. In some embodiments, administration may be parenteral. In some embodiments, administration may be oral. In some particular embodiments, administration may be intravenous. In some particular embodiments, administration may be subcutaneous. In some embodiments, administration may involve only a single dose. In some embodiments, administration may involve application of a fixed number of doses. In some embodiments, administration may involve dosing that is intermittent (e.g., a plurality of doses separated in time) and/or periodic (e.g., individual doses separated by a common period of time) dosing. In some embodiments, administration may involve continuous dosing (e.g., perfusion) for at least a selected period of time. In some embodiments, administration may comprise a prime-and-boost protocol. A prime-and-boost protocol can include administration of a first dose of a pharmaceutical composition (e.g., an immunogenic composition, e.g., a vaccine) followed by, after an interval of time, administration of a second or subsequent dose of a pharmaceutical composition (e.g., an immunogenic composition, e.g., a vaccine). In the case of an immunogenic composition, a prime-and-boost protocol can result in an increased immune response in a patient.

Aliphatic: The term “aliphatic” refers to a straight-chain (i.e., unbranched) or branched, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, or a monocyclic hydrocarbon or bicyclic hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic (also referred to herein as “cycloaliphatic”), that has a single point or more than one points of attachment to the rest of the molecule. Unless otherwise specified, aliphatic groups contain 1-12 aliphatic carbon atoms. As used herein, it is understood that an aliphatic group can also be bivalent (e.g., encompass a bivalent hydrocarbon chain that is saturated or contains one or more units of unsaturation, such as, for example, —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—, and so on). In some embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-6 aliphatic carbon atoms (e.g., C_1-6). In some embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-5 aliphatic carbon atoms (e.g., C_1-5). In other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-4 aliphatic carbon atoms (e.g., C_1-4). In still other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-3 aliphatic carbon atoms (e.g., C_1-3), and in yet other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-2 aliphatic carbon atoms (e.g., C_1-2). In some embodiments, “cycloaliphatic” refers to a monocyclic C_3-8 hydrocarbon or a bicyclic C_7-10 hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic, that has a single point or more than one points of attachment to the rest of the molecule. Suitable aliphatic groups include, but are not limited to, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups and hybrids thereof. A preferred aliphatic group is C_1-6 alkyl.

Alkyl: The term “alkyl”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety, refers to a saturated, optionally substituted straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having (unless otherwise specified) 1-12, 1-10, 1-8, 1-6, 1-4, 1-3, or 1-2 carbon atoms (e.g., C_1-12, C_1-10, C_1-8, C_1-6, C_1-4, C_1-3, or C_1-2). Exemplary alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, and heptyl.

Alkenyl: The term “alkenyl”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety, refers to an optionally substituted straight or branched chain or cyclic hydrocarbon group having at least one double bond and having (unless otherwise specified) 2-12, 2-10, 2-8, 2-6, 2-4, or 2-3 carbon atoms (e.g., C_2-12, C_2-10, C_2-8, C_2-6, C_2-4, or C_2-3). Exemplary alkenyl groups include ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, and heptenyl. The term “cycloalkenyl” refers to an optionally substituted non-aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond and having about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms. Exemplary monocyclic cycloalkenyl rings include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, and cycloheptenyl.

Alkynyl: The term “alkynyl”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety, refers to an optionally substituted straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having at least one triple bond and having (unless otherwise specified) 2-12, 2-10, 2-8, 2-6, 2-4, or 2-3 carbon atoms (e.g., C_2-12, C_2-10, C_2-8, C_2-6, C_2-4, or C_2-3). Exemplary alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, and heptynyl.

Analog: As used herein, the term “analog” refers to a substance that shares one or more particular structural features, elements, components, or moieties with a reference substance. Typically, an “analog” shows significant structural similarity with the reference substance, for example sharing a core or consensus structure, but also differs in certain discrete ways. In some embodiments, an analog is a substance that can be generated from the reference substance, e.g., by chemical manipulation of the reference substance. In some embodiments, an analog is a substance that can be generated through performance of a synthetic process substantially similar to (e.g., sharing a plurality of steps with) one that generates the reference substance. In some embodiments, an analog is or can be generated through performance of a synthetic process different from that used to generate the reference substance.

Aryl: The term “aryl” refers to monocyclic and bicyclic ring systems having a total of five to fourteen ring members (e.g., C₅-C₁₄), wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic and wherein each ring in the system contains three to seven ring members. In some embodiments, an “aryl” group contains between six and twelve total ring members (e.g., C₆-C₁₂). The term “aryl” may be used interchangeably with the term “aryl ring”. In certain embodiments of the present invention, “aryl” refers to an aromatic ring system which includes, but not limited to, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthracyl and the like, which may bear one or more substituents. Unless otherwise specified, “aryl” groups are hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, an “aryl” ring system is an aromatic ring (e.g., phenyl) that is fused to a non-aromatic ring (e.g., cycloalkyl). Examples of aryl rings include that are fused include

Associated: Two events or entities are “associated” with one another, as that term is used herein, if the presence, level and/or form of one is correlated with that of the other. For example, a particular entity (e.g., polypeptide, genetic signature, metabolite, microbe, etc) is considered to be associated with a particular disease, disorder, or condition, if its presence, level and/or form correlates with incidence of and/or susceptibility to the disease, disorder, or condition (e.g., across a relevant population). In some embodiments, two or more entities are physically “associated” with one another if they interact, directly or indirectly, so that they are and/or remain in physical proximity with one another. In some embodiments, two or more entities that are physically associated with one another are covalently linked to one another; in some embodiments, two or more entities that are physically associated with one another are not covalently linked to one another but are non-covalently associated, for example by means of hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interaction, hydrophobic interactions, magnetism, and combinations thereof.

Biological sample: As used herein, the term “biological sample” typically refers to a sample obtained or derived from a biological source (e.g., a tissue or organism or cell culture) of interest, as described herein. In some embodiments, a source of interest comprises an organism, such as an animal or human. In some embodiments, a biological sample is or comprises biological tissue or fluid. In some embodiments, a biological sample may be or comprise bone marrow; blood; blood cells; ascites; tissue or fine needle biopsy samples; cell-containing body fluids; free floating nucleic acids; sputum; saliva; urine; cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid; pleural fluid; feces; lymph; gynecological fluids; skin swabs; vaginal swabs; oral swabs; nasal swabs; washings or lavages such as a ductal lavages or broncheoalveolar lavages; aspirates; scrapings; bone marrow specimens; tissue biopsy specimens; surgical specimens; feces, other body fluids (e.g., sperm, sweat, tears), secretions, and/or excretions; and/or cells therefrom, etc. In some embodiments, a biological sample is or comprises cells obtained from an individual. In some embodiments, obtained cells are or include cells from an individual from whom the sample is obtained. In some embodiments, a sample is a “primary sample” obtained directly from a source of interest by any appropriate means. For example, in some embodiments, a primary biological sample is obtained by methods selected from the group consisting of biopsy (e.g., fine needle aspiration or tissue biopsy), surgery, collection of body fluid (e.g., blood, lymph, feces etc.), etc. In some embodiments, as will be clear from context, the term “sample” refers to a preparation that is obtained by processing (e.g., by removing one or more components of and/or by adding one or more agents to) a primary sample. For example, filtering using a semi-permeable membrane. Such a “processed sample” may comprise, for example, nucleic acids or proteins extracted from a sample or obtained by subjecting a primary sample to techniques such as amplification or reverse transcription of mRNA, isolation and/or purification of certain components, etc.

Carrier: As used herein, the term “carrier” refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which a composition is administered. In some exemplary embodiments, carriers can include sterile liquids, such as, for example, water and oils, including oils of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as, for example, peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. In some embodiments, carriers are or include one or more solid components.

Combination therapy: As used herein, the term “combination therapy” refers to those situations in which a subject is simultaneously exposed to two or more therapeutic regimens (e.g., two or more therapeutic agents or modality(ies)). In some embodiments, the two or more regimens may be administered simultaneously; in some embodiments, such regimens may be administered sequentially (e.g., all “doses” of a first regimen are administered prior to administration of any doses of a second regimen); in some embodiments, such agents are administered in overlapping dosing regimens. In some embodiments, “administration” of combination therapy may involve administration of one or more agent(s) or modality(ies) to a subject receiving the other agent(s) or modality(ies) in the combination. For clarity, combination therapy does not require that individual agents be administered together in a single composition (or even necessarily at the same time), although in some embodiments, two or more agents, or active moieties thereof, may be administered together in a combination composition, or even in a combination compound (e.g., as part of a single chemical complex or covalent entity).

Comparable: As used herein, the term “comparable” refers to two or more agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, etc., that may not be identical to one another but that are sufficiently similar to permit comparison therebetween so that one skilled in the art will appreciate that conclusions may reasonably be drawn based on differences or similarities observed. In some embodiments, comparable sets of conditions, circumstances, individuals, or populations are characterized by a plurality of substantially identical features and one or a small number of varied features. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, in context, what degree of identity is required in any given circumstance for two or more such agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, etc. to be considered comparable. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sets of circumstances, individuals, or populations are comparable to one another when characterized by a sufficient number and type of substantially identical features to warrant a reasonable conclusion that differences in results obtained or phenomena observed under or with different sets of circumstances, individuals, or populations are caused by or indicative of the variation in those features that are varied.

Composition: Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “composition” may be used to refer to a discrete physical entity that comprises one or more specified components. In general, unless otherwise specified, a composition may be of any form—e.g., gas, gel, liquid, solid, etc.

Cycloaliphatic: As used herein, the term “cycloaliphatic” refers to a monocyclic C_3-8 hydrocarbon or a bicyclic C_7-10 hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic, that has a single point or more than one points of attachment to the rest of the molecule.

Cycloalkyl: As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to an optionally substituted saturated ring monocyclic or polycyclic system of about 3 to about 10 ring carbon atoms. Exemplary monocyclic cycloalkyl rings include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl.

Dosage form or unit dosage form: Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “dosage form” may be used to refer to a physically discrete unit of an active agent (e.g., a therapeutic or diagnostic agent) for administration to a subject. Typically, each such unit contains a predetermined quantity of active agent. In some embodiments, such quantity is a unit dosage amount (or a whole fraction thereof) appropriate for administration in accordance with a dosing regimen that has been determined to correlate with a desired or beneficial outcome when administered to a relevant population (i.e., with a therapeutic dosing regimen). Those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that the total amount of a therapeutic composition or agent administered to a particular subject is determined by one or more attending physicians and may involve administration of multiple dosage forms.

Dosing regimen or therapeutic regimen: Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the terms “dosing regimen” and “therapeutic regimen” may be used to refer to a set of unit doses (typically more than one) that are administered individually to a subject, typically separated by periods of time. In some embodiments, a given therapeutic agent has a recommended dosing regimen, which may involve one or more doses. In some embodiments, a dosing regimen comprises a plurality of doses each of which is separated in time from other doses. In some embodiments, individual doses are separated from one another by a time period of the same length; in some embodiments, a dosing regimen comprises a plurality of doses and at least two different time periods separating individual doses. In some embodiments, all doses within a dosing regimen are of the same unit dose amount. In some embodiments, different doses within a dosing regimen are of different amounts. In some embodiments, a dosing regimen comprises a first dose in a first dose amount, followed by one or more additional doses in a second dose amount different from the first dose amount. In some embodiments, a dosing regimen comprises a first dose in a first dose amount, followed by one or more additional doses in a second dose amount same as the first dose amount. In some embodiments, a dosing regimen is correlated with a desired or beneficial outcome when administered across a relevant population (i.e., is a therapeutic dosing regimen).

Excipient: As used herein, the term “excipient” refers to a non-therapeutic agent that may be included in a pharmaceutical composition, for example, to provide or contribute to a desired consistency or stabilizing effect. Suitable pharmaceutical excipients include, for example, starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like.

Heteroaliphatic: The term “heteroaliphatic” or “heteroaliphatic group”, as used herein, denotes an optionally substituted hydrocarbon moiety having, in addition to carbon atoms, from one to five heteroatoms, that may be straight-chain (i.e., unbranched), branched, or cyclic (“heterocyclic”) and may be completely saturated or may contain one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic. The term “heteroatom” refers to nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, and includes any oxidized form of nitrogen or sulfur, and any quaternized form of a basic nitrogen. The term “nitrogen” also includes a substituted nitrogen. Unless otherwise specified, heteroaliphatic groups contain 1-10 carbon atoms wherein 1-3 carbon atoms are optionally and independently replaced with heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, heteroaliphatic groups contain 1-4 carbon atoms, wherein 1-2 carbon atoms are optionally and independently replaced with heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. In yet other embodiments, heteroaliphatic groups contain 1-3 carbon atoms, wherein 1 carbon atom is optionally and independently replaced with a heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Suitable heteroaliphatic groups include, but are not limited to, linear or branched, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, and heteroalkynyl groups. For example, a 1- to 10 atom heteroaliphatic group includes the following exemplary groups: —OCH₃, —CH₂—O—CH₃, —O—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃, and the like.

Heteroaryl: The terms “heteroaryl” and “heteroar-”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety, e.g., “heteroaralkyl”, or “heteroaralkoxy”, refer to monocyclic or bicyclic ring groups having 5 to 12 ring atoms (e.g., 5- to 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl or 9- to 12-membered bicyclic heteroaryl); having 6, 10, or 14 π-electrons shared in a cyclic array; and having, in addition to carbon atoms, from one to five heteroatoms. The term “heteroatom” refers to nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, and includes any oxidized form of nitrogen or sulfur, and any quaternized form of a basic nitrogen. Heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, thienyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolizinyl, purinyl, naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidinyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridyl, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridyl, imidazo[4,5-c]pyridyl, pyrrolopyridyl, pyrrolopyrazinyl, thienopyrimidinyl, triazolopyridyl, and benzoisoxazolyl. The terms “heteroaryl” and “heteroar-”, as used herein, also include groups in which a heteroaromatic ring is fused to one or more aryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclyl rings, where the radical or point of attachment is on the heteroaromatic ring (i.e., a bicyclic heteroaryl ring having 1 to 3 heteroatoms). Nonlimiting examples include indolyl, isoindolyl, benzothienyl, benzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, carbazolyl, acridinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, pyrido[2,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-3(4H)-one, 4H-thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole, and benzoisoxazolyl. A heteroaryl group may be mono- or bicyclic. The term “heteroaryl” may be used interchangeably with the terms “heteroaryl ring”, “heteroaryl group”, or “heteroaromatic”, any of which terms include rings that are optionally substituted. The term “heteroaralkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted by a heteroaryl, wherein the alkyl and heteroaryl portions independently are optionally substituted.

Heteroatom: The term “heteroatom” as used herein refers to nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, and includes any oxidized form of nitrogen or sulfur, and any quaternized form of a basic nitrogen.

Heterocycle: As used herein, the terms “heterocycle”, “heterocyclyl”, “heterocyclic radical”, and “heterocyclic ring” are used interchangeably and refer to a stable 3- to 8-membered monocyclic, a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic, or a 10- to 16-membered polycyclic heterocyclic moiety that is either saturated or partially unsaturated, and having, in addition to carbon atoms, one or more, such as one to four, heteroatoms, as defined above. When used in reference to a ring atom of a heterocycle, the term “nitrogen” includes a substituted nitrogen. As an example, in a saturated or partially unsaturated ring having 0-3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen, the nitrogen may be N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolyl), NH (as in pyrrolidinyl), or NR⁺ (as in N-substituted pyrrolidinyl). A heterocyclic ring can be attached to its pendant group at any heteroatom or carbon atom that results in a stable structure and any of the ring atoms can be optionally substituted. Examples of such saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic radicals include, without limitation, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperazinyl, dioxanyl, dioxolanyl, diazepinyl, oxazepinyl, thiazepinyl, morpholinyl, and thiamorpholinyl. A heterocyclyl group may be mono-, bi-, tri-, or polycyclic, preferably mono-, bi-, or tricyclic, more preferably mono- or bicyclic. The term “heterocyclylalkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted by a heterocyclyl, wherein the alkyl and heterocyclyl portions independently are optionally substituted. A bicyclic heterocyclic ring also includes groups in which the heterocyclic ring is fused to one or more aryl rings. Exemplary bicyclic heterocyclic groups include indolinyl, isoindolinyl, benzodioxolyl, 1,3-dihydroisobenzofuranyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl,

A bicyclic heterocyclic ring can also be a spirocyclic ring system (e.g., 7- to 11-membered spirocyclic fused heterocyclic ring having, in addition to carbon atoms, one or more heteroatoms as defined above (e.g., one, two, three or four heteroatoms)). A bicyclic heterocyclic ring can also be a bridged ring system (e.g., 7- to 11-membered bridged heterocyclic ring having one, two, or three bridging atoms.

Nucleic acid/Polynucleotide: As used herein, the term “nucleic acid” refers to a polymer of at least 10 nucleotides or more. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is or comprises DNA. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is or comprises RNA. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is or comprises peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is or comprises a single stranded nucleic acid. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is or comprises a double-stranded nucleic acid. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid comprises both single and double-stranded portions. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid comprises a backbone that comprises one or more phosphodiester linkages. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid comprises a backbone that comprises both phosphodiester and non-phosphodiester linkages. For example, in some embodiments, a nucleic acid may comprise a backbone that comprises one or more phosphorothioate or 5′—N-phosphoramidite linkages and/or one or more peptide bonds, e.g., as in a “peptide nucleic acid”. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid comprises one or more, or all, natural residues (e.g., adenine, cytosine, deoxyadenosine, deoxycytidine, deoxyguanosine, deoxythymidine, guanine, thymine, uracil). In some embodiments, a nucleic acid comprises on or more, or all, non-natural residues. In some embodiments, a non-natural residue comprises a nucleoside analog (e.g., 2-aminoadenosine, 2-thiothymidine, inosine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine, 3-methyl adenosine, 5-methylcytidine, C-5 propynyl-cytidine, C-5 propynyl-uridine, 2-aminoadenosine, C5-bromouridine, C5-fluorouridine, C5-iodouridine, C5-propynyl-uridine, C5-propynyl-cytidine, C5-methylcytidine, 2-aminoadenosine, 7-deazaadenosine, 7-deazaguanosine, 8-oxoadenosine, 8-oxoguanosine, 6-O-methylguanine, 2-thiocytidine, methylated bases, intercalated bases, and combinations thereof). In some embodiments, a non-natural residue comprises one or more modified sugars (e.g., 2′-fluororibose, ribose, 2′-deoxyribose, arabinose, and hexose) as compared to those in natural residues. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid has a nucleotide sequence that encodes a functional gene product such as an RNA or polypeptide. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid has a nucleotide sequence that comprises one or more introns. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid may be prepared by isolation from a natural source, enzymatic synthesis (e.g., by polymerization based on a complementary template, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, reproduction in a recombinant cell or system, or chemical synthesis. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 20, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, 7000, 7500, 8000, 8500, 9000, 9500, 10,000, 10,500, 11,000, 11,500, 12,000, 12,500, 13,000, 13,500, 14,000, 14,500, 15,000, 15,500, 16,000, 16,500, 17,000, 17,500, 18,000, 18,500, 19,000, 19,500, or 20,000 or more residues or nucleotides long.

Nucleic acid particle: A “nucleic acid particle” can be used to deliver nucleic acid to a target site of interest (e.g., cell, tissue, organ, and the like). A nucleic acid particle may be formed from at least one cationic or cationically ionizable lipid or lipid-like material, at least one cationic polymer such as protamine, or a mixture thereof and nucleic acid. Nucleic acid particles include lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based and lipoplex (LPX)-based formulations.

Nucleotide: As used herein, the term “nucleotide” refers to its art-recognized meaning. When a number of nucleotides is used as an indication of size, e.g., of a polynucleotide, a certain number of nucleotides refers to the number of nucleotides on a single strand, e.g., of a polynucleotide.

Oral: The phrases “oral administration” and “administered orally” as used herein have their art-understood meaning referring to administration by mouth of a compound or composition.

Parenteral: The phrases “parenteral administration” and “administered parenterally” as used herein have their art-understood meaning referring to modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and include, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticulare, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, and intrasternal injection and infusion.

Partially unsaturated: As used herein, the term “partially unsaturated” refers to a ring moiety that includes at least one double or triple bond between ring atoms. The term “partially unsaturated” is intended to encompass rings having multiple sites of unsaturation, but is not intended to include aromatic (e.g., aryl or heteroaryl) moieties, as herein defined.

Patient or subject: As used herein, the term “patient” or “subject” refers to any organism to which a provided composition is or may be administered, e.g., for experimental, diagnostic, prophylactic, cosmetic, and/or therapeutic purposes. Typical patients or subjects include animals (e.g., mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, non-human primates, and/or humans). In some embodiments, a patient is a human. In some embodiments, a patient or a subject is suffering from or susceptible to one or more disorders or conditions. In some embodiments, a patient or subject displays one or more symptoms of a disorder or condition. In some embodiments, a patient or subject has been diagnosed with one or more disorders or conditions. In some embodiments, a patient or a subject is receiving or has received certain therapy to diagnose and/or to treat a disease, disorder, or condition.

Pharmaceutical composition: As used herein, the term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to an active agent, formulated together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In some embodiments, the active agent is present in unit dose amount appropriate for administration in a therapeutic or dosing regimen that shows a statistically significant probability of achieving a predetermined therapeutic effect when administered to a relevant population. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions may be specially formulated for administration in solid or liquid form, including those adapted for the following: oral administration, for example, drenches (aqueous or non-aqueous solutions or suspensions), tablets, e.g., those targeted for buccal, sublingual, and systemic absorption, boluses, powders, granules, pastes for application to the tongue; parenteral administration, for example, by subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous or epidural injection as, for example, a sterile solution or suspension, or sustained-release formulation; topical application, for example, as a cream, ointment, or a controlled-release patch or spray applied to the skin, lungs, or oral cavity; intravaginally or intrarectally, for example, as a pessary, cream, or foam; sublingually; ocularly; transdermally; or nasally, pulmonary, and to other mucosal surfaces.

Pharmaceutically acceptable: As used herein, the phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier: As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” means a pharmaceutically-acceptable material, composition or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, or solvent encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting the subject compound from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Each carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the patient. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers include: sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols, such as propylene glycol; polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; pH buffered solutions; polyesters, polycarbonates and/or polyanhydrides; and other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salt: The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt”, as used herein, refers to salts of such compounds that are appropriate for use in pharmaceutical contexts, i.e., salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, S. M. Berge, et al. describes pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 66: 1-19 (1977). In some embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, nontoxic acid addition salts, which are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such as acetic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the art such as ion exchange. In some embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. In some embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, sulfonate and aryl sulfonate.

Polycyclic: As used herein, the term “polycyclic” refers to a saturated or unsaturated ring system having two or more rings (for example, heterocyclyl rings, heteroaryl rings, cycloalkyl rings, or aryl rings), having between 7 and 20 atoms, in which one or more carbon atoms are common to two adjacent rings. For example, in some embodiments, a polycyclic ring system refers to a saturated or unsaturated ring system having three or more rings (for example, heterocyclyl rings, heteroaryl rings, cycloalkyl rings, or aryl rings), having between 14 and 20 atoms, in which one or more carbon atoms are common to two adjacent rings. The rings in a polycyclic ring system may be fused (i.e., bicyclic or tricyclic), spirocyclic, or a combination thereof. An example polycyclic ring is a steroid.

Polypeptide: The term “polypeptide”, as used herein, typically has its art-recognized meaning of a polymer of at least three amino acids or more. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the term “polypeptide” is intended to be sufficiently general as to encompass not only polypeptides having a complete sequence recited herein, but also to encompass polypeptides that represent functional, biologically active, or characteristic fragments, portions or domains (e.g., fragments, portions, or domains retaining at least one activity) of such complete polypeptides. In some embodiments, polypeptides may contain L-amino acids, D-amino acids, or both and/or may contain any of a variety of amino acid modifications or analogs known in the art. Useful modifications include, e.g., terminal acetylation, amidation, methylation, etc. In some embodiments, polypeptides may comprise natural amino acids, non-natural amino acids, synthetic amino acids, and combinations thereof (e.g., may be or comprise peptidomimetics).

Prevent or prevention: As used herein, the terms “prevent” or “prevention”, when used in connection with the occurrence of a disease, disorder, and/or condition, refer to reducing the risk of developing the disease, disorder and/or condition and/or to delaying onset of one or more characteristics or symptoms of the disease, disorder or condition. Prevention may be considered complete when onset of a disease, disorder or condition has been delayed for a predefined period of time.

Reference: As used herein describes a standard or control relative to which a comparison is performed. For example, in some embodiments, an agent, animal, individual, population, sample, sequence or value of interest is compared with a reference or control agent, animal, individual, population, sample, sequence or value. In some embodiments, a reference or control is tested and/or determined substantially simultaneously with the testing or determination of interest. In some embodiments, a reference or control is a historical reference or control, optionally embodied in a tangible medium. Typically, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, a reference or control is determined or characterized under comparable conditions or circumstances to those under assessment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate when sufficient similarities are present to justify reliance on and/or comparison to a particular possible reference or control.

Ribonucleotide: As used herein, the term “ribonucleotide” encompasses unmodified ribonucleotides and modified ribonucleotides. For example, unmodified ribonucleotides include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified ribonucleotides may include one or more modifications including, but not limited to, for example, (a) end modifications, e.g., 5′ end modifications (e.g., phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, conjugation, inverted linkages, etc.), 3′ end modifications (e.g., conjugation, inverted linkages, etc.), (b) base modifications, e.g; replacement with modified bases, stabilizing bases, destabilizing bases, or bases that base pair with an expanded repertoire of partners, or conjugated bases, (c) sugar modifications (e.g., at the 2′ position or 4′ position) or replacement of the sugar, and (d) internucleoside linkage modifications, including modification or replacement of the phosphodiester linkages. The term “ribonucleotide” also encompasses ribonucleotide triphosphates including modified and non-modified ribonucleotide triphosphates.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA): As used herein, the term “RNA” refers to a polymer of ribonucleotides. In some embodiments, an RNA is single stranded. In some embodiments, an RNA is double stranded. In some embodiments, an RNA comprises both single and double stranded portions. In some embodiments, an RNA can comprise a backbone structure as described in the definition of “Nucleic acid/Polynucleotide” above. An RNA can be a regulatory RNA (e.g., siRNA, microRNA, etc.), or a messenger RNA (mRNA). In some embodiments where an RNA is a mRNA. In some embodiments where an RNA is a mRNA, a RNA typically comprises at its 3′ end a poly(A) region. In some embodiments where an RNA is a mRNA, an RNA typically comprises at its 5′ end an art-recognized cap structure, e.g., for recognizing and attachment of a mRNA to a ribosome to initiate translation. In some embodiments, a RNA is a synthetic RNA. Synthetic RNAs include RNAs that are synthesized in vitro (e.g., by enzymatic synthesis methods and/or by chemical synthesis methods).

Sample: As used herein, the term “sample” typically refers to an aliquot of material obtained or derived from a source of interest. In some embodiments, a source of interest is a biological or environmental source. In some embodiments, a source of interest may be or comprise a cell, tissue, or organism, such as a microbe, a plant, or an animal (e.g., a human). In some embodiments, a source of interest is or comprises biological tissue or fluid. In some embodiments, a source of interest may be or comprise a preparation generated in a production run. In some embodiments, a sample is a “primary sample” obtained directly from a source of interest by any appropriate means. In some embodiments, as will be clear from context, the term “sample” refers to a preparation that is obtained by processing (e.g., by removing one or more components of and/or by adding one or more agents to) a primary sample.

Substituted or optionally substituted: As described herein, compounds of the invention may contain “optionally substituted” moieties. In general, the term “substituted,” whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, means that one or more hydrogens of the designated moiety are replaced with a suitable substituent. “Substituted” applies to one or more hydrogens that are either explicit or implicit from the structure (e.g.,

refers to at least

and refers to at least

Unless otherwise indicated, an “optionally substituted” group may have a suitable substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure may be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent may be either the same or different at every position. Combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are preferably those that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds. The term “stable,” as used herein, refers to compounds that are not substantially altered when subjected to conditions to allow for their production, detection, and, in certain embodiments, their recovery, purification, and use for one or more of the purposes provided herein. Groups described as being “substituted” preferably have between 1 and 4 substituents, more preferably 1 or 2 substituents. Groups described as being “optionally substituted” may be unsubstituted or be “substituted” as described above.

Suitable monovalent substituents on a substitutable carbon atom of an “optionally substituted” group are independently halogen; —(CH₂)_0-4Rº; —(CH₂)_0-4ORº; —O(CH₂)_0-4Rº, —O—(CH₂)_0-4C(O)ORº; —(CH₂)_0-4CH(ORº)₂; —(CH₂)_0-4SRº; —(CH₂)_0-4Ph, which may be substituted with Rº; —(CH₂)_0-4O(CH₂)_0-1Ph which may be substituted with Rº; —CH═CHPh, which may be substituted with Rº; —(CH₂)_0-4O(CH₂)_0-1-pyridyl which may be substituted with Rº; —NO₂; —CN; —N₃; (CH₂)_0-4N(Rº)₂; —(CH₂)_0-4N(Rº)C(O)Rº; —N(Rº)C(S)Rº; —(CH₂)_0-4N(Rº)C(O)NRº₂; N(Rº)C(S)NRº₂; —(CH₂)_0-4N(Rº)C(O)ORº; —N(Rº)N(Rº)C(O)Rº; N(Rº)N(Rº)C(O)NRº₂; N(Rº)N(Rº)C(O)ORº; —(CH₂)_0-4C(O)Rº; C(S)Rº; —(CH₂)_0-4C(O)ORº; —(CH₂)_0-4C(O)SRº; (CH₂)_0-4C(O)OSiRº₃; —(CH₂)_0-4OC(O)Rº; —OC(O)(CH₂)_0-4SRº; —(CH₂)_0-4SC(O)Rº; —(CH₂)_0-4C(O)NRº₂; —C(S)NRº₂; —C(S)SRº; —SC(S)SRº, (CH₂)_0-4OC(O)NRº₂; C(O)N(ORº)Rº; —C(O)C(O)Rº; —C(O)CH₂C(O)Rº; —C(NORº)Rº; (CH₂)_0-4SSRº; —(CH₂)_0-4S(O)₂Rº; —(CH₂)_0-4S(O)₂ORº; —(CH₂)_0-4OS(O)₂Rº; —S(O)₂NRº₂; (CH₂)_0-4S(O)Rº; N(Rº)S(O)₂NRº₂; —N(R⁰)S(O)₂Rº; —N(ORº)Rº; —C(NH)NRº₂; —P(O)₂Rº; P(O)Rº₂; OP(O)Rº₂; —OP(O)(ORº)₂; SiRº₃; —(C_1-4 straight or branched alkylene)O—N(Rº)₂; or —(C_1-4 straight or branched alkylene)C(O)O—N(Rº)₂, wherein each Rº may be substituted as defined below and is independently hydrogen, C_1-6 aliphatic, —CH₂Ph, —O(CH₂)_0-1Ph, —CH₂-(5- to 6-membered heteroaryl ring), or a 3- to 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or, notwithstanding the definition above, two independent occurrences of Rº, taken together with their intervening atom(s), form a 3- to 12-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl mono- or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, which may be substituted as defined below.

Suitable monovalent substituents on Rº (or the ring formed by taking two independent occurrences of Rº together with their intervening atoms), are independently halogen, —(CH₂)_0-2R^●, -(haloR^●), —(CH₂)_0-2OH, —(CH₂)_0-2OR^●, —(CH₂)_0-2CH(OR^●)₂, O(haloR^●), —CN, —N₃, —(CH₂)_0-2C(O)R^●, —(CH₂)_0-2C(O)OH, —(CH₂)_0-2C(O)OR^●, —(CH₂)_0-2SR^●, —(CH₂)_0-2SH, —(CH₂)_0-2NH₂, —(CH₂)_0-2NHR^●, —(CH₂)_0-2NR^●₂, —NO₂, —SiR^●₃, —OSiR₃, C(O)SR^●, —(C_1-4 straight or branched alkylene)C(O)OR^●, or —SSR^● wherein each R^● is unsubstituted or where preceded by “halo” is substituted only with one or more halogens, and is independently selected from C_1-4 aliphatic, —CH₂Ph, —O(CH₂)_0-1Ph, or a 3- to 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Suitable divalent substituents on a saturated carbon atom of Rº include ═O and ═S.

Suitable divalent substituents on a saturated carbon atom of an “optionally substituted” group include the following: ═O (“oxo”), ═S, ═NNR*₂, ═NNHC(O)R*, ═NNHC(O)OR*, ═NNHS(O)₂R*, ═NR*, ═NOR*, —O(C(R*₂))_2-3O—, or —S(C(R*₂))_2-3S—, wherein each independent occurrence of R* is selected from hydrogen, C_1-6 aliphatic which may be substituted as defined below, or an unsubstituted 5- to 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Suitable divalent substituents that are bound to vicinal substitutable carbons of an “optionally substituted” group include: —O(CR*₂)_2-3O—, wherein each independent occurrence of R* is selected from hydrogen, C_1-6 aliphatic which may be substituted as defined below, or an unsubstituted 5-6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

Suitable substituents on the aliphatic group of R^● include halogen, —R^●, (haloR^●), OH, —OR^●, —O(haloR^●), —CN, —C(O)OH, —C(O)OR^●, —NH₂, —NHR^●, —NR^●₂, or —NO₂, wherein each R^● is unsubstituted or where preceded by “halo” is substituted only with one or more halogens, and is independently C_1-4 aliphatic, —CH₂Ph, —O(CH₂)_0-1Ph, or a 5- to 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

Suitable substituents on a substitutable nitrogen of an “optionally substituted” group include —R^†, —NR^†₂, —C(O)R^†, —C(O)OR^†, —C(O)C(O)R^†, —C(O)CH₂C(O)R^†, S(O)₂R^†, S(O)₂NR^†₂, —C(S)NR^†₂, —C(NH)NR^†₂, or —N(R^†)S(O)₂R^†; wherein each R^† is independently hydrogen, C_1-6 aliphatic which may be substituted as defined below, unsubstituted —OPh, or an unsubstituted 3- to 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or, notwithstanding the definition above, two independent occurrences of R^†, taken together with their intervening atom(s) form an unsubstituted 3- to 12-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl mono- or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

Suitable substituents on the aliphatic group of R^† are independently halogen, —R^●, (haloR^●), —OH, —OR^●, —O(haloR^●), —CN, —C(O)OH, —C(O)OR^●, —NH₂, —NHR^●, —NR^●₂, or NO₂, wherein each R^● is unsubstituted or where preceded by “halo” is substituted only with one or more halogens, and is independently C_1-4 aliphatic, —CH₂Ph, —O(CH₂)_0-1Ph, or a 3- to 6-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

Small molecule: As used herein, the term “small molecule” means a low molecular weight organic and/or inorganic compound. In general, a “small molecule” is a molecule that is less than about 5 kilodaltons (kD) in size. In some embodiments, a small molecule is less than about 4 kD, 3 kD, about 2 kD, or about 1 kD. In some embodiments, the small molecule is less than about 800 daltons (D), about 600 D, about 500 D, about 400 D, about 300 D, about 200 D, or about 100 D. In some embodiments, a small molecule is less than about 2000 g/mol, less than about 1500 g/mol, less than about 1000 g/mol, less than about 800 g/mol, or less than about 500 g/mol. In some embodiments, a small molecule is not a polymer.

Those of ordinary skill in the art, reading the present disclosure, will appreciate that certain small molecule compounds described herein, including, for example, oligosaccharide compounds described herein, may be provided and/or utilized in any of a variety of forms such as, for example, crystal forms (e.g., polymorphs, solvates, etc), salt forms, protected forms, pro-drug forms, ester forms, isomeric forms (e.g., optical and/or structural isomers), isotopic forms, etc.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain small molecule compounds (e.g., oligosaccharide compounds described herein) have structures that can exist in one or more stereoisomeric forms. In some embodiments, such a small molecule may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure in the form of an individual enantiomer, diastereomer or geometric isomer, or may be in the form of a mixture of stereoisomers; in some embodiments, such a small molecule may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure in a racemic mixture form.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that certain small molecule compounds (e.g., oligosaccharide compounds described herein) have structures that can exist in one or more tautomeric forms. In some embodiments, such a small molecule may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure in the form of an individual tautomer, or in a form that interconverts between tautomeric forms.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that certain small molecule compounds (e.g., oligosaccharide compounds described herein) have structures that permit isotopic substitution (e.g., ²H or ³H for H; ¹¹C, ¹³C or ¹⁴C for ¹²C; ¹³N or ¹⁵N for ¹⁴N; ¹⁷O or ¹⁸O for ¹⁶O; ³⁶Cl for ³⁵Cl or ³⁷Cl; ¹⁸F for ¹⁹F; ¹³¹I for ¹²⁷I; etc.). In some embodiments, such a small molecule may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure in one or more isotopically modified forms, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, reference to a particular small molecule compound (e.g., oligosaccharide compounds described herein) may relate to a specific form of that compound. In some embodiments, a particular small molecule compound may be provided and/or utilized in a salt form (e.g., in an acid-addition or base-addition salt form, depending on the compound); in some such embodiments, the salt form may be a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form.

In some embodiments, where a small molecule compound is one that exists or is found in nature, that compound may be provided and/or utilized in accordance in the present disclosure in a form different from that in which it exists or is found in nature. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in some embodiments, a preparation of a particular small molecule compound (e.g., an oligosaccharide compound described herein) that contains an absolute or relative amount of the compound, or of a particular form thereof, that is different from the absolute or relative (with respect to another component of the preparation including, for example, another form of the compound) amount of the compound or form that is present in a reference preparation of interest (e.g., in a primary sample from a source of interest such as a biological or environmental source) is distinct from the compound as it exists in the reference preparation or source. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, a preparation of a single stereoisomer of a small molecule compound may be considered to be a different form of the compound than a racemic mixture of the compound; a particular salt of a small molecule compound may be considered to be a different form from another salt form of the compound; a preparation that contains only a form of the compound that contains one conformational isomer ((Z) or (E)) of a double bond may be considered to be a different form of the compound from one that contains the other conformational isomer ((E) or (Z)) of the double bond; a preparation in which one or more atoms is a different isotope than is present in a reference preparation may be considered to be a different form; etc.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that, in small molecule structures, the symbol , as used herein, refers to a point of attachment between two atoms.

Therapeutic agent: As used herein, the phrase “therapeutic agent” in general refers to any agent that elicits a desired pharmacological effect when administered to an organism. In some embodiments, an agent is considered to be a therapeutic agent if it demonstrates a statistically significant effect across an appropriate population. In some embodiments, the appropriate population may be a population of model organisms. In some embodiments, an appropriate population may be defined by various criteria, such as a certain age group, gender, genetic background, preexisting clinical conditions, etc. In some embodiments, a therapeutic agent is a substance that can be used to alleviate, ameliorate, relieve, inhibit, prevent, delay onset of, reduce severity of, and/or reduce incidence of one or more symptoms or features of a disease, disorder, and/or condition. In some embodiments, a “therapeutic agent” is an agent that has been or is required to be approved by a government agency before it can be marketed for administration to humans. In some embodiments, a “therapeutic agent” is an agent for which a medical prescription is required for administration to humans.

Treat: As used herein, the terms “treat,” “treatment,” or “treating” refer to any method used to partially or completely alleviate, ameliorate, relieve, inhibit, prevent, delay onset of, reduce severity of, and/or reduce incidence of one or more symptoms or features of a disease, disorder, and/or condition. Treatment may be administered to a subject who does not exhibit signs of a disease, disorder, and/or condition. In some embodiments, treatment may be administered to a subject who exhibits only early signs of the disease, disorder, and/or condition, for example, for the purpose of decreasing the risk of developing pathology associated with the disease, disorder, and/or condition.

Complexes and Compositions

The compositions described herein exhibit unexpectedly improved characteristics relative to previously described complexes. Moreover, the present disclosure encompasses an insight that cationic and/or ionizable oligosaccharides are surprisingly useful for the delivery and targeted expression of particular therapeutic agents, e.g., nucleic acids, RNA. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a complex comprising a cationic oligosaccharide and an RNA, wherein the cationic oligosaccharide comprises a plurality of cationic moieties bonded to a trehalose, a sucrose, or an gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety, where n is 2-6; and a ratio of N/P in the complex is less than 20:1.

Previous work related to cationic oligosaccharides focused on their use with DNA. In particular, Carbajo-Gordillo, et al., reported use of certain oligosaccharides for DNA nanocomplexing and delivery. See Carbajo-Gordillo, et al., Chem. Comm., 55:8227-8230 (2019). Notably, however, the oligosaccharide-DNA complexes reported by Carbajo-Gordillo, et al., exhibit surprisingly distinct properties from those reported in the present application, in particular when complexed with RNA. For example, the compositions reported herein, in some embodiments, exhibit different behavior in vivo, such as targeting (i.e., causing increased expression of RNA relative to other parts of the body) different systems in the body, and can be prepared with significantly reduced ratios of cationic moieties of an oligosaccharide to anionic moieties of a nucleic acid (referred to as an N/P ratio, and described further herein). For at least these reasons, the presently reported complexes exhibit unexpected benefits over those complexes previously reported.

For example, and solely by way of comparison, and as elaborated upon in Example 2, complexing pDNA with JRL13 provides a complex that predominantly targets the liver. See FIG. 3G. Complexing JRL13 with mRNA, in contrast, provides a complex that predominantly targets the lung. See FIG. 3E. Similarly, complexing pDNA with JRL45 provides a complex that is predominantly expressed the lung. See FIG. 3G. Complexing JRL45 with mRNA, instead, targets the spleen, with very little complex being expressed in the lung. See FIG. 3E. These results are surprising. There is no indication in previous work that complexing a particular oligosaccharide with DNA would provide a composition for targeting one system, while complexing the same oligosaccharide with RNA would provide a complex targeting a different system.

Further, the presently reported compositions exhibit improved ratios of cationic moieties, or groups that are ionizable to cationic groups (on an oligosaccharide) to anionic moieties (on a nucleic acid). For example, as described herein, a complex comprises a molar ratio of cationic groups to anionic groups, which is referred to as an “N/P ratio.” As described herein, an N/P ratio refers to a molar ratio of cationic groups (or ionizable groups that can become cationic, referred to as “N” of N/P) in a composition comprising cationic oligosaccharide compounds relative to anionic groups in a composition comprising mRNA (referred to as “P” of N/P). The presently reported compositions exhibit favorable ratios, thereby providing concentrated complexes for RNA delivery, relative to previously reported complexes with DNA. For example, the complexes of Carbajo-Gordillo require an N/P of about 20:1 for effective targeting and delivery of pDNA. The present complexes, in contrast, comprise an N/P ratio of less than 20:1. An N/P ratio can also be expressed as a single digit, e.g., 5, where it is understood to refer to the indicated number as a ratio of X:1. For example, an N/P of 5, is intended to refer to an N/P of 5:1. Similarly, an N/P of 10, is intended to refer to an N/P of 10:1, etc.

For example, in some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than 20:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than or equal to 15:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than or equal to 12:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than or equal to 10:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than or equal to 5:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than or equal to 6:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than or equal to 2:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is less than or equal to 1:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is from about 1:1 to about 15:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is from about 1:1 to about 12:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is from about 1:1 to about 10:1. In some embodiments, an N/P ratio of a complex reported herein is about 1:1, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, about 5:1, about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 9:1, about 10:1, about 11:1, about 12:1, about 13:1, about 14:1, about 15:1, about 16:1, about 17:1, about 18:1, or about 19:1.

In some embodiments, a complex described herein has a diameter of about 30 nm to about 300 nm. In some embodiments a complex described herein has a diameter of about 50 nm to about 200 nm. In some embodiments, a complex described herein has a diameter that is about 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 nm. In some embodiments, a complex described herein has a diameter of about 30 nm to about 150 nm. In some embodiments, a complex described herein has a diameter of about 30 nm to about 100 nm. In some embodiments, a complex described herein has a diameter of less than 100 nm. In some embodiments, a complex described herein has a diameter of about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 nm.

In some embodiments, a composition or complex described herein further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant is selected from a polysorbate (e.g., polysorbate 20 (Tween20), polysorbate 40 (Tween40), polysorbate 60 (Tween60), and polysorbate 80 (Tween80)), poloxamers, and an amphiphilic group comprising a moiety selected from polyalkylene glycols (e.g., polyethylene glycol), poly(2-oxazoline), poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline), polysarcosine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide, wherein the moiety is bound to one or more C₁₂-C₂₀ aliphatic groups.

In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to surfactant is about 1:0.0075 to about 1:3. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to surfactant is about 1:0.0075 to about 1:1.5. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to surfactant is about 1:1. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to surfactant is about 1:0.0075, about 1:0.01, about 1:0.1, about 1:0.5, about 1:1, about 1:1.5, about 1:2, about 1:2.5. or about 1:3.

In some embodiments, a surfactant is a polysorbate. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to polysorbate is 1:0.0075 to 1:3. In some embodiments, a surfactant is a polysorbate. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to polysorbate is 1:0.0075 to 1:1.5. In some embodiments, a surfactant is a polysorbate. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to polysorbate is 1:0.0075 to 1:1. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of oligosaccharide to polysorbate is about 1:0.0075, about 1:0.01, about 1:0.1, about 1:0.5, about 1:1, about 1:1.5, about 1:2, about 1:2.5. or about 1:3.

In some embodiments, a complex comprising an oligosaccharide and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant has a diameter of about 30 nm to about 150 nm. In some embodiments, a complex described herein has a diameter of about 30 nm to about 100 nm. In some embodiments, a complex comprising an oligosaccharide and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant has a diameter of less than 100 nm. In some embodiments, a complex comprising an oligosaccharide and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant has a diameter of about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 nm.

RNA

In some embodiments, a complex described herein comprises one or more oligosaccharide compositions and a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid is RNA.

In some embodiments, an RNA amenable to technologies described herein is a single-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, an RNA as disclosed herein is a linear RNA. In some embodiments, a single-stranded RNA is a non-coding RNA in that its nucleotide sequence does not include an open reading frame (or complement thereof). In some embodiments, a single-stranded RNA has a nucleotide sequence that encodes (or is the complement of a sequence that encodes) a polypeptide or a plurality of polypeptides (e.g., epitopes) of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, an RNA is or comprises an siRNA, an miRNA, or other non-coding RNA.

In many embodiments, a relevant RNA includes at least one open reading frame (ORF) (e.g., is an mRNA); in some embodiments, a relevant RNA includes a single ORF; in some embodiments, a relevant RNA includes more than one ORF.

In some embodiments, an RNA comprises an ORF, e.g., encoding a polypeptide of interest or encoding a plurality of polypeptides of interest. In some embodiments, an RNA produced in accordance with technologies provided herein comprises a plurality of ORFs (e.g., encoding a plurality of polypeptides). In some embodiments, an RNA produced in accordance with technologies herein comprises a single ORF that encodes a plurality of polypeptides. In some such embodiments, polypeptides are or comprise antigens or epitopes thereof (e.g., relevant antigens).

In some embodiments, an ORF for use in accordance with the present disclosure encodes a polypeptide that includes a signal sequence, e.g., that is functional in mammalian cells, such as an intrinsic signal sequence or a heterologous signal sequence. In some embodiments, a signal sequence directs secretion of an encoded polypeptide, in some embodiments, a signal sequence directs transport of an encoded polypeptide into a defined cellular compartment, preferably the cell surface, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or the endosomal-lysosomal compartment.

In some embodiments, an ORF encodes a polypeptide that includes a multimerization element (e.g., an intrinsic or heterologous multimerization element). In some embodiments, an ORF that encodes a surface polypeptide (e.g., that includes a signal sequence directing surface localization) includes a multimerization element.

In some embodiments, an ORF encodes a polypeptide that includes a transmembrane element or domain.

In some embodiments, an ORF is codon-optimized for expression in a cells of a particular host, e.g., a mammalian host, e.g., a human.

In some embodiments, an RNA includes unmodified uridine residues; an RNA that includes only unmodified uridine residues may be referred to as a “uRNA”. In some embodiments, an RNA includes one or more modified uridine residues; in some embodiments, such an RNA (e.g., an RNA including entirely modified uridine residues) is referred to as a “modRNA”. In some embodiments, an RNA may be a self-amplifying RNA (saRNA). In some embodiments, an RNA may be a trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA) (see, for example, WO2017/162461).

In some embodiments, a relevant RNA includes a polypeptide-encoding portion or a plurality of polypeptide-encoding portions. In some particular embodiments, such a portion or portions may encode a polypeptide or polypeptides that is or comprises a biologically active polypeptide or portion thereof (e.g., an enzyme or cytokine or therapeutic protein such as a replacement protein or antibody or portion thereof). In some particular embodiments, such a portion or portions may encode a polypeptide or polypeptides that is or comprises an antigen (or an epitope thereof), a cytokine, an enzyme, etc. In some embodiments, an encoded polypeptide or polypeptides may be or include one or more neoantigens or neoepitopes associated with a tumor. In some embodiments, an encoded polypeptide or polypeptides may be or include one or more antigens (or epitopes thereof) of an infectious agent (e.g., a bacterium, fungus, virus, etc.). In certain embodiments, an encoded polypeptide may be a variant of a wild type polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a single-stranded RNA (e.g., mRNA) may comprise a secretion signal-encoding region (e.g., a secretion signal-encoding region that allows an encoded target entity or entities to be secreted upon translation by cells). In some embodiments, such a secretion signal-encoding region may be or comprise a non-human secretion signal. In some embodiments, such a secretion signal-encoding region may be or comprise a human secretion signal.

In some embodiments, a single-stranded RNA (e.g., mRNA) may comprise at least one non-coding element (e.g., to enhance RNA stability and/or translation efficiency). Examples of non-coding elements include but are not limited to a 3′ untranslated region (UTR), a 5′ UTR, a cap structure (e.g., in some embodiments, an enzymatically-added cap; in some embodiments, a co-transcriptional cap), a poly adenine (polyA) tail (e.g., that, in some embodiments, may be or comprise 100 A residues or more, and/or in some embodiments may include one or more “interrupting” [i.e., non-A]sequence elements), and any combinations thereof. Exemplary embodiments of such non-coding elements may be found, for example, in WO2011015347, WO2017053297, U.S. Ser. No. 10/519,189, U.S. Ser. No. 10/494,399, WO2007024708, WO2007036366, WO2017060314, WO2016005324, WO2005038030, WO2017036889, WO2017162266, and WO2017162461, each of which is incorporated herein by referenced in its entirety.

Formats

At least four formats useful for RNA pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., immunogenic compositions or vaccines) have been developed, namely non-modified uridine containing mRNA (uRNA), nucleoside modified mRNA (modRNA), self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA), and trans-amplifying RNAs.

Features of a non-modified uridine platform may include, for example, one or more of intrinsic adjuvant effect, good tolerability and safety, and strong antibody and T cell responses.

Features of modified uridine (e.g., pseudouridine) platform may include reduced adjuvant effect, blunted immune innate immune sensor activating capacity and thus augmented antigen expression, good tolerability and safety, and strong antibody and CD4-T cell responses. As noted herein, the present disclosure provides an insight that such strong antibody and CD4 T cell responses may be particularly useful for vaccination.

Features of self-amplifying platform may include, for example, long duration of polypeptide (e.g., protein) expression, good tolerability and safety, higher likelihood for efficacy with very low vaccine dose.

In some embodiments, a self-amplifying platform (e.g., RNA) comprises two nucleic acid molecules, wherein one nucleic acid molecule encodes a replicase (e.g., a viral replicase) and the other nucleic acid molecule is capable of being replicated (e.g., a replicon) by said replicase in trans (trans-replication system). In some embodiments, a self-amplifying platform (e.g., RNA) comprises a plurality of nucleic acid molecules, wherein said nucleic acids encode a plurality of replicases and/or replicons.

In some embodiments, a trans-replication system comprises the presence of both nucleic acid molecules in a single host cell.

In some such embodiments, a nucleic acid encoding a replicase (e.g., a viral replicase) is not capable of self-replication in a target cell and/or target organism. In some such embodiments, a nucleic acid encoding a replicase (e.g., a viral replicase) lacks at least one conserved sequence element important for (−) strand synthesis based on a (+) strand template and/or for (+) strand synthesis based on a (−) strand template.

In some embodiments, a self-amplifying RNA comprises a 5′-cap; in some trans-replication systems, at least an RNA encoding a replicase is capped. Without wishing to be bound by any one theory, it has been found that a 5′-cap can be important for high level expression of a gene of interest in trans.

In some embodiments, a self-amplifying platform does not require propagation of virus particles (e.g., is not associated with undesired virus-particle formation). In some embodiments, a self-amplifying platform is not capable of forming virus particles.

In some embodiments, an RNA may comprise an Internal Ribosomal Entry Site (IRES) element. In some embodiments, an RNA does not comprise an IRES site; in particular, in some embodiments, an saRNA does not comprise an IRES site. In some such embodiments, translation of a gene of interest and/or replicase is not driven by an IRES element. In some embodiments, an IRES element is substituted by a 5′-cap. In some such embodiments, substitution by a 5′-cap does not affect the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by an RNA.

In some embodiments, a complex described herein comprises modRNA or saRNA. In some embodiments, a complex comprises modRNA. In some embodiments, a complex comprises saRNA.

Polycationic Oligosaccharide Compositions

Complexes described herein comprise a cationic oligosaccharide that comprises a plurality of cationic moieties bonded to a trehalose, a sucrose, or a gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety, where n is 2-6. In some embodiments, a trehalose moiety is of structure:

where each G¹ moiety is independently a cationic moiety optionally connected to the trehalose moiety via a linker group, and each G² is independently H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆₀ aliphatic group.

In some embodiments, a sucrose moiety is of structure:

where each G¹ moiety is independently a cationic moiety optionally connected to the trehalose moiety via a linker group, and each G² is independently H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆₀ aliphatic group.

In some embodiments, a gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety is of structure:

where each G¹ moiety is independently a cationic moiety optionally connected to the trehalose moiety via a linker group, each G² is independently H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆₀ aliphatic group, and n is from 2-6. In some embodiments, each G¹ moiety is independently a cationic moiety optionally connected to the trehalose moiety via a linker group, each G² is independently H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆₀ aliphatic group, and n is from 2-5. In some embodiments, each G¹ moiety is independently a cationic moiety optionally connected to the trehalose moiety via a linker group, each G² is independently H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆₀ aliphatic group, and n is from 3-6. In some embodiments, n is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In some embodiments, n is 3, 4, 5, or 6. In some embodiments, a gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety is of structure:

where each G¹ moiety is independently a cationic moiety optionally connected to the trehalose moiety via a linker group, each G² is independently H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆₀ aliphatic group, and n is 3, 4, 5, or 6.

In some embodiments, each linker group is independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —SO—, or —SO₂—; and each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

As used herein, a “cationic” moiety is a group having a net positive charge. As used herein, an “ionizable” moiety is a group that may have a neutral charge at a certain pH, but may become charged (e.g., cationic) at a different pH. For example, in some embodiments, an ionizable moiety becomes cationic (i.e., positively charged) at physiological pH (e.g., a pH of about 7.4). Example cationic moieties include, but are not limited to, ammonium, guanidinium, isothiouronium, amidinium, piperazinium, piperidinium, morpholinium, pyrrolidinium, imidazolium, pyrazolium, oxazolium, thiazolium, triazolium and the like. A person of skill in the art will also appreciate that an oligosaccharide described herein comprises a plurality (i.e., one or more) cationic moieties. A person of skill in the art will also appreciate that cationic moieties described herein can also exist as a salt (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt) that comprises a cationic moiety and one or more suitable counterions. For example, in some embodiments, a cationic group described herein comprises ammonium chloride.

Suitable counterions include halogens (e.g., Br⁻, Cl⁻, I⁻, F⁻), acetates (e.g., C(O)O⁻), and the like. For additional examples, see the definition for pharmaceutically acceptable salts described herein.

In some embodiments, a cationic oligosaccharide described herein is of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

• • A is A¹, A², or A³:

• • each of R¹ and R² are independently selected, at each instance, from H, R^a, and —C(O)—R^a, wherein at least one instance of R¹ or R² is not H;
  • each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b;
  • each R^b is independently selected from halogen, —N₃, —R^c, —OR^c, —SR^c, —NHR^c, —C(O)—R^c, —OC(O)R^c, —NHC(O)R^c, —C(O)NHR^c, and —NHC(O)NHR^c;
  • each R^c is independently selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;
  • X¹ and X² are each independently selected from —S—, and —NH—;
  • Y¹ and Y² are each independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —SO—, or —SO₂—;
  • each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;
  • Z¹ and Z² are each independently a cationic or ionizable group selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

• • each M is independently —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z or —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃;
  • each R^z is independently selected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; or
  • two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; and
  • p is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

As described herein, A is A¹, A², or A³:

In some embodiments, A is A¹ or A². In some embodiments, A is A¹. In some embodiments, A is A². In some embodiments, A is A³. In some embodiments, A is A¹, and the oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Ia:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹, R², X¹, X², Y¹, Y², Z¹, and Z² are as described herein.

In some embodiments, when A is A¹, (i) each R¹ and R² is not —CO—(CH₂)₄—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃, (ii) each R¹ and R² is not —(CH₂)₅—CH₃ or —(CH₂)₁₃—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃, (iii) each R¹ and R² is not —CO—(CH₂)₄—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—NH—C(S)—NH—(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃, and (iv) Cy is not triazolyl.

In some embodiments, the oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Ia:

• • or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein
  • each of R¹ and R² are independently selected, at each instance, from H, R^a, and —C(O)—R^a, and wherein at least one instance of R¹ or R² is not H;
  • each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b;
  • each R^b is independently selected from halogen, —N₃, —R^c, —OR^c, —SR^c, —NHR^c, —C(O)—R^c, —OC(O)R^c, —NHC(O)R^c, —C(O)NHR^c, and —NHC(O)NHR^c;
  • each R^c is independently selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;
  • X¹ and X² are each independently selected from —S—, and —NH—;
  • Y¹ and Y² are each independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —SO—, or —SO₂—;
  • each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S;
  • Z¹ and Z² are each independently a cationic or ionizable group selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

• • each M is independently —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z or —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃;
  • each R^z is independently selected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; or
  • two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

In some embodiments, for a compound of formula Ia, (i) each R¹ and R² is not —CO—(CH₂)₄—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃, (ii) each R¹ and R² is not —(CH₂)₅—CH₃ or —(CH₂)₁₃—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃, (iii) each R¹ and R² is not —CO—(CH₂)₄—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—NH—C(S)—NH—(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃, and (iv) Cy is not triazolyl.

In some embodiments, A is A², and an oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Ib:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹, R², X¹, X², Y¹, Y², Z¹, and Z² are as described herein.

In some embodiments, the oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Ib:

• • or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
  • each of R¹ and R² are independently selected, at each instance, from H, R^a, and —C(O)—R^a, and wherein at least one instance of R¹ or R² is not H;
  • each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b;
  • each R^b is independently selected from halogen, —N₃, —R^c, —OR^c, —SR^c, —NHR^c, —C(O)—R^c, —OC(O)R^c, —NHC(O)R^c, —C(O)NHR^c, and —NHC(O)NHR^c;
  • each R^c is independently selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;
  • X¹ and X² are each independently selected from —S—, and —NH—;
  • Y¹ and Y² are each independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —SO—, or —SO₂—;
  • each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S;
  • Z¹ and Z² are each independently a cationic or ionizable group selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

• • each M is independently —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z or —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃;
  • each R^z is independently selected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; or
  • two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

In some embodiments, A is A³, and an oligosaccharide is of formula Ic:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein p, R¹, R², X¹, X², Y¹, Y², Z¹, and Z² are as described herein. In some embodiments, p is 1, and an oligosaccharide is of formula Ic-i:

In some embodiments, p is 2, and an oligosaccharide is of formula Ic-ii:

In some embodiments, p is 3, and an oligosaccharide is of formula Ic-iii:

In some embodiments, p is 4, and an oligosaccharide is of formula Ic-iv:

In some embodiments, p is 5, and an oligosaccharide is of formula Ic-v:

As described generally herein each of R¹ and R² are independently selected, at each instance, from H, R^a, and —C(O)—R^a, and wherein at least one instance of R¹ or R² is not H. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² are independently selected, at each instance, from R^a and —C(O)—R^a. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₁-C₁₄ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₁₀ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₁₀ linear alkyl. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and n-nonyl. In some embodiments, each R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₃-C₆ cycloaliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₆ aryl optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is phenyl.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is R^a, and each R^a is independently 3- to 6-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S optionally substituted with one or more R^b.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, and 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₁-C₁₄ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₁₀ aliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₁₀ linear alkyl. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and n-nonyl. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₃-C₆ cycloaliphatic optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently a polycyclic C₁₀-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, one or more of R¹ or R² is:

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently C₅-C₆ aryl optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is phenyl.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S optionally substituted with one or more R^b. In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently 3- to 6-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S optionally substituted with one or more R^b.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently selected from:

As described herein, each R^b is independently selected from halogen, —N₃, —R^c, —OR^c, —SR^c, —NHR^c, —C(O)—R^c, —OC(O)R^c, —NHC(O)R^c, —C(O)NHR^c, and —NHC(O)NHR^c. In some embodiments, R^b is halogen. In some embodiments, R^b is —N₃. In some embodiments, R^b is R^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —OR^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —SR^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —NHR^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —C(O)—R^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —OC(O)R^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —NHC(O)R^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —C(O)NHR^c. In some embodiments, R^b is —NHC(O)NHR^c.

As described herein, each R^c is independently selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, R^c is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic. In some embodiments, R^c is optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic. In some embodiments, R^c is optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl. In some embodiments, R^c is optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, R^c is optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

As described herein, X¹ and X² are each independently selected from —S— and —NH—. In some embodiments, X¹ is —S—. In some embodiments, X¹ is —NH—. In some embodiments, X² is —S—. In some embodiments, X² is —NH—. In some embodiments, X¹ and X² are each —S—. In some embodiments, X¹ and X² are each —NH—. In some embodiments, X¹ is —S— and X² is —NH—. In some embodiments, X¹ is —NH— and X² is —S—.

As described herein, Y¹ and Y² are each independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons of a Y¹ and/or Y² group are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O, SO, or SO₂. As described herein, it is understood that Y¹ and Y² are bivalent moieties, having one end bonded to a X¹ or X² group, and the other end bonded to a Z¹ or Z² group.

In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each independently selected from C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, and C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic.

In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each methylene, ethylene, propylene, or butylene. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each —CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(O)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(S)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₁-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(O)—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ and Y² are each —CH₂—CH₂—NHSO₂—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ is selected from C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, and C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic.

In some embodiments, embodiments, Y¹ is C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is methylene, ethylene, propylene, or butylene. In some embodiments, Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(O)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(S)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(O)—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂—NHSO₂—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y² is selected from C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C4 aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, and C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic.

In some embodiments, embodiments, Y² is C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is methylene, ethylene, propylene, or butylene. In some embodiments, Y² is —CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y² is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(O)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y² is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(S)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y² is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y² is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(O)—CH₂—CH₂—.

In some embodiments, Y² is C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₀-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is C₁-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₁-C₄ aliphatic. In some embodiments, Y² is —CH₂—CH₂—NHSO₂—CH₂—CH₂—.

As described general herein, each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S, 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S.

In some embodiments, a moiety X¹—Y¹—Z¹ is:

In some embodiments, a moiety X²—Y²—Z² is:

As described generally herein, Z¹ and Z² are each independently a cationic or ionizable group selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each independently selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each an optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each an optionally substituted 5- to 6-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each an optionally substituted 6-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each selected from optionally substituted piperdinyl, piperazinyl, and morpholinyl.

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each an optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺(M)₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺(C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺(R^z)₃.

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺H₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺H(R^z)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺H(C₁-C₆ aliphatic)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺(H)₂CH₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺H(CH₃)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺(CH₃)₃.

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺(R^z)₂—C₁-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each —N⁺(R^z)(C₁-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each:

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each:

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each

In some embodiments, Z¹ is optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z¹ is each an optionally substituted 5- to 6-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z¹ is an optionally substituted 6-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z¹ is selected from optionally substituted piperdinyl, piperazinyl, and morpholinyl.

In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺(M)₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺(C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺(R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺H₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺H(R^z)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺H(C₁-C₆ aliphatic)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺(H)₂CH₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺H(CH₃)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺(CH₃)₃.

In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺(R^z)₂—C₁-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z¹ is —N⁺(R^z)(C₁-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃)₂. In some embodiments, Z¹ is:

In some embodiments, Z¹ is:

In some embodiments, Z¹ is:

In some embodiments, Z¹ is:

In some embodiments, Z¹ is

In some embodiments, Z¹ is

In some embodiments, Z² is optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z² is each an optionally substituted 5- to 6-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z² is an optionally substituted 6-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, Z² is selected from optionally substituted piperdinyl, piperazinyl, and morpholinyl.

In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺(M)₃. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺(C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺(R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺H₃. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺H(R^z)₂. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺H(C₁-C₆ aliphatic)₂. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺(H)₂CH₃. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺H(CH₃)₂. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺(CH₃)₃.

In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺(R^z)₂—C₁-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃. In some embodiments, Z² is —N⁺(R^z)(C₁-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃)₂. In some embodiments, Z² is:

In some embodiments, Z² is:

In some embodiments, Z² is:

In some embodiments, Z² is:

In some embodiments, Z² is

In some embodiments, Z² is

As described generally herein, each M is independently —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z or —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃. In some embodiments, each M is C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z. In some embodiments, each M is —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃.

As described generally herein, each R^z is independently selected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; or two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

In some embodiments, each R^z is H. In some embodiments, each R^z is optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic. In some embodiments, each R^z is optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic. In some embodiments, each R^z is optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl.

In some embodiments, each R^z is optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, each R^z is optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

In some embodiments, two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. In some embodiments, two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

In some embodiments, an R^z on a Z¹ moiety and an R^z on a Z² moiety can come together to form a 4- to 6-membered heterocyclic ring having 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S.

As described herein, a Z¹ and Z² moiety, which is a cationic or ionizable moiety described herein, further comprises a counterion (e.g., an anion for each cationic or ionizable moiety). For example, in some embodiments, a Z¹ and Z² moiety comprises a counterion that is a halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, sulfonate and aryl sulfonate. In some embodiments, a Z¹ and Z² moiety comprises a counterion that is acetate (CH₃COO⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), iodide (I⁻), bromide (Br⁻), or fluoride (F⁻).

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each independently selected from:

In some embodiments, Z¹ and Z² are each:

In some embodiments, a compound of formula I is a compound of formula Id:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n and m are each independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and R^a, Y¹, Y², Z¹, and Z² are as described herein.

In some embodiments, an oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Id:

• • or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein
  • each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b;
  • each R^b is independently selected from halogen, —N₃, —R^c, —OR^c, —SR^c, —NHR^c, —C(O)—R^c, —OC(O)R^c, —NHC(O)R^c, —C(O)NHR^c, and —NHC(O)NHR^c;
  • each R^c is independently selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;
  • Y¹ and Y² are each independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —SO—, or —SO₂—;
  • each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S;
  • Z¹ and Z² are each independently a cationic or ionizable group selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

• • each M is independently —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z or —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃;
  • each R^z is independently selected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; or
  • two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; and
  • n and m are each independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

In some embodiments, a compound of formula Id is a compound of formula Id-i:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R^a, Z¹, and Z² are as described herein.

In some embodiments, a compound of formula I is selected from Table 1.

TABLE 1
Name Structure
JLF19
JLF20
JLF23
JLF25
JLF26
JLF29
JLF30
JLF31
JLF32
JLF33
JLF35
JLF40
JLF41
JLF42
JLF43
JLF46
JLF48
JLF50
JLF54
JLF55
JLF58
JLF59
JLF60
JLF62
JLF66
JLF67
JLF68
JLF69
JLF76
JLF77
JLF78
JLF81
JLF82
JLF87
JLF90
JLF93
JLF94
JLF95
JLF96
JLF97
JLF98
JLF99
JLF102
JLF103
JLF106
JLF108
JLF110
JLF111
JLF115
JLF120
JLF121
JLF125
JLF128
JLF130
JLF131
JLF134
JLF135
JLF138
JLF139
JLF141
JLF142
JLF150
JLF154
JLF155
JLF158
JLF163
JLF164
JLF165
JLF170
JLF200
JLF201
JLF218
JLF220
JLF223
JLF234
JLF237
JLF238
JLF244
JLF245
JLF248
JLF301
JLJB604
JLJB605
JLJB617
JLJB618
JLJB619
PER20
JLF190
JLF601
JLF602
JLF603
JLF604
JLF605
JLF606
JLF607
JLF608
JLF197
JLF609
PRX051
PRX052
PRX093
PRX094
PRX096
NC117
NC118
JMB500
JMB501
JMB503

In some embodiments, provided compounds are provided and/or utilized in a salt form (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form). Reference to a compound provided herein is understood to include reference to salts thereof, unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, reference to particular salts herein, e.g., in Table 1, is also intended to include reference to a free base form of said compound, to the extent such a compound is chemically feasible.

It is understood that while the exemplary compounds in Table 1 are represented as particular salts (e.g, chloride salts, iodide salts, and the like) that comprise a counterion (e.g., Cl⁻, I⁻, and the like), a person of skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable counterion can be used in conjunction with the cationic nitrogen groups in Table 1. Table 1, therefore, is intended to encompass any positively charged nitrogen group coupled with any chemically feasibly counterion. Accordingly, the specific counterions provided above are provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a compound selected from:

Name Structure
JRL13
JRL45

In some embodiments, a composition described herein does not comprise JRL13 or JRL45.

METHODS OF USE

Complexes described herein are useful in the treatment and prophylaxis in a subject of diseases, disorders, and conditions described herein. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a disease, disorder or condition comprising administering to a patient a complex described herein. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides use of a complex described herein for the treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition. In some embodiments, a disease, disorder, or condition is an infectious disease, cancer, an autoimmune disease, or a rare disease.

In some embodiments, an infectious disease is caused by or associated with a viral pathogen. In some embodiments, a viral pathogen is of a family selected from poxviridae, rhabdoviridae, filoviridae, paramyxoviridae, hepadnaviridae, coronaviridae, caliciviridae, picornaviridae, reoviridae, retroviridae, and orthomyxoviridae. In some embodiments, an infectious disease is caused by or associated with a virus selected from SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Crimean-Congo Hemorhhagic Fever (CCHF), Ebola virus, Lassa virus, Marburg virus, HIV, Nipah virus, and MERS-CoV.

In some embodiments, an infectious disease is caused by or associated with a bacterial pathogen. In some embodiments, a bacterial pathogen is of a species selected from Actinomyces israelii, bacillus antracis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bordetella pertussis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia recurrentis, Brucella abortus, Brucella canis, Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis, Campolobacter jejuni, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydophila psittaci, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Corynebacterium idphteriae, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Francisella tularensis, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Leptospira, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Nocardia asteroids, Rickettsia ricektssii, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella sonnei, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Treponema pallidum, Vibrio cholerae, and Yersinia pestis.

In some embodiments, an infectious disease is caused by or associated with a parasite. In some embodiments, a parasite is of a family selected from Plasmodium, Leishmania, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, Trypanosomas, Schistosomes, Ascaris, Echinococcus and Taeniidae.

In some embodiments, a disease, disorder, or condition is a cancer. In some embodiments, a cancer is selected from bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, oral/oropharyngeal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and uterine cancer.

In some embodiments, a disease, disorder, or condition is a genetic disorder. In some embodiments, a genetic disorder is associated with a gain-of-function mutation or a loss-of-function mutation.

In some embodiments, a disease, disorder, or condition is an autoimmune disease. In some embodiments, an autoimmune disease is selected from addison disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatomyositis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, guillain-barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, graves' disease, hashimoto's thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, and vasculitis sjörgen syndrome.

In some embodiments, a disease, disorder, or condition is a rare disease. As described herein, a rare disease refers to a life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases which are of such low prevalence (e.g., fewer than 1/2000 people) that special combined efforts are needed to address them.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides complexes that can selectively target particular systems within a body. As used herein, reference to “targeting” a particular system refers to causing increased expression of RNA derived from cargo in the complex in the desired system. For example, in some embodiments, complexes described herein can selectively target the lungs, liver, spleen, heart, brain, lymph nodes, bladder, kidneys, and pancreas. As described herein, a complex “selectively targets” an organ when a single target expresses mRNA in an amount that is 65% or greater than expression in other organs post administration (e.g., 65% or more of mRNA throughout the body is expressed from a single organ, with the remaining 35% distributed between one or more different organs). In some embodiments, a complex described herein selectively targets the lungs. In some embodiments, a complex described herein selectively targets the liver. In some embodiments, a complex described herein selectively targets the spleen. In some embodiments, a complex described herein selectively targets the heart.

Methods of Delivery

The present disclosure provides, among other things, a complex (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition or a pharmaceutical formulation, as referred to herein) to be administered to a subject. For example, in some embodiments, a complex is administered as a monotherapy. In some embodiments, a complex is administered as part of a combination therapy. In some embodiments, a concentration of total RNA (e.g., a total concentration of all of the one or more RNA molecules) in a pharmaceutical composition described herein is of about 0.01 mg/mL to about 0.5 mg/mL, or about 0.05 mg/mL to about 0.1 mg/mL.

Pharmaceutical compositions may additionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, which, as used herein, includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, diluents, or other liquid vehicles, dispersion or suspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening or emulsifying agents, preservatives, solid binders, lubricants and the like, as suited to the particular dosage form desired. Remington's The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Edition, A. R. Gennaro (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD, 2006; incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) discloses various excipients used in formulating pharmaceutical compositions and known techniques for the preparation thereof. Except insofar as any conventional excipient medium is incompatible with a substance or its derivatives, such as by producing any undesirable biological effect or otherwise interacting in a deleterious manner with any other component(s) of the pharmaceutical composition, its use is contemplated to be within the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, an excipient is approved for use in humans and for veterinary use. In some embodiments, an excipient is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. In some embodiments, an excipient is pharmaceutical grade. In some embodiments, an excipient meets the standards of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), the British Pharmacopoeia, and/or the International Pharmacopoeia.

Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions include, but are not limited to, inert diluents, dispersing and/or granulating agents, surface active agents and/or emulsifiers, disintegrating agents, binding agents, preservatives, buffering agents, lubricating agents, and/or oils. Such excipients may optionally be included in pharmaceutical formulations. Excipients such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes, coloring agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring, and/or perfuming agents can be present in the composition, according to the judgment of the formulator.

General considerations in the formulation and/or manufacture of pharmaceutical agents may be found, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 21st ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be formulated with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well as any other known adjuvants and excipients in accordance with conventional techniques such as those disclosed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 21st ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Pharmaceutical complexes and compositions described herein can be administered by appropriate methods known in the art. As will be appreciated by a skilled artisan, the route and/or mode of administration may depend on a number of factors, including, e.g., but not limited to stability and/or pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of pharmaceutical compositions described herein.

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions described herein are formulated for parenteral administration, which includes modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and includes, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural and intrasternal injection and infusion. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions described herein are formulated for intravenous administration. In some embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may be useful for intravenous administration include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions.

In some particular embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions described herein are formulated for subcutaneous (s.c) administration. In some particular embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions described herein are formulated for intramuscular (i.m) administration.

Therapeutic compositions typically must be sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The composition can be formulated as a solution, dispersion, powder (e.g., lyophilized powder), microemulsion, lipid nanoparticles, or other ordered structure suitable to high drug concentration. The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition. In some embodiments, prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts and gelatin.

Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by sterilization microfiltration.

In some embodiments, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying (lyophilization) that yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.

Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers which may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein include water, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils, such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters, such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.

These compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents and dispersing agents. Prevention of the presence of microorganisms may be ensured both by sterilization procedures, and by the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, such as sugars, sodium chloride, and the like into pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In addition, prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form may be brought about by the inclusion of agents which delay absorption such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Formulations of pharmaceutical compositions described herein may be prepared by any method known or hereafter developed in the art of pharmacology. In general, such preparatory methods include the step of bringing active ingredient(s) into association with a diluent or another excipient and/or one or more other accessory ingredients, and then, if necessary and/or desirable, shaping and/or packaging the product into a desired single- or multi-dose unit.

A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the present disclosure may be prepared, packaged, and/or sold in bulk, as a single unit dose, and/or as a plurality of single unit doses. As used herein, a “unit dose” is discrete amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising a predetermined amount of at least one RNA product produced using a system and/or method described herein.

In some embodiments, an active agent that may be included in a pharmaceutical composition described herein is or comprises a therapeutic agent administered in a combination therapy described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be administered in combination therapy, i.e., combined with other agents. In some embodiments, such therapeutic agents may include agents leading to depletion or functional inactivation of regulatory T cells. For example, in some embodiments, a combination therapy can include a provided pharmaceutical composition with at least one immune checkpoint inhibitor.

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical composition described herein may be administered in conjunction with radiotherapy and/or autologous peripheral stem cell or bone marrow transplantation.

In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition described herein can be frozen to allow long-term storage.

Although the descriptions of pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are principally directed to pharmaceutical compositions that are suitable for administration to humans, it will be understood by the skilled artisan that such compositions are generally suitable for administration to animals of all sorts. Modification of pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to humans in order to render the compositions suitable for administration to various animals is well understood, and the ordinarily skilled veterinary pharmacologist can design and/or perform such modification with merely ordinary, if any, experimentation.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following numbered embodiments, while non-limiting, are exemplary of certain aspects of the present disclosure:

Embodiment 1. A complex comprising a cationic oligosaccharide and an RNA, wherein the cationic oligosaccharide comprises a plurality of cationic moieties bonded to a trehalose, a sucrose, or a gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety, where n is 2-6, and a molar ratio of N/P in the complex is less than 20:1.

Embodiment 2. The complex of Embodiment 1, wherein the RNA is modRNA, saRNA, taRNA, or uRNA.

Embodiment 3. The complex of Embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of N/P in the complex is less than or equal to 12:1.

Embodiment 4. The complex of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the ratio of N/P in the complex is less than or equal to 6:1.

Embodiment 5. The complex of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the complex has a diameter of about 30 nm to about 300 nm.

Embodiment 6. The complex of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the cationic oligosaccharide is of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

• • A is A¹, A², or A³:

• • each of R¹ and R² are independently selected, at each instance, from H, R^a, and —C(O)—R^a, wherein at least one instance of R¹ or R² is not H;
  • each R^a is independently selected from C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, C₅-C₆ aryl, 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein each R^a is optionally substituted with one or more R^b;
  • each R^b is independently selected from halogen, —N₃, —R^c, —OR^c, —SR^c, —NHR^c, —C(O)—R^c, —OC(O)R^c, —NHC(O)R^c, —C(O)NHR^c, and —NHC(O)NHR^c;
  • each R^c is independently selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;
  • X¹ and X² are each independently selected from —S—, and —NH—;
  • Y¹ and Y² are each independently an optionally substituted C_1-30 aliphatic group wherein one or more carbons are optionally and independently replaced by -Cy-, —NH—, —NHC(O)—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —NHC(O)NH—, —NHC(S)NH—, —C(S)NH— —C(O)NHSO₂—, —SO₂NHC(O)—, —OC(O)O—, —O—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —SO—, or —SO₂—;
  • each Cy is independently an optionally substituted C₃-C₁₄ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, S;
  • Z¹ and Z² are each independently a cationic or ionizable group selected from optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heterocyclyl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, optionally substituted 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl ring having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, —N⁺(M)₃,

• • each M is independently —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-R^z or —C₀-C₆ aliphatic-N⁺(R^z)₃;
  • each R^z is independently selected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₆ aliphatic, optionally substituted C₃-C₂₀ cycloaliphatic, optionally substituted C₅-C₆ aryl, optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; or
  • two or more R^z can come together with the atoms to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted 3- to 12-membered heterocyclyl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, or an optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heteroaryl comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; and
  • p is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Embodiment 7. The complex of Embodiment 6, wherein, when A is A¹, then:

• • (i) each R¹ and R² is not —CO—(CH₂)₄—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂— and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃,
  • (ii) each R¹ and R² is not —(CH₂)₅—CH₃ or —(CH₂)₁₃—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃,
  • (iii) each R¹ and R² is not —CO—(CH₂)₄—CH₃, X¹ and X² are not both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are not both —(CH₂)₂—NH—C(S)—NH—(CH₂)₂—, and Z¹ and Z² are not both —N⁺(H)₃, and
  • (iv) Cy is not triazolyl

Embodiment 8. The complex of Embodiments 6 or 7, wherein the oligosaccharide is of formula Ia:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 9. The complex of Embodiment 6, wherein the oligosaccharide is of formula Ib:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 10. The complex of Embodiment 6, wherein the oligosaccharide is of formula Ic:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 11. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-10, wherein R¹ and R² are each independently selected from R^a and —C(O)—R^a, and R^a is C₁-C₂₀ aliphatic.

Embodiment 12. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-11, wherein R¹ and R² are each —C(O)—R^a, and R^a is C₁-C₁₄ aliphatic.

Embodiment 13. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-12, wherein each R^a is C₅-C₁₀ linear alkyl.

Embodiment 14. The complex of Embodiment 6, wherein R¹ and R² are each —C(O)—R^a, and each R^a is independently selected from

Embodiment 15. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-14, wherein X¹ and X² are each —S—.

Embodiment 16. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-15, wherein Y¹ and Y² are each selected from C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(S)NH—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, C₀-C₄-aliphatic-NHSO₂—C₀-C₄ aliphatic, and C₀-C₄-aliphatic-C(O)—C₀-C₄ aliphatic.

Embodiment 17. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-16, wherein Y¹ and Y² are each C₁-C₄ aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C₁-C₄ aliphatic.

Embodiment 18. The complex of Embodiment 6, wherein Y¹ and Y² are each —CH₂—CH₂—NHC(S)NH—CH₂—CH₂—.

Embodiment 19. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-18, wherein a moiety

Embodiment 20. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-19, wherein a moiety

Embodiment 21. The complex of any one of Embodiments 7-20, wherein Z¹ and Z² are each independently selected from: N⁺(M)₃,

Embodiment 22. The complex of Embodiment 6, wherein Z¹ and Z² are each independently selected from:

Embodiment 23. The complex of Embodiments 6 or 7, wherein the oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Id:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n and m are each independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

Embodiment 24. The complex of Embodiment 23, wherein the oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Id-i:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Embodiment 25. The complex of any one of Embodiments 6-24, further comprising one or more suitable counterions.

Embodiment 26. The complex of any one of Embodiments 1-25, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant.

Embodiment 27. The complex of Embodiment 26, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant is a polysorbate.

Embodiment 28. The complex of Embodiments 26 or 27, wherein a molar ratio of the oligosaccharide to the pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant is from about 1:0.0075 to about 1:3.

Embodiment 29. The complex of Embodiment 6, wherein the oligosaccharide is selected from Table 1.

Embodiment 30. A method of increasing or causing increased expression of RNA in a target in a subject comprising administering to the subject the complex of any one of Embodiments 1-29.

Embodiment 31. The method of Embodiment 30, wherein the target is selected from the lungs, liver, spleen, heart, brain, lymph nodes, bladder, kidneys, and pancreas.

Embodiment 32. A method of treating a disease, disorder, or condition in a subject comprising administering to the subject a complex of any one of Embodiments 1-29.

Embodiment 33. The method of Embodiment 32, wherein the disease, disorder, or condition is an infectious disease, cancer, a genetic disorder, an autoimmune disease, or a rare disease.

Embodiment 34. The method of any one of Embodiments 30-33, wherein the complex is administered intramuscularly.

Embodiment 35. The method of any one of Embodiments 31-34, wherein the complex is administered subcutaneously.

Embodiment 36. Use of a complex of any one of Embodiments 1-29 in medicine.

Embodiment 37. Use of a complex of any one of Embodiments 1-29 for increasing or causing increased expression of RNA in a target.

Embodiment 38. Use of a complex of any one of Embodiments 1-29 for the treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition.

Embodiment 39. The use of Embodiment 38, wherein the disease, disorder, or condition is an infectious disease, cancer, a genetic disorder, an autoimmune disease, or a rare disease.

The foregoing has been a description of certain non-limiting embodiments of the subject matter described within. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the subject matter reported within.

Reference to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential.

It is contemplated that systems and methods of the claimed subject matter encompass variations and adaptations developed using information from the embodiments described within. Adaptation, modification, or both, of the systems and methods described within may be performed by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

Throughout the description, where systems are described as having, including, or comprising specific components, or where methods are described as having, including, or comprising specific steps, it is contemplated that, additionally, there are systems encompassed by the present subject matter that consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited components, and that there are methods encompassed by the present subject matter that consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited processing steps.

It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain action is immaterial so long as any embodiment of the subject matter described within remains operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Applicant wishes to thank Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas and FIUS/UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE/for their support and contribution to the development of this work.

Examples

The Examples provided herein document and support certain aspects of the present disclosure but are not intended to limit the scope of any claim. The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate certain teachings provided by the present disclosure. Those of skill in the art, in light of the present application, will appreciate that various changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are illustrated in the present Examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.

The following abbreviations may be used in the Examples below: aq. (aqueous); ACN (acetonitrile); CSA (camphorsulfonic acid); d (day or days); Da/kDa (Daltons/kiloDaltons); DCM (dichloromethane); d #(days, e.g., d0=day 0, d20=day 20); ddH₂O (double distilled H₂O); DEA (diethylamine); DHP (dihydropyran); DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide); DIPEA (N,N-diisopropylethylamine); DMAP (4-dimethylaminopyridine); DOTMA (1,2-di-O-octadecenyl-3-trimethylammonium propane); DODMA (1,2-dioleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane), DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine); DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide); EA (ethyl acetate); ee (enantiomeric excess); equiv. (equivalent); ethanol (EtOH); h or hr (hour or hours); Hex (hexanes); HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography); IPA (isopropyl alcohol); i.m. (intramuscular); i.v. (instravenous); KHMDS (potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide); LAH (lithium aluminum hydride); LCMS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry); LDA (lithium diisopropylamide); LiHMDS (lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide); MeOH (methanol); min (minute or minutes); NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance); Pd/C (palladium on carbon); PEI (polyethyleneimine); PPh₃O (triphenylphosphine oxide); Pt/C (platinum on carbon); rb (round-bottomed); Rf (retention factor); rt or RT (room temperature); s.c. (subcutaneous); SM (starting material); TEA (triethylamine); THF (tetrahydrofuran); THP (tetrahydropyran); TLC (thin layer chromatography); TsOH (p-toluenesulfonic acid or tosylic acid); and UV (ultraviolet).

Example 1—Complexes and Methods of Preparing Complexes

The following complexes were prepared using various embodiments described herein:

Route	Target/Indication	Oligo	RNA	N/P
Systemic	Lung	JRL13	modRNA	6-12
(i.v)	Liver	JLJB604	modRNA	3
	Spleen	JLJB604 + JLJB619	modRNA	6
Local	Vaccination	JRL13	saRNA	6-12
(i.m.)		JLF102	saRNA
		JLF97	saRNA
		JLF94	saRNA
		JLF93	saRNA
Local	Vaccination,	JLF99	modRNA
(i.m/s.c)	Protein-
or	Replacement
Systemic
(i.v)
Local	Vaccination	JLJB619	saRNA	6-12
(s.c.)
Local	Vaccination,	JLF99 + Tween20	modRNA	6
(i.m/s.c)	Protein-
	Replacement
i.m. = intramuscular; s.c. = subcutaneous; and i.v. = intravenous

The present example describes certain complexes comprising an oligosaccharide and a nucleic acid (e.g., RNA). In the provided examples, paOs refers to “polycationic amphiphilic oligosaccharides”.

As described herein, a calculation of N/P ratio is determined by finding a molar ratio of positive charges (e.g., either protonated or protonable or permanent charges of nitrogen atoms of amines/guanidines (N)) in the cationic oligosaccharides and anionic charges (phosphates) of the RNA (P). An amount of RNA and oligosaccharide in a particular complex is therefore determined by the N/P ratio calculation and the desired final RNA concentration of the formulation. The complexation itself is produced upon asymmetrical volume mixing of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution. For the RNA solution, the required concentration of RNA is prepared by diluting appropriate volume of ddH₂O, RNA Stock and buffer (6×). The oligosaccharide containing solution was prepared in a separate tube by diluting the oligosaccharide in DMSO to required concentration. Complexation of RNA took place by mixing RNA-oligosaccharide phases at a volume ratio of 9:1 (RNA:oligosaccharide). The formulated complexes were incubated 5-10 min at room temperature for stabilization. The buffer used for the formulations in all experiments was MGB (MES buffered Glucose (10 mM MES, pH6.1, 5% D-Glucose)).

Sizes of complexes described in the present examples were analyzed by DynaPro PlateReader II, using dynamic light scattering (DLS) for calculating the hydrodynamic diameter of complexes. The formulations are measured by diluting the sample to 0.0125 mg/mL RNA in 120 μl of MGB (10 mM MES, pH 6.1, 5% D-Glucose) 5% in wells of a 96-well plate. Ten acquisitions are recorded per well, each lasting 5 seconds.

Example 2—Intravenous Examples

Example 2a—Targeting Lung Expression

Nine female BALB/c mice were divided into three study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (5 μg), applied i.v. (tail vein). After 6 hours, ex-vivo luciferase expression from each extracted organ was quantified. All groups received modRNA formulated with JRL13, and the modRNA was formulated at N/P1, N/P3, N/P6, or N/P12. All N/P ratios were calculated based on the oligosaccharide-RNA charges ratio. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 1A is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA formulated at different N/P ratios with certain oligosaccharides. FIG. 1B is a plot illustrating zeta potential at different N/P ratios for example oligosaccharides. FIG. 1C is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of example compositions comprising modRNA in different organs and at different N/P ratios.

Organ selective expression of modRNA was found to be strongly dependent with the N/P ratio of the JRL13-Formulation. While at N/P1 signal in spleen was observed, with increasing N/P, the ratio of biodistribution shifts completely to lung. At N/P3, there is a mixed expression of lung and spleen, while at N/P 6, >90% of the signal comes from the lungs. In FIGS. 1A and 1n FIG. 1B no differences in the surface charge or hydrodynamic diameter were observed. Further, incrementing the N/P above 6 did not alter the biodistribution.

The impact of changing the aliphatic chains in JRL13 was also investigated to elucidate the correlation between these elements in the targeting profile of JRL13. Six female BALB/c mice were divided into two study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (5 μg), applied i.v. (tail vein). After 6 hours, ex-vivo luciferase expression from each extracted organ was quantified. One group received RNA formulated with JRL13 and the other group received RNA formulated with a further JRL13-derivate where the aliphatic chains have been substituted by longer chains e.g., C10, as observed in JLJB617. All groups received compositions comprising modRNA formulated at N/P6. N/P ratios were calculated based on the oligosaccharide-RNA charges ratio. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. FIG. 1D is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA. FIG. 1E is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential for example compositions. FIG. 1F is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of example compositions comprising modRNA in different organs.

The introduction of longer aliphatic chains (e.g., C10, as observed in JLJB617) did not affect the overall surface charge or hydrodynamic diameter of the complexes formed by JLJB617 in comparison to JRL13. The biodistribution was, on the other hand, affected by the introduction of a longer aliphatic chain (see FIG. 1F). While JLR13 showed >90% of modRNA expression coming from the lung, this was reduced to only 21% coming from the lung with JLJB617 and in parallel, the spleen expression was increased from 5% in JRL13 to 70% in JLJB617.

The impact of the disaccharide scaffold in the targeting profile of JRL13 was investigated. Six female BALB/c mice were divided into two study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (5 μg), applied i.v. (tail vein). After 6 hours, ex-vivo luciferase expression from each extracted organ was quantified. One group received RNA formulated with JRL13 and the group received RNA formulated with a analogue of JRL13, where the trehalose has been substituted by sucrose-JLJB626-. All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P3. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. FIG. 1G is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA. FIG. 1H is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential for example oligosaccharide compositions. FIG. 1I is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of compositions comprising modRNA in the spleen.

Example 2b—Targeting Live or Spleen

In the present Example, JLJB604 was formulated with modRNA at two different N/Ps: 3 and 6. The biodistribution was analyzed based on the organ expression of the modRNA encoding luciferase. Six female BALB/c mice were divided into two study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (5 μg), applied i.v (tail vein). After 6 hours, ex-vivo luciferase expression from each extracted organ was quantified. All groups received modRNA formulated with JLJB604, where the modRNA was formulated at N/P3 or N/P6. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 2A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA formulated at different N/P ratios. FIG. 2B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential at different N/P ratios for example compositions. FIG. 2C is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of example compositions comprising modRNA in different organs and at different N/P ratios.

Example 2c—Targeting Spleen Expression

In the present Example, the combination of JLJB619 and JLJB604 was used at N/P 6 to directly formulate modRNA in comparison to a formulation (F12, a formulation comprising a 3:1 molar ratio of DOTMA:DOPE, and a N/P ratio of 0.65) currently in clinical development and that has been widely published for mRNA expression in spleen. The biodistribution was analyzed based on the organ expression of the modRNA encoding luciferase. Six female BALB/c mice were divided into two study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (5 μg), applied i.v (tail vein). After 6 h, ex-vivo luciferase expression from each extracted organ was quantified. The first group received modRNA formulated with an equimolar mixture of JLJB619 and JLJB604, whereas the modRNA was formulated to a final N/P6. This formulation was prepared in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide solution was 9:1 (v:v). The second group received modRNA formulated with F12, where the N/P ratio is calculated based on the cationic:anionic charges between DOTMA:RNA. F12 was prepared in ddH₂O with a final concentration of 0.112 mM of NaCl at a RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml. All formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 2D is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions comprising modRNA. FIG. 2E is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential of example compositions. FIG. 2F is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of compositions comprising modRNA in the spleen. FIG. 2G is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence 6 hours after injection of compositions comprising modRNA in different organs.

Example 2d—modRNA Delivery vs. DNA Delivery

Six female BALB/c mice were divided into two study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (10 μg), applied i.v. (tail vein). After 6 hours, ex-vivo luciferase expression from each extracted organ was quantified. All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P 3, either with JRL13 or JRL45. Furthermore, modRNA was formulated at different N/P ratios with either JRL13 or JRL45 to investigate more extensively the binding properties to modRNA and the zeta-potential of the different formulations with modRNA. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 3A is a bar graph illustrating a percentage of free RNA quantified by gel electrophoresis of example compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios between 0-3 for either JRL13 or JRL45. FIG. 3B is a plot illustrating zeta potential after formulation of example compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios with either JRL13 or JRL45. FIG. 3C is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter for example compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios with either JRL13 or JRL45. FIG. 3D is a bar graph illustrating expression of luciferase-encoding modRNA after transfection of C2C12 cells, where example compositions were prepared with N/P 6 and comprise modRNA with either JRL13 or JRL45, at 25 ng of RNA/well. Data here represents 3 independent experiments (n=3) with technical triplicates. FIG. 3E is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence in different organs 6 hours after injection of 10 μg of example compositions comprising modRNA formulated at N/P 3 with either JRL13 or JRL45. FIG. 3F is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence in different organs 6 hours after injections and assessing the total flux [p/s] ratio from the JRL13 group to JRL45 group.

JRL45 and JRL13 oligosaccharides are two molecules from the library described in the literature (García Fernández et al. 2019, DOI 10.1039/c9cc04489b) for delivery of pDNA after intra-venous injection. JRL45 is referred to as compound 10 and JRL13 is referred to as compound 8 in the publication by García Fernández. The complexes reported by García Fernández, comprised an oligosaccharide to pDNA N/P ratio of 20. For example, FIG. 3G is a bar graph illustrating quantified ex-vivo luminescence in different organs after injection of compositions comprising pDNA complexed with either JRL13 (compound 8) or JRL45 (compound 10).

The formulations of García Fernández were prepared in Hepes Buffer (20 mM) at pH 7.4, comprising diluting the pDNA in a buffer to desired concentration and diluting oligosaccharide by simple dispersion and mixture. The expression of pDNA is mostly in the liver for JRL13 (compound 8) and lung for JRL45 (compound 10). See FIG. 3G. The present complexes, when they comprise RNA, as seen in FIG. 3E, JRL13 was mostly expressed in spleen and lung while JRL45 had significantly reduced expression (FIG. 3F), and was only observed in spleen. The results obtained in the present Example not only contradict the results published, but also highlight the impact that appropriate formulation parameters play in providing a desirable vehicle for RNA relative to DNA.

Example 3—Intramuscular Delivery

Example 3a—modRNA and saRNA Delivery and N/P Ratios

Eighteen female BALB/c mice were divided into eleven study groups. All groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA or saRNA (1 μg), applied i.m. to each leg. At seven time points (6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 6 days, 8 days, 20 days), in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. Three modRNA groups were formulated with JRL13 at three different N/P Ratios (1, 6, or 12) and three saRNA groups were formulated with JRL13 at three different N/P Ratios (either 1, 6 or 12). N/P ratio is calculated based on the JRL13-RNA charges ratio, as described herein. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharides containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential.

FIG. 4A is a plot illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example complexes formulated at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA. FIG. 4B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential of example compositions at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA. FIG. 4C is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example compositions having indicated N/P ratios comprising modRNA and JRL13. FIG. 4D is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example compositions having indicated N/P ratios comprising saRNA and JRL13.

After i.m application of modRNA, expression could be observed for the negatively charged N/P ratio (N/P1) while increasing the overall N/P ratio of the formulation lead to total loss of the expression of modRNA. JRL13 formulations comprising modRNA appear to show little difference in complex size (FIG. 4A) with increasing N/P, although the surface charge was shifted from negative to positive (FIG. 4B). The saRNA formulations, in contrast, showed that size was affected by the N/P ratio. For example, at lower N/P ratios (e.g., N/P1) the complexes were ˜170 nm and the size decreased to 90 nm nanometers at higher N/Ps (e.g., N/P of 6-12). saRNA formulations, at the given dose, had the highest expression at N/P12, in contrast to modRNA where the highest modRNA expression was achieved at N/P1 (FIG. 4C-FIG. 4D).

Example 3b—Cationic Oligosaccharide Screening

The present example examines the impact of different cationic groups on intramuscular delivery of saRNA. Forty-eight female BALB/c mice were divided into sixteen study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding saRNA (2 μg), applied i.m. to each leg. At six time points (6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 6 days, 9 days, 20 days), in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. All groups received saRNA formulated at N/P 6. Each group received saRNA formulated with one of the following oligosaccharides: JRL13, JLJB619, JLF58, JLF41, JLF42, JLF102, JLF120, JLF94, JLF96, JLF97, JLF135, JLF90, JLF130, JLF82, JLF93, JLF99. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter.

FIG. 5A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 and comprising saRNA and different oligosaccharides. FIG. 5B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment and normalized to the JRL13-saRNA group. FIG. 5C is a plot illustrating quantified bioluminescence at each measured time point for example compositions.

While most of the tested formulations with saRNA at N/P 6 had a hydrodynamic diameter that ranged within 50 to 100 nm (FIG. 5A), a formulation comprising JLF99 was about 150 nm in diameter. Among the different tested oligosaccharides, at least 4 were identified to be comparable to JRL13: JLF102, JLF94, JLF97 and JLF93 (FIG. 5B). Further, certain combinations of primary amine and secondary amines (e.g., JLF102) demonstrate a positive effect that translated in two-fold signal increment compared to JRL13.

Example 3c—Screening N/P Ratios for Selected Oligosaccharides

Based on previous observations (e.g., as seen in FIG. 4C), further cationic derivatives were tested with different N/P ratios in order to identify suitable amine types for delivery of modRNA. Oligosaccharides having different type of amines were tested, for example primary amines (JRL13), secondary amines (JLJB619 and JLF58), tertiary amines (JLF41) and quaternary ammonium (JLF42).

Thirty female BALB/c mice were divided into ten study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (2 μg), applied i.m to each leg. At five time points (6 hours, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 6) in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. Half of the groups received modRNA formulated at N/P 1 while the other half received the modRNA formulated at N/P6. Two groups received the modRNA formulated with JRL13, two groups with JLJB619, two groups with JLF58, two groups with JLF41 and two groups with JLF42. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter.

FIG. 6A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example complexes formulated at different N/P ratios with modRNA and different oligosaccharides. FIG. 6B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment.

In all tested formulations, the lowest N/P ratio tested in the present example (N/P 1) lead to the formation of significantly larger nanoparticles (FIG. 6A). There was a greater difference in particle size between N/P 1 and 6 for JLJB619, JLF58, and JLF41 while the difference between N/P 1 and N/P 6 was smaller in the JRL13 and JLF42 formulations. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that is because JRL13 possesses a primary amine which is virtually charged at any physiological pH, and JLF42 has a quaternary ammonium which is i a permanent cation. Both groups interact with RNA and have a suitable condensation capability. JLJB619, JLF58, and JLF41 have amines with a pKa within a physiological range. JLF58 and JLF41 comprise amines which are spatially hindered. The bioluminescence, at both tested N/P, was highest in the JLF141 (FIG. 6B). The N/P 6 group was 1.5-fold higher than the N/P 1 group. JRL13 and JLF58 showed no significant difference in the expression of modRNA between both tested N/Ps.

Example 3d—Screening of Additional Oligosaccharides for modRNA Delivery

Forty-eight female BALB/c mice were divided into sixteen study groups. All groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding saRNA (2 μg), applied i.m to each leg. At six time points (6 hours, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 6) in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P 6. Each group received modRNA formulated with one of the following oligosaccharides: JRL13, JLJB619, JLF58, JLF42, JLF41, JLF128, JLF142, JLF131, JLF96, JLF97, JLF135, JLF94, JLF90, JLF99, JLF82 and JLF138. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharides containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter. FIG. 7A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 with modRNA and different oligosaccharides. FIG. 7B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment and normalized to the JLF41-modRNA group.

JLF99 shows promising modRNA expression (FIG. 7B). Certain oligosaccharides (JLF142, JLF131, JLF99) formed complexes with modRNA over 100 nm.

Example 3e—Screening Cationic Heads at Different N/P Ratios for modRNA Delivery

Twenty-four female BALB/c mice were divided into eight study groups. All groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (5 μg), applied s.c in their right flank. At five time points (6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 6 days) in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. Two groups received modRNA formulated with JRL13, one at N/P 1 and one at N/P 6. Two groups received modRNA formulated with JLJB619, one at N/P 1 and one at N/P 6. Two groups received modRNA formulated with JLJB604, one at N/P 1 and one at N/P 6. The last two groups received modRNA formulated with JLJB605, one at N/P 1 and one at N/P 6. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 8A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at different N/P ratios. FIG. 8B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential of compositions comprising modRNA at different N/P ratios. FIG. 8C is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for various example compositions.

Example 3f—Screening Aliphatic Chain Length for modRNA Delivery

Thirty-six female BALB/c mice were divided into twelve study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (5 μg), applied s.c in their right flank. At seven time points (6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 6 days, 9 days, 20 days) in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. Three groups received oligosaccharide bearing primary amines with different aliphatic chains lengths, e.g., C₆ (JRL13), C₁₀ (JLJB617), C₁₄ (JLJB618). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing secondary amines with different aliphatic chain lengths, e.g., C₆ (JLJB619), C₁₀ (JLF43), C₁₄ (JLF31). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing tertiary amines with different aliphatic chain lengths, e.g., C₆ (JLJB604), C₁₀ (JLF41), C₁₄ (JFL25). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing quaternary amines with different aliphatic chain lengths, e.g., C₆ (JLJB605), C₁₀ (JLF42), C₁₄ (JLF26). All formulations were tested at N/P ratio 6. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharides containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 9A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of example compositions. FIG. 9B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example oligosaccharide formulations.

Example 3g—Screening Aliphatic Chain Length for saRNA Delivery

Thirty-six female BALB/c mice were divided into twelve study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding saRNA (5 μg), applied s.c. in their right flank. At seven time points (6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 6 days, 8 days, 20 days) in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing primary amines with different aliphatic chains lengths, e.g., C₆ (JRL13), C₁₀ (JLJB617), C₁₄ (JLJB618). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing secondary amines with different aliphatic chains lengths, e.g., C₆ (JLJB619), C₁₀ (JLF43), C₁₄ (JLF31). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing tertiary amines with different aliphatic chains lengths, e.g., C₆ (JLJB604), C₁₀ (JLF41), C₁₄ (JFL25). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing quaternary amines with different aliphatic chains lengths, e.g., C₆ (JLJB605), C₁₀ (JLF42), C₁₄ (JLF26). All formulations were tested at N/P ratio 6. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharides containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 10A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of certain complexes. FIG. 10B is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for example oligosaccharide formulations. FIG. 10C is a bar graph illustrating quantified response of CD8 positive T cells from spleen samples of treated mice 20 days after s.c. application.

The CD8 response to luciferase peptides presented by murine MHC is quantified via IFN release in an ELISPOT. An irrelevant peptide served as control to show that the CD8 response to the luciferase peptide is specific.

Example 3 h—N/P Ratio Effect for Delivery of modRNA and saRNA

Eighteen female BALB/c mice were divided into six study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding saRNA (5 μg) or modRNA (5 μg), applied s.c. in their right flank. At seven time points (6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 6 days, 8 days, 20 days) in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. Three groups received modRNA formulated with JLJB619 at three different N/Ps (3, 6, and 12) and three further groups received saRNA formulated with JLJB619 at three different N/Ps (3, 6, and 12). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing secondary amines with different aliphatic chains lengths, e.g., C6 (JLJB619), C10 (JLF43), C14 (JLF31). Three groups received oligosaccharides bearing tertiary amines with different aliphatic chains lengths, e.g., C6 (JLJB604), C10 (JLF41), C14 (JFL25). All N/P ratios are calculated based on the oligosaccharides-RNA charges ratio. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the JLJB619 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. FIG. 11A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA. FIG. 11B is a bar graph illustrating zeta potential at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA. FIG. 11C is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for modRNA groups. FIG. 11D is a bar graph illustrating quantified bioluminescence over the duration of the experiment for saRNA groups.

Example 3i—Immunization against H1N1/Cal07/HA after saRNA Delivery

Fifteen female BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups. One group received only buffer as a negative control and other groups received 2 μg of formulated saRNA coding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009 complexed with JLJB619. The third group received 2 μg of formulated saRNA coding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009 complexed with LNP (DODMA, Cholesterol, DOPE and PEG2000-ceramide C16 at a molar ratio of 40:48:10:2). All saRNA formulations were applied subcutaneously. The saRNA complexed with JLJB619 was formulated at N/P6. The saRNA formulated with the LNP was prepared at N/P4. The N/P ratio for the LNP is determined by the DODMA/RNA ratio.

While the JLJB619 formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the paOs containing solution was 9:1 (v:v); the LNP formulation was produced in PBS following standard LNP production method widely described in the literature. See Nogueira, et al., ACS Appl. Nano. Mater., 3(11):10634-10645 (2020). The LNP was produced at a mixing ratio of lipid mixture in ethanol mixed at a 3:1 ratio with saRNA in a citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and at a mixing speed of 12 mL/min. The LNP was then dialyzed in PBS for 3 hours. The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (day 0, day 14, day 21, day 28, day 49) and the spleen was extracted at the end of experiment for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to Influenza HA peptides. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes. FIG. 12A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at different N/P ratios and comprising RNA. FIG. 12B is a plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG against HA during the course of experiment at a serum dilution of 1:300. FIG. 12C is a plot illustrating end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA. FIG. 12D is a bar graph illustrating the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

Example 3j—Cationic Oligosaccharide Combination Complexes

The present example considers complexes comprising JLF99 and modRNA at N/P6 in combination with a polysorbate (e.g., Tween20 and Tween40). Nine female BALB/c mice are divided into 3 study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (2 μg), applied i.m to each leg. At five time points (6 hours, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 6) in-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured. The first group received modRNA formulated exclusively with JLF99, the second group received modRNA formulated with a mixture of JLF99+Tween20 (1:0.5 molar ratio) and the third group received modRNA formulated with a mixture of JLF99+Tween20 (1:1 molar ratio). All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P6. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at an RNA final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide/Tween20 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter. FIG. 13A illustrates hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P6 in combination with different surfactants and with a surfactant-to-JLF99 ratio between 0:1 and 0.5:1 (where C14-pMeOx45 is C₁₄ alkyl-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)₄₅, C14pSar23 is C14 alkyl-poly(sarcosine)₂₃, and Tween20 is polysorbate 20).

FIG. 13B illustrates hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P6 with either Tween20 or Tween40 and within a surfactant-to-JLF99 ratio between 0 and 1.5. FIG. 13C is a plot illustrating expression of luciferase-encoding modRNA 24 h after transfection of C2C12 cells, example compositions had an N/P 6 and were formulated with modRNA, and either Tween20 or Tween40 at different surfactant-to-JLF99 ratios, at 100 ng of RNA/well. The present example represents 3 independent experiments (n=3) with technical triplicates. FIG. 13D is a plot illustrating expression of luciferase-encoding modRNA after 24 of transfection of HepG2 cells, example compositions had an N/P 6 and were formulated with modRNA and either Tween20 or Tween40 at different surfactant-to-JLF99 ratio, at 100 ng of RNA/well. The present example represents 3 independent experiments (n=3) with technical triplicates. FIG. 13E is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of complexes formulated at N/P 6 with different oligosaccharide to surfactant ratios (where T20 refers to Tween20). FIG. 13F illustrates quantified bioluminescence over the whole duration of the experiment represented as area under the curve (where T20 refers to Tween20). FIG. 13G illustrates quantified bioluminescence over the whole duration of the experiment (where T20 refers to Tween20). FIG. 13H is an image showing bioluminescence of the ventral axis 6 hours after injection of a composition comprising modRNA into each group (where T20 refers to Tween20).

Example 3k—Intramuscular Vaccination with Cationic Oligosaccharides and saRNA

Forty female BALB/c mice were divided into six groups. One group receives only buffer as a negative control and the other five groups receive 1 μg of formulated saRNA coding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009. All saRNA formulations are applied i.m in one of the legs. All saRNA groups were formulated at N/P12 but with different oligosaccharides (JRL13, JLF102, JLF97, JLF94) or with linear polyethylenimine 22.5 kDa (AVROXA, Ghent, Belgium), PE1500, as a benchmark. The N/P ratio for the PE1500 formulated saRNA is determined by a secondary amines:RNA charge ratio. Formulations are complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the cationic oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. The animals will be subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (day 0, day 14, day 21, day 28, day 49) and spleen will be extracted for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to Influenza HA peptides. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum will be quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Virus neutralizing titers will be quantified by VNT Assay.

CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes.

Example 4—Synthetic Examples

All reagents and solvents used in the preparations disclosed in the following examples were purchased from commercial sources and used without further purification, unless otherwise specified. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on aluminum sheets coated with Silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ Merck with visualization by UV light (A 254 nm) and by charring with 10% ethanolic H₂SO₄, 0.1% ethanolic ninhydrin and heating at 100° C. Column chromatography was carried out on Silice 60 A.C.C. Chromagel (SDS 70-200 and 35-70 μm). The structure of all compounds described herein, including synthetic intermediates and precursors, was confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). NMR experiments were performed at 300 (75.5), and 500 (125.7, 202) MHz with Bruker 300 ADVANCE and 500 DRX. 1D TOCSY, 2D COSY, HMQC and HSQC experiments were used to assist on NMR assignments. Mass spectra (High-resolution mass spectra) were carried out on a Bruker Daltonics Esquire6000™ (LTQ-Orbitrap XL ETD). The samples were introduced via solid probe heated from 30 to 280° C. ESI as ionization source (Electrospray Ionization) was used to which methanol was used as solvent. The samples were introduced via direct injection using a Cole-Parmer syringe at a flow rate of 2 μl/min. Ions were scanned between 300 and 3000 Da with a scan speed of 13000 Da/s at unit resolution using resonance ejection at the multipole resonance of one-third of the radio frequency (n=781.25 kHz).

Methods

Scheme 1 depicts synthesis of a compound of formula I wherein A is A¹, R¹ and R² are both —C(O)—R^a, X¹ and X² are both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are both —(CH₂)₂— and Z¹ and Z² are NH₃⁺ (compounds 4T in Scheme 1). Scheme 1 also shows the general routes (routes A1, A2, B1 and B2) implemented for the syntheses of a compound of formula I wherein A is A¹, R¹ and R² are both —C(O)—R^a, X¹ and X² are both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are both —(CH₂)₂—NHC(S)NH—(CH₂)₂— and Z¹ and Z² are identical (compounds 6T in Scheme 1):

Scheme 2 depicts synthesis of a compound of formula I wherein A is A², R¹ and R² are both —C(O)—R^a, X¹ and X² are both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are both —(CH₂)₂— and Z¹ and Z² are NH₃⁺ (compounds 4S in Scheme 2). Scheme 2 also shows the general routes (routes A1 and A2) implemented for the syntheses of a compound of formula I wherein A is A², R¹ and R² are both —(C═O)R^a, X¹ and X² are both —S— and Y¹ and Y² are both —(CH₂)₂—NHC(S)NH—(CH₂)₂— and Z¹ and Z² are identical:

Scheme 3 depicts the synthesis of a compound of formula I wherein A is A¹, R¹ and R² are both —C(O)R^a, X¹ and X² are both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are both —(CH₂)₂— and Z¹ and Z² are —N(CH₃)H₂⁺ (compounds 8T in Scheme 3) or —N(CH₃)₂H⁺ (compounds 9T in Scheme 3):

Scheme 4 depicts synthesis of a compound of formula I wherein A is A³, R¹ is —C(O)—R^a, R² is —C(O)—R^a or methyl, X¹ and X² are both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are both —(CH₂)₂—, Z¹ and Z² are NH₃⁺ and p is 1 (compounds 4M in Scheme 4). Scheme 4 also shows the general routes (routes A1, A2, B1 and B2) implemented for the syntheses of a compound of formula I wherein A is A³, R¹ is —C(O)—R^a, R² is —(C═O)R^a or methyl, X¹ and X² are both —S—, Y¹ and Y² are both —(CH₂)₂—NHC(S)NH—(CH₂)₂— and Z¹ and Z² are identical:

In some embodiments, synthesis of a compound of formula I wherein R¹ and R² are both —C(O)—R^a comprises the following lipid reagents:

Reagent	Ra	code
		L1
		L2
		L3
		L3.1
		L3.2
		L4
		L5
		L7
		L7.1

In exemplary embodiments, the synthesis of the compounds of formula I according to Schemes 1 or 2 involved the following isothiocyanate or amine reagents in the reaction step leading to the installation of the cationic heads Z¹ and Z²:

reagent	Z1 and Z2	code
		C1
n = 2		C51
n = 3		C52
		C2
		C3
		C4
		C5
		C7
		C7.1
		C8
		C9
		C9.1
		C10
		C10.1
		C10.2
		C11
n = 1
n = 2		C65
		C12
		C14
		C15
		C16
		C18
		C26
		C30
		C43
		C45
		OH1
		OH2
		OH3
		OH5
		OH6
		OH7
		OH10
		OH12
		C47
		C47.1
		C48
		C48.1
		C54
		C59
		C59.1
		C59.2
		C60
		C61
		C62
		C63
		C66
		C68
		C69
		C70

Materials

In some exemplary embodiments, the following precursors used in the synthesis of specific compounds described herein were prepared according to known methods. 6,6′-Diiodo-6,6′-dideoxy-α,α′-trehalose (1T) was prepared following the procedure described in the literature from commercially available reagents. J. M. García Fernández, C. Ortiz Mellet, J. L. Jiménez Blanco, J. Fuentes Mota, A. Gadelle, A. Coste-Sarguet, J. Defaye, Carbohydr. Res. 1995, 268, 57-71.

6,6′-Diiodo-6,6′-dideoxy-sucrose (1S) was prepared according to the procedure described in the literature from commercially available reagents. See J. M. García Fernández, A. Gadelle, J. Defaye, Carbohydr. Res. 1994, 265, 249-269.

Methyl 6,6′-diiodo-6,6′-dideoxy-2,3,2′,3′,4′-penta-O-acetyl-β-maltoside (1M) was prepared following the procedure described in the literature from commercially available reagents. G. O. Aspinall, R. C. Carpenter, L. Khondo, Carbohydr. Res. 1987, 165, 281-298.

As used herein, an arrow followed by a code between parentheses, e.g., “(→code)” indicates the lipophilic tails (R¹ and R² substituents in a compound of formula I) or cationic heads (Z¹ and Z² substituents in a compound of formula I) that the preceding reagent provided during the synthesis. E.g., “hexanoic anhydride (→L1)” is intended to refer to moiety L1, as described in the tables above, was bonded to a compound through use of hexanoic anhydride.

Hexanoic anhydride (CAS #2051-49-2, →L1) and octanoyl (CAS #111-64-8, →L2), decanoyl (CAS #112-13-0, →L3), 2-butylhexanoyl (CAS #39053-77-5, →L3.1), 4-ethyloctanoyl (CAS #16493-81-5, →L3.2), lauroyl (CAS #112-16-3, →L4), myristoyl (CAS #112-64-1, →L5), stearoyl (CAS #112-76-5, →L7) and oleoyl (CAS #112-77-6, →L7.1) chlorides were purchased from commercial sources.

2-(N-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino)ethanethiol (CAS #67385-09-5, C1SH), 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethylisothiocyanate (CAS #7097-89-4, →C3), 2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)ethanamine (CAS #934-98-5, →C7), 2-(4-isopropylpiperazin-1-yl)ethanamine (CAS #132740-59-1, →C7.1), tert-butyl 4-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (CAS #192130-34-0, →C8), 2-morpholinoethanamine (CAS #2038-03-1, →C9), 2-morpholinoethylisothiocyanate (CAS #2038-03-1, →C9), 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine (CAS #63224-35-1, →C9.1), 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethanamine (CAS #5739-10-6, →C10), 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethanamine (CAS #19225-96-8, →C10.1), 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethan-1-amine (CAS #51-45-6, →C10.2), 2,2′-(piperazine-1,4-diyl)diethanamine (CAS #6531-38-0, →C14), tert-butyl (2-aminoethyl)(ethyl)carbamate (CAS #105628-63-5, →C15), N,N-diethylethylenediamine (CAS #100-36-7, →C16), 1,4-bis-Boc-1,4,7-triazaheptane (CAS #120131-72-8, →C18), 1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine (CAS #7154-73-6, →C47.1), N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,4-oxazepan (CAS #878155-50-1, →C48), 1-(2-aminoethyl)homopiperidine (CAS #51388-00-2, →C48.1), tert-butyl N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbamate (CAS #364056-56-4, →OH1), N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (CAS #3197-06-6, →OH5), 3,3′-((2-aminoetil)azanediil)bis(propan-1-ol) (CAS #50331-68-5, →OH6), 4,4′-((2-aminoetil)azanedil)bis(butan-1-ol) (CAS #197966-97-5, →OH7), 2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol (CAS #1211477-35-8, →OH10), 2-(4-(2-aminoethyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethanol (CAS #20542-08-9, →OH12), 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidin-4-one (CAS #1196887-97-4, →C54), N-(2-aminoethyl)-4-piperidinol (CAS #129999-60-6, →C59), [1-(2-amino-ethyl)-piperidin-3-yl]-methanol (CAS #857637-03-7, →C59.1), 2-(4-methoxy-piperidin-1-yl)-ethylamine (CAS #911300-69-1, →C59.2), 2-(4,4-difluoropiperidin-1-yl)ethanamine (CAS #605659-03-8, →C60), 4-(2-aminoethyl)-thiomorpholine (CAS #53515-36-9, →C61), 4-(2-aminoethyl)thiomorpholine-1,1-dioxide (CAS #89937-52-0, →C63), 1-[4-(2-aminoethyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethenone (CAS #148716-35-2, →C66), 4-(2-aminoethyl)piperazin-2-one (CAS #145625-71-4, →C68), 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide (CAS #443897-95-8, →C69), [1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidin-4-yl]methanol dihydrochloride (CAS #1311315-83-9, →C70), 2-[N-methyl-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]ethanethiol (CAS #134464-53-2, C2SH), and 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethanethiol (CAS #108-02-1, C3SH) were purchased from commercial sources.

2-(N-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl isothiocyanate (→C1), D. M. Kneeland, K. Ariga, V. M. Lynch, C. Y. Huang, E. V. Anslyn, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993, 115, 10042-10055. 2—(N-methyl-N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl isothiocyanate (→C2), T. Kim, Y.-J. Kim, I.-H. Han, D. Lee, J. Ham, K. S. Kan, J. W. Lee, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2015, 25, 62-66. 2—(N,N,N-trimethylamino)ethyl isothiocyanate (→C4), Y.-J. Ghang, J. J. Lloyd, M. P. Moehlig, J. K. Arguelles, M. Mettry, X. Zhang, R. R. Julian, Q. Cheng, R. J. Hooley, Langmuir 2014, 30, 10160-10166. 2-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-di-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)guanidine (→C11), S. M. Hickey, T. D. Ashton, J. M. White, J. Li, R. L. Nation, H. Y. Yu, A. G. Elliott, M. S. Butler, J. X. Huang, M. A. Cooper, F. M. Pfeffer, RSC Adv. 2015, 5, 28582-28596. N,N-bis[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl]ethylenediamine (→C43), Y. Wu, A. Kaur, E. Fowler, M. M. Wiedmann, R. Young, W. R. J. D. Galloway, L. Olsen, H. F. Sore, A. Chattopadhyay, T. T.-L. Kwan, W. Xu, S. J. Walsh, P. de Andrade, M. Janecek, S. Arumugam, L. S. Itzhaki, Y. Heng Lau, D. R. Spring, ACS Chem. Biol. 2019, 14, 526-533. And N,N-bis(2-acetamidoethyl)ethylenediamine (→C45) were prepared according to the described procedures. L. Liu, M. Rozenman, R. Breslow, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 12660-12661.

N,N-dimethyl-N′-tert-butoxycarbonyl-diethylenetriamine (→C12), N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)ethylenediamine (→OH2) and N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)ethylenediamine (→OH3) were synthesized from commercially available N,N-dimethyl-diethylenetriamine, N-(3-hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine and N-(4-hydroxybutyl)ethylenediamine, respectively, by sequential primary amine trifluoroacetylation with ethyl trifluoroacetate, carbamoylation of the remaining amino groups with Boc₂O and base-promoted trifluoroacetamide hydrolysis.

N-(2-Aminoethyl)-1,3-oxazolidine (CAS #67626-78-2, →C47) was synthesised from commercially available N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-oxazolidine (CAS #20073-50-1) by sequential hydroxyl mesylation using mesyl chloride, substitution by sodium azide and final catalytic hydrogenation using H₂—Pd/C. 4-(2-Aminoethyl)-thiomorpholine-1-oxide (→C62) was synthesized by sequential primary amine carbamoylation with Boc₂O, thioether oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid and final acid promoted carbamate cleavage.

N-(tert-Butoxycarbonylmethyl)-N′-(2-isothiocyanatoethyl)-ethylenediamine (→C5) was synthesized according to the following scheme (Scheme 5) from commercially available diethylenetriamine.

The synthetic intermediates 2T, 2S, 2M, 3T, 3S and 3M in the reaction sequences depicted in Schemes 1, 2 and 4 were prepared as described below:

6,6′-Bis[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethylthio)-α,α′-trehalose (2T). To a mixture of diiodo-trehalose 1T (14.3 g, 25.44 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (23.45 g, 71.23 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (150 mL) under N₂ atmosphere, a solution of 2-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethanethiol (CiSH, 13.6 mL, 76.32 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (100 mL) under N₂ was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight and the solid remaining in suspension was decanted and filtrated off. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was triturated with Et₂O (500 mL), upon which a sticky solid evolved. The residue was filtrated and triturated with EtOH (250 mL) and the remaining solid again filtrated off. The solvents were finally evaporated to dryness to furnish analytically pure compound 2T in virtually quantitative yield (16.8 g). Chemical Formula: C₂₆H₄₈N₂O₁₃S₂. Molecular Weight: 660.26. ESI-MS (m/z) 705.5 ([M+HCO₂]⁻). 6,6′-Bis[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethylthio)sucrose (2S). To a mixture of diiodo-sucrose 1S (1.07 g, 1.9 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (1.75 g, 5.33 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (30 mL) under N₂ atmosphere, 2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethylmercaptane (1.0 mL, 5.7 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was triturated with Et2O (100 mL) upon which a sticky solid evolved. The residue was filtrated and triturated with EtOH (50 mL) and the remaining solid again filtrated off. The solvents were finally evaporated to dryness to furnish analytically pure compound 2S in virtually quantitative yield (1.25 g). Chemical Formula: C26H48N2O13S2. Molecular Weight: 660.26. ESI-MS (m/z) 705.56 ([M+HCO2]−).

Methyl 6,6′-bis[2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethylthio]-β-maltoside (2M). To a mixture of methyl 6,6′-dideoxy-6,6′-diiodo-β-maltoside 1M (1.20 g, 1.5 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (1.38 g, 4.20 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (40 mL) under N₂ atmosphere, 2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethylmercaptane (CiSH, 0.80 mL, 4.50 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with a 1:1 Et₂O-toluene mixture (200 mL), and extracted with water (2×100 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtrated, and concentrated to dryness. The resulting residue was chromatographed using a 1:1 EtOAc-petroleum ether mixture as eluent to furnish the per-O-acetylated intermediate in 90% yield (1.20 g). Acetate removal was quantitatively conducted by treatment with NaOMe (0.67 mmol, 36 mg) in MeOH (25 mL) for 1 h, followed by neutralization with amberlite IR120 (H⁺) ion exchange resin, filtration and evaporation to dryness. Chemical Formula: C₂₇H₂₀N₂O₁₃S₂. Molecular Weight: 674.82. ESI-MS (m/z) 719.50 ([M+HCO₂]⁻).

General procedure for exhaustive hydroxyl acylation of 2T, 2S and 2M to give reaction intermediates 3T, 3S and 3M. To a solution of the corresponding acylating agent (→L1 to L7.1 as itemized in the above lipid reagent list, 46 mmol for 2T and 2S; 38 mmol for 2M) in anhydrous DMF (20 mL) under N₂ inert atmosphere at 0° C., a solution of 2T, 2S or 2M (5.1 mmol) and DMAP (92 mmol for 2T and 2S; 76 mmol for 2M) in anhydrous DMF (100 mL) was dropwise added over a period of 10 min. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to RT over 2 h and further stirred overnight. The reaction was then diluted in a 1:1 water-DCM mixture (400 mL). The organic layer was decanted and further washed with water (100 mL), 2 N H₂SO₄ (2×100 mL), saturated NaHCO₃ (100 mL) and water (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄ or Na₂SO₄, filtrated and evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting syrupy residue was purified by column chromatography using the eluent indicated in each case to give the corresponding 3T, 3S or 3M reaction intermediate with R^a substituents as defined by the codes L1 to L7.1 in the above lipid reagent list.

Compound 3T-L1	eluent 1:4 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 82%
Compound 3T-L2	eluent 1:4→2:3 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 37%
Compound 3T-L3	eluent 1:10→1:3 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 54%
Compound	eluent 1:10→1:3 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 51%
3T-L3.1
Compound	eluent 1:10→1:3 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 47%
3T-L3.2
Compound 3T-L4	eluent 1:10→1:5 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 27%
Compound 3T-L5	eluent 1:10→1:5 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 63%
Compound 3T-L7	eluent 1:10→1:5 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 34%
Compound	eluent 1:10→1:5 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 39%
3T-L7.1
Compound 3S-L1	eluent 1:4 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 72%
Compound 3S-L3	eluent 1:10→1:3 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 17%
Compound 3S-L3	eluent 1:10→1:3 EtOAc-petroleum ether	yield 62%

General procedure for tert-butoxycarbonyl group hydrolysis in reaction intermediates 3T (→4T), 3S (→4S) and 3M (→4M). To a solution of 3T, 3S or 3M (1 mmol) in DCM (10 mL), at RT, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, 10 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h, then the solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure and the traces of acid were eliminated by repeated coevaporation with water. The resulting residue was lyophilized from 10-mM HCl to furnish the corresponding diamines 4T, 4S and 4M, as hydrochloride salts, in quantitative yield.

In some preferred embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 4T were synthesized according to Scheme 1 following the above procedure: JLF19, JLF150, JLF20, JLF155, JLF23, JLF46.

In some preferred embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 4S were synthesized according to Scheme 1 following the above procedure: JLF50, JLF62.

General procedure for the synthesis of diisothiocyanate reaction intermediates 5T, 5S and 5M in Scheme 1, 2 and 4 To a solution of 4T, 4S or 4M (1 mmol) in a heterogeneous mixture of water and DCM (1:1, mL), CaCO₃ (0.48 g, 4.8 mmol) and Cl₂CS (0.22 ml, 2.4 mmol) were sequentially added. The mixture was vigorously stirred at RT for 1 h and then transferred to a decantation funnel and diluted with water and DCM (1:1, 100 mL). The organic layer was decanted and washed with water (50 mL) and saturated aq NaHCO₃ (50 mL), dried over MgSO₄ or Na₂SO₄, filtrated and evaporated under reduced pressure to furnish the target diisothiocyanate reaction intermediates 5T, 5S or 5M, with R^a substituents as defined by the codes in the Lipid reagent list:

Compound 5T-L1: Yield 99%. Chemical Formula: C₅₄H₈₈N₂O₁₅S₄. MW: 1133.54. ESI-MS (m/z) 1155.58 ([M+Na]⁺).

Compound 5T-L3): Yield 90%. Chemical Formula: C₇₈H₁₃₆N₂O₁₅S₄. MW: 1470.19. ESI-MS (m/z) 1514.87 ([M+HCO₂]⁻).

Compound 5T-L3.1: Yield 78%. Chemical Formula: C₇₈H₁₃₆N₂O₁₅S₄. MW: 1470.19. ESI-MS (m/z) 1513.88 ([M+HCO₂]⁻).

Compound 5T-L3.2: Yield 94%. Chemical Formula: C₇₈H₁₃₆N₂O₁₅S₄. MW: 1470.19. ESI-MS (m/z) 1487.22 ([M+NH₄]⁺)

Compound 5S-L1: Yield 99%. Chemical Formula: C₅₄H₈₈N₂O₁₅S₄. MW: 1133.54. ESI-MS (m/z) 1155.58 ([M+Na]⁺).

Compound 5S-L3: Yield 90%. Chemical Formula: C₇₈H₁₃₆N₂O₁₅S₄. MW: 1470.19. ESI-MS (m/z) 1514.87 ([M+HCO₂]⁻).

Compound 5M-L3: Yield 93%. Chemical Formula: C₆₉H₁₂₀N₂O₁₅S₄. MW: 1329.96. ESI-MS (m/z) 1375.09 ([M+HCO₂]⁻).

General Procedure for the Synthesis of a Compound of Formula I According to Schemes 1, 2, and 4 Routes A1, A2, B1 and B2.

Route A1 (schemes 1, 2, or 4): To a solution of the corresponding diamine dihydrochloride (4T, 4S or 4M, 0.1 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) and triethylamine (Et₃N, 0.3 mmol, 41 μL), a solution of the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent SCN—(CH₂)₂—Z^a—PG¹ (0.3 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) were sequentially added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h while monitoring pH to ensure it remains basic (In case pH is found below neutrality, it should be readjusted to slightly basic (pH ca. 8) by addition of aliquots of Et₃N). Upon reaction completion (TLC revealed the complete disappearance of the starting material 4T, 4S or 4M and the formation of a novel spot at a higher Rf), the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the crude material purified by column chromatography using the eluent indicated in each case. The resulting intermediate with Boc-protected amino groups was subsequently treated with a 1:1 DCM-TFA mixture (10 mL) at RT for 1 h followed by evaporation of the solvents under reduced pressure. Traces of TFA were eliminated by coevaporation with toluene (3×10 mL). Lyophilization from 10 mM HCl furnished the target products 6T, 6S or 6M in the yield indicated in each case.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6T were synthesized according to Scheme 1, route A1: JLF31, JLF32, JLF33, JLF35, JLF43, JLF58, JLF78, JLJB617, JLJB618, JLJB619.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6S were synthesized according to Scheme 2, route A1: JLF59, JLF60, JLF68, JLF69, JLF76, JLF77 Route A2 (schemes 1, 2, or 4): Similarly, to route A1, route A2 implies the coupling reaction of a compound of structure 4T, 4S or 4M with an isothiocyanate reagent SCN—(CH₂)₂—Z¹, using an analogous protocol. Upon reaction completion, the reaction mixture was transferred to a decantation funnel and partitioned between DCM and 0.1 N aq HCl (1:1, 20 mL). The organic layer was decanted, dried over MgSO₄ or Na₂SO₄, filtrated and evaporated under reduced pressure. Column chromatography purification was conducted in these cases. The resulting product was lyophilized from 10 mM HCl to furnish the target product 6T, 6S or 6M in the yield indicated in each case.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6T were synthesized according to Scheme 1, route A2: JLF25, JLF26, JLF29, JLF30, JLF41, JLF42, JLF154, JLF158, JLF170, JLJB604, JLJB605.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6S were synthesized according to Scheme 2, route A2: JLF54, JLF55, JLF66, JLF67, Route B1 (schemes 1, 2, or 4): To a solution of the corresponding diisothiocyanate reaction intermediate 5T, 5S or 5M (1 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) a solution the corresponding amine reagent H₂N—(CH₂)₂—Z^a—PG′ (0.3 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h while monitoring pH to ensure it remains basic. Upon reaction completion (TLC revealed the complete disappearance of the starting material 5T, 5S or 5M and the formation of a novel spot at a lower Rf), the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the crude material purified by column chromatography using the indicated eluent. The resulting intermediate was further treated with a 1:1 DCM-TFA mixture (10 mL) at RT for 1 h followed by evaporation of the solvents under reduced pressure, coevaporation of the acidic traces with toluene (3×10 mL) and lyophilization from 10 mM HCl to furnish the target products 6T in the yield indicated in each case.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6T, 6S or 6M were synthesized according to Scheme 1, route B1: JLF93, JLF94, JLF96, JLF97, JLF98, JLF102, JLF103, JLF111, JLF115, JLF120, JLF121, JLF139, JLF141, JLF200, JLF201, JLF220, PER20.

Route B2: Similarly, to route B1, route B2 implies the coupling reaction of a compound of structure 5T, 5S or 5M with an amine reagent H₂N—(CH₂)₂—Z¹, using an analogous protocol. Upon reaction completion, the reaction mixture was transferred to a decantation funnel and partitioned between DCM and 0.1 N aq HCl (1:1, 20 mL). The organic layer was decanted, dried over MgSO₄ or Na₂SO₄, filtrated and evaporated under reduced pressure. Column chromatography purification is unnecessary in these cases. The resulting product was lyophilized from 10 mM HCl to furnish the target products 6T, 6S or 6M in the indicated yields.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6T were synthesized according to Scheme 1, route B2: JLF81, JLF82, JLF87, JLF90, JLF95, JLF99, JLF106, JLF108, JLF110, JLF111, JLF125, JLF128, JLF130, JLF131, JLF134, JLF135, JLF138, JLF142, JLF163, JLF164, JLF165, JLF190, JLF197, JLF223, JLF234, JLF237, JLF238, JLF244, JLF245, JLF248, JLF301, JLF601, JLF602, JLF604, JLF605, JLF606, JLF607, JLF608, PRX051, NC117, NC118.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6S were synthesized according to Scheme 2, route B2: JLF218, PRX052, PRX093, PRX094, PRX096.

In some embodiments, the following compounds of formula I featuring structure 6M were synthesized according to Scheme 4, route B2: JMB500, JMB501, JMB503.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of a Compound of Formula I According to Scheme 3, Routes C1 and C2.

The diiodo trehalose derivative 1T was per-O-acylated following a procedure analogous to the General procedure for exhaustive hydroxyl acylation of 2T and 2S to give reaction intermediates 3T and 3S described above. The resulting crude product was subjected to column chromatography purification (1:10 EtOAc-petroleum ether) to furnish reaction intermediate 7T in 67% yield.

In a preferred embodiment, the diiodo reaction intermediate 7T wherein the R^a substituents are defined by the code L1 (7T-L1), as indicated in the Lipid reagent list, was prepared according to this procedure.

Route C1: To a mixture of 7T (0.1 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (91 mg, 0.28 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (3 mL) under N₂ atmosphere, 2-[N-methyl-N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]ethanethiol (C2SH, 52 μL, 0.3 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was purified by column chromatography (1:6 EtOAc-petroleum ether). The resulting intermediate was treated with a 1:1 DCM-TFA mixture (4 mL) at RT for 1 h. The solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure, the traces of acid were repeatedly coevaporated with water and the residue was lyophilized from 10-mM HCl to furnish 8T in 60% yield.

In a preferred embodiment, the following compound of formula I featuring structure 8T was synthesized according to Scheme 3, route C1: JLF40.

Route C2: Similarly to route C1, route C2 implies the coupling reaction between 7T and 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethanethiol (C3SH), following an analogous protocol. Upon reaction completion, the reaction mixture was transferred to a decantation funnel and partitioned between DCM and 0.1N aq HCl (1:1, 20 mL). The organic layer was decanted, dried over MgSO₄ or Na₂SO₄, filtrated and evaporated under reduced pressure. Column chromatography purification is unnecessary in this case. The resulting product was lyophilized from 10 mM HCl to furnish compound 8T in 82% yield.

In a preferred embodiment, the following compound of formula I featuring structure 8T was synthesized according to Scheme 3, route C2: JLF48.

Example 4a—Compound JLF19

Synthesized from compound 3T-L7 according to Scheme 1 (3T to 4T step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₁₂₄H₂₃₈Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 2132.29 ESI-MS (m/z) 1031.08 ([M-2Cl]2+).

Example 4b—Compound JLF20

Synthesized from compound 3T-L5 according to Scheme 1 (3T to 4T step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₁₀₀H₁₉₀Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 1795.64 ESI-MS (m/z) 1723.23 ([M-2HCl+H]⁺), 862.20 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4c—Compound JLF23

Synthesized from compound 3T-L3 according to Scheme 1 (3T to 4T step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₇₆H₁₄₂Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 1458.99 ESI-MS (m/z) 1385.93 ([M-2HCl+H]⁺), 693.98 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4d—Compound JLF25

Synthesized from compound 4T-L5 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C3) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 72%. Chemical Formula: C₁₁₀H₂₁₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 2056.06 ESI-MS (m/z) 992.56 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4e—Compound JLF26

Synthesized from compound 4T-L5 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C4) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 76%. Chemical Formula: C₁₁₂H₂₁₄I₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 2267.02 ESI-MS (m/z) 1006.49 ([M-2I]²⁺).

Example 4f—Compound JLF29

Synthesized from compound 4T-L7 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C3) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 77%. Chemical Formula: C₁₃₂H₂₅₄Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 2264.65 ESI-MS (m/z) 1160.74 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4g—Compound JLF30

Synthesized from compound 4T-L7 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C4) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 87%. Chemical Formula: C₁₃₄H₂₅₈I₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 2575.61 ESI-MS (m/z) 1174.68 ([M-2I]²⁺).

Example 4 h—Compound JLF31

Synthesized from compound 4T-L5 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C2) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 91%. Chemical Formula: C₁₀₈H₂₀₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 2028.00 ESI-MS (m/z) 978.06 ([M-2Cl]²⁺.

Example 4i—Compound JLF32

Synthesized from compound 4T-L7 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C1) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 66%. Chemical Formula: C₁₂₈H₂₄₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 2308.54 ESI-MS (m/z) 1132.20 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4j—Compound JLF33

Synthesized from compound 4T-L7 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C2) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 86%. Chemical Formula: C₁₃₀H₂₅₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 2336.60 ESI-MS (m/z) 1146.25 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4k—Compound JLF35

Synthesized from compound 4T-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C5) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 89%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₂Cl₄N₈O₁₉S₄. Molecular Weight: 1601.78 ESI-MS (m/z) 728.30 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 41—Compound JLF40

Synthesized from precursor 7T-L1 and HS—(CH₂)₂NMe₂ (C3SH) according to Scheme 3, route C2 (7T to 8T step). Yield 82%. Chemical Formula: C₅₆H₁₀₂Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 1178.45 ESI-MS (m/z) 1105.68 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 553.47 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4m—Compound JLF41

Synthesized from compound 4T-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C3) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 55%. Chemical Formula: C₈₆H₁₆₂Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1719.41 ESI-MS (m/z) 1645.95 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 824.06 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4n—Compound JLF42

Synthesized from compound 4T-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C4) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 57%. Chemical Formula: C₈₈H₁₆₆I₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1930.37 ESI-MS (m/z) 838.06 ([M-2I]²⁺).

Example 4o—Compound JLF43

Synthesized from compound 4T-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C2) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 52%. Chemical Formula: C₈₄H₁₅₈Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1691.36 ESI-MS (m/z) 810.09 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4p—Compound JLF46

Synthesized from compound 3T-L7.1 according to Scheme 1 (3T to 4T step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₁₂₄H₂₂₆Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 2021.19 ESI-MS (m/z) 1024.38 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4q—Compound JLF48

Synthesized from precursor 7T-L1 and HS—(CH₂)₂N(Boc)Me (C2SH) according to Scheme 3, route C1 (7T to 8T step). Yield 60%. Chemical Formula: C₅₄H₉₈Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 1150.40 ESI-MS (m/z) 1077.63 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 536.44 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4r—Compound JLF50

Synthesized from compound 3S-L1 according to Scheme 2 (3S to 4S step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₅₂H₉₄Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 1122.34 ESI-MS (m/z) 1049.63 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 525.44 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4s—Compound JLF54

Synthesized from compound 4S-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C3) according to Scheme 2, Route A2 (4S to 6S step). Yield 59%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₄Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1382.76 ESI-MS (m/z) 1309.71 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 655.57 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4t—Compound JLF55

Synthesized from compound 4S-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C4) according to Scheme 2, Route A2 (4S to 6S step). Yield 59%. Chemical Formula: C₆₄H₁₁₈I₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1593.72 ESI-MS (m/z) 1338.63 ([M−HI—I]⁺), 1338.63 ([M−HI-Me₃NI]⁺), 669.80 ([M-2I]²⁺), 639.99 ([M-I-Me₃NI]²⁺).

Example 4u—Compound JLF58

Synthesized from compound 4S-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code OH1) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 69%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₄Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1414.76 ESI-MS (m/z) 1341.70 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 671.61 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4v—Compound JLF59

Synthesized from compound 4S-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C1) according to Scheme 2, Route A1 (4S to 6S step). Yield 62%. Chemical Formula: C₅₈H₁₀₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1326.65 ESI-MS (m/z) 1253.69 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 627.59 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4w—Compound JLF60

Synthesized from compound 4S-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C2) according to Scheme 2, Route A1 (4S to 6S step). Yield 49%. Chemical Formula: C₆₀H₁₁₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1354.71 ESI-MS (m/z) 1284.69 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 641.59 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4x—Compound JLF62

Synthesized from compound 3S-L3 according to Scheme 2 (3S to 4S step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₇₆H₁₄₂Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₂. Molecular Weight: 1458.99 ESI-MS (m/z) 1385.98 ([M-2HCl+H]⁺), 693.95 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4y—Compound JLF66

Synthesized from compound 4S-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C3) according to Scheme 2, Route A2 (4S to 6S step). Yield 81%. Chemical Formula: C₈₆H₁₆₂Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1719.41 ESI-MS (m/z) 1646.99 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 824.14 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4z—Compound JLF67

Synthesized from compound 4S-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C4) according to Scheme 2, Route A2 (4S to 6S step). Yield 85%. Chemical Formula: C₈₈H₁₆₆I₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1930.37 ESI-MS (m/z) 1615.91 ([M−HI—I]⁺), 838.21 ([M-2I]²⁺).

Example 4aa—Compound JLF68

Synthesized from compound 4S-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C1) according to Scheme 2, Route A1 (4S to 6S step). Yield 57%. Chemical Formula: C₈₂H₁₅₄Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1663.30 ESI-MS (m/z) 1590.90 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 796.06 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ab—Compound JLF69

Synthesized from compound 4S-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C2) according to Scheme 2, Route A1 (4S to 6S step). Yield 73%. Synthesized by Route A1 by coupling of compounds 4S-L3 and C2. Overall yield (2-steps) 73% from 4S-L3. Chemical Formula: C₈₄H₁₅₈Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1691.36 ESI-MS (m/z) 1618.92 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 810.09 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ac—Compound JLF76

Synthesized from compound 4S-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C5) according to Scheme 2, Route A1 (4S to 6S step). Yield 66%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₂Cl₄N₈O₁₉S₄. Molecular Weight: 1601.78 ESI-MS (m/z) 1454.66 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4ad—Compound JLF77

Synthesized from compound 4S-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C5) according to Scheme 2, Route A1 (4S to 6S step). Yield 62%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₇₀Cl₄N₈O₁₉S₄. Molecular Weight: 1938.43 ESI-MS (m/z) 897.20 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ae—Compound JLF78

Synthesized from compound 4T-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C5) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 68%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₇₀Cl₄N₈O₁₉S₄. Molecular Weight: 1938.43 ESI-MS (m/z) 897.20 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4af—Compound JLF81

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 86%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₁₈Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1466.84 ESI-MS (m/z) 1393.77 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 697.87 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ag—Compound JLF82

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C7) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 66%. Chemical Formula: C₆₈H₁₂₆Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1565.84 ESI-MS (m/z) 1419.81 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 710.90 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1418.96 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4ah—Compound JLF87

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C10) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 89%. Chemical Formula: C₆₄H₁₀₈Cl₂N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1428.75 ESI-MS (m/z) 1355.67 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 678.77 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ai—Compound JLF90

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C10.2) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 73%. Chemical Formula: C₆₄H₁₀₈Cl₂N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1428.75 ESI-MS (m/z) 1355.68 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 678.77 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1354.61 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4aj—Compound JLF93

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C8) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 81%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₂Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1537.78 ESI-MS (m/z) 1391.74 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 696.90 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 647.65 ([M-hexanoyl-2Cl]²⁺), 1390.84 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4ak—Compound JLF94

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C11) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 95%. Chemical Formula: C₆₀H₁₁₀Cl₂N₁₀O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1410.74 ESI-MS (m/z) 1337.68 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 669.73 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1336.62 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4al—Compound JLF95

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C10.1) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 42%. Chemical Formula: C₆₄H₁₀₈Cl₂N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1428.75 ESI-MS (m/z) 1355.65 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 678.79 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1354.62 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4am—Compound JLF96

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH2) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 97%. Chemical Formula: C₆₄H₁₁₈Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1442.81 ESI-MS (m/z) 1369.76 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 685.79 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4an—Compound JLF97

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH3) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 34%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₂Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1470.87 ESI-MS (m/z) 1397.78 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 699.81 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ao—Compound JLF98

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C11) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 99%. Chemical Formula: C₈₄H₁₅₈Cl₂N₁₀O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1747.38 ESI-MS (m/z) 838.07 ([M-2Cl]2+).

Example 4ap—Compound JLF99

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 45%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1803.48 ESI-MS (m/z) 1731.03 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 866.19 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4aq—Compound JLF102

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C18) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 94%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₈Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1485.71 ESI-MS (m/z) 1339.69 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 670.54 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1338.93 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4ar—Compound JLF103

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C18) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 62%. Chemical Formula: C₈₆H₁₆₆Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1822.36 ESI-MS (m/z) 1677.15 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 839.10 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4as—Compound JLF106

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C14) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 94%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1378.73 ESI-MS (m/z) 1305.94 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 653.86 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1350.66 ([M-2HCl+HCO₂]⁻).

Example 4at—Compound JLF108

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C7) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 78%. Chemical Formula: C₉₂H₁₇₄Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1902.49 ESI-MS (m/z) 1757.06 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 879.22 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1755.25 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4au—Compound JLF110

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C10) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 72%. Chemical Formula: C₈₈H₁₅₆Cl₂N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1765.40 ESI-MS (m/z) 1691.98 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 847.16 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4av—Compound JLF111

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C10.2) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 49%. Synthesized by Route B1 by coupling of compounds 5T-L3 and C10.2. Overall yield (2-steps) 49% from 5T-L3. Chemical Formula: C₈₈H₁₅₆Cl₂N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1765.70 ESI-MS (m/z) 1692.93 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 847.13 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1691.14 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4aw—Compound JLF115

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C8) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 68%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₇₀Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1874.43 ESI-MS (m/z) 1571.05 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 865.23 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ax—Compound JLF120

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C43) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 88%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₃₀Cl₆N₁₀O₁₅S₁₀. Molecular Weight: 1644.76 ESI-MS (m/z) 1426.74 ([M-5HCl-Cl]⁺), 713.56 ([M-4HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1424.65 ([M-6HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4ay—Compound JLF121

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C43) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 55%. Synthesized by Route B1 by coupling of compounds 5T-L3 and C43. Overall yield (2-steps) 55% from 5T-L3. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₇₈Cl₆N₁₀O₁₅S₁₀. Molecular Weight: 1981.41 ESI-MS (m/z) 1763.11 ([M-5HCl-Cl]⁺), 882.20 ([M-4HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1761.32 ([M-6HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4az—Compound JLF125

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C16) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 60%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₂Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1438.87 ESI-MS (m/z) 1365.77 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 683.99 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1364.81 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4ba—Compound JLF128

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C18) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 76%. Synthesized by Route B2 by coupling of compounds 5T-L3 and C18. Yield 76% from 5T-L3. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₇₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1775.52 ESI-MS (m/z) 1703.07 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 852.21 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1701.28 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4bb—Compound JLF130

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH12) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 71%. Chemical Formula: C₇₀H₁₃₀Cl₄N₈O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1625.89 ESI-MS (m/z) 1479.81 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 740.95 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1478.81 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4bc—Compound JLF131

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C46) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 40%. Chemical Formula: C₉₈H₁₈₂Cl₂N₁₀O₁₉S₄. Molecular Weight: 2003.73 ESI-MS (m/z) 1931.17 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 966.35 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1929.40 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻), 1965.40 ([M−HCl—H]⁻).

Example 4bd—Compound JLF134

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH5) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 74%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₂Cl₂N₆O₁₉S₄. Molecular Weight: 1502.87 ESI-MS (m/z) 1429.97 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 715.89 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1428.72 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4be—Compound JLF135

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH10) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 61%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₂Cl₂N₆O₂₁S₄. Molecular Weight: 1534.86 ESI-MS (m/z) 1461.79 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 731.90 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1460.71 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4bf—Compound JLF138

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C7.1) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 90%. Chemical Formula: C₇₂H₁₃₄Cl₄N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1621.95 ESI-MS (m/z) 1475.94 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 739.04 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1475.01 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4bg—Compound JLF139

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C15) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 99%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₄Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1382.76 ESI-MS (m/z) 1309.84 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 655.88 ([M-2Cl]²⁺), 1308.96 ([M-2HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4bh—Compound JLF141

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C12) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 78%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₆Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1541.82 ESI-MS (m/z) 1395.90 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 698.68 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1394.92 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4bi—Compound JLF142

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH5) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 39%. Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₁₂₆Cl₄N₈O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1541.82 ESI-MS (m/z) 1767.15 ([M-3HCl-Cl]⁺), 884.24 ([M-2HCl-2Cl]²⁺), 1765.37 ([M-4HCl-H]⁻).

Example 4bj—Compound JLF150

Synthesized from the precursor 3T-L2 cording to Scheme 1 (3T to 4T step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₆₄H₁₁₈Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1290.67. ESI-MS (m/z) 1217.91 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 609.45 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bk—Compound JLF154

Synthesized from the compound 4T-L2 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 72%. Chemical Formula: C₇₈H₁₄₂Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1635.16. ESI-MS (m/z) 1561.98 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 781.99 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bl—Compound JLF155

Synthesized from the diamine precursor 3T-L4 cording to Scheme 1 (3T to 4T step) in quantitative yield. Chemical Formula: C₈₈H₁₆₆Cl₂N₂O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1627.32. ESI-MS (m/z) 1555.21 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 778.15 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bm—Compound JLF158

Synthesized from the compound 4T-L4 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 61%. Chemical Formula: C₁₀₂H₁₉₀Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1971.81. ESI-MS (m/z) 950.19 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bn—Compound JLF163

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C30) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 87%. Chemical Formula: C₆₈H¹¹⁰Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1450.80. ESI-MS (m/z) 1377.69 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 689.41 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bo—Compound JLF164

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9.1) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 99%. Chemical Formula: C₆₈H₁₂₂Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1462.89. ESI-MS (m/z) 1389.81 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 695.45 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4 bp—Compound JLF165

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH6) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 72%. Chemical Formula: C₇₀H₁₃₂Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1558.79. ESI-MS (m/z) 1485.80 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 743.90 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bq—Compound JLF170

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 86%. Chemical Formula: C₁₁₄H₂₁₄Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 2140.13. ESI-MS (m/z) 2106.80 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 1034.29 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4br—Compound JLF200

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C52) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 68%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₄Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1382.76. ESI-MS (m/z) 1309.80 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 655.44 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bs—Compound JLF201

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C53) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 70%. Chemical Formula: C₆₀H₁₁₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1354.71. ESI-MS (m/z) 1281.7 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 641.42 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bt—Compound JLF218

Synthesized from the compound 4S-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 56%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1803.48. ESI-MS (m/z) 1731.08 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 866.11 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bu—Compound JLF220

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C65) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 79%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₄Cl₂N₁₀O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1438.79. ESI-MS (m/z) 1365.77 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 683.45 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bv—Compound JLF223

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH7) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 75%. Chemical Formula: C₇₄H₁₃₈Cl₂N₆O₁₉S₄. Molecular Weight: 1615.08. ESI-MS (m/z) 1541.90 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 771.97 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bw—Compound JLF234

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C70) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 51%. Chemical Formula: C₉₄H₁₇₄Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1859.59. ESI-MS (m/z) 1787.35 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 894.28 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bx—Compound JLF237

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C26) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 23%. Chemical Formula: C₈₈H₁₆₀Cl₂N₁₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1881.49. ESI-MS (m/z) 905.17 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bx—Compound JLF238

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C59.2) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 66%. Chemical Formula: C₉₄H₁₇₄Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1859.59. ESI-MS (m/z) 894.19 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4by—Compound JLF244

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C63) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 66%. Chemical Formula: C₉₄H₁₇₂Cl₂N₈O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1885.59. ESI-MS (m/z) 1813.12 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 907.18 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4bz—Compound JLF245

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C68) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 60%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₄Cl₂N₈O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1829.48. ESI-MS (m/z) 1757.08 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 879.15 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ca—Compound JLF248

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C59.1) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 58%. Chemical Formula: C₉₄H₁₇₄Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1859.59. ESI-MS (m/z) 1786.13 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 894.17 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cb—Compound JLF301

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C66) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 77%. Chemical Formula: C₉₄H₁₇₂Cl₂N₈O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1885.59. ESI-MS (m/z) 1812.25 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 907.19 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cc—Compound JLJB604

Synthesized from compound 4T-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C3) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 69%. Chemical Formula: C₆₂H₁₁₄Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1382.76 ESI-MS (m/z) 1309.62 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 655.53 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cd—Compound JLJB605

Synthesized from compound 4T-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C4) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 94%. Chemical Formula: C₆₄H₁₁₈I₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1593.72 ESI-MS (m/z) 1278.58 ([M-I-Me₃NI]⁺), 669.80 ([M-2I]²⁺), 1382.20 ([M-2H1+Cl]⁻), 1323.49 ([M−HI-Me₃NI+HCO₂]⁺).

Example 4ce—Compound JLJB617

Synthesized from compound 4T-L3 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C1) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 21%. Chemical Formula: C₈₂H₁₅₄Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1663.30 ESI-MS (m/z) 795.97 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cf—Compound JLJB618

Synthesized from compound 4T-L5 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C1) according to Scheme 1, Route A1 (4T to 6T step). Yield 50%. Chemical Formula: C₁₀₆H₂₀₂Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1999.95 ESI-MS (m/z) 1927.39 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 964.29 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cg—Compound JLJB619

Synthesized from compound 4T-L1 and the corresponding isothiocyanate reagent (code C2) according to Scheme 1, Route A2 (4T to 6T step). Yield 52%. Chemical Formula: C₆₀H₁₁₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1354.71 ESI-MS (m/z) 1281.40 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 641.22 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ch—Compound PER20

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code OH1) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 59%. Chemical Formula: C₈₆H₁₆₂Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1751.41 ESI-MS (m/z) 840.14 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ci—Compound JLF190

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9.1) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 87%. Chemical Formula: C₉₂H₁₇₀Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1799.54. ESI-MS (m/z) 1727.11 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 864.11 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cj—Compound JLF601

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C47) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 10%. Chemical Formula: C₈₈H₁₆₀N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1702.51. ESI-MS (m/z) 1701.11 ([M−H]⁻).

Example 4ck—Compound JLF602

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C48) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 84%. Chemical Formula: C₉₂H₁₇₀Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1831.54. ESI-MS (m/z) 880.17 ([M-2C1]2).

Example 4cl—Compound JLF604

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C54) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 24%. Chemical Formula: C₉₂H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1827.51. ESI-MS (m/z) 1773.11 ([M−HCl-Cl+H₂O]⁺), 896.21 ([M-2Cl+2H₂O]²⁺).

Example 4 cm—Compound JLF605

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C59) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 58%. Chemical Formula: C₉₂H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1831.54. ESI-MS (m/z) 1759.10 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 880.15 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cn—Compound JLF606

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C60) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 90%. Chemical Formula: C₉₂H₁₆₆Cl₂F₄N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1871.50. ESI-MS (m/z) 1799.06 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 900.11 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4co—Compound JLF607

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C61) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 85%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₆. Molecular Weight: 1835.51. ESI-MS (m/z) 1762.30 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 881.65 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cp—Compound JLF608

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C62) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 51%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₆. Molecular Weight: 1867.60. ESI-MS (m/z) 1795.05 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 898.12 ([M-2Cl]2+).

Example 4cq—Compound JLF197

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C63) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 95%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₉S₆. Molecular Weight: 1899.60. ESI-MS (m/z) 1827.02 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cr—Compound PRX051

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C48.1) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 86%. Chemical Formula: C₉₂H₁₇₀Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1827.59. ESI-MS (m/z) 1755.18 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 878.18 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cs—Compound PRX052

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5T-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C47.1) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 90%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1771.49. ESI-MS (m/z) 1699.11 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 850.12 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4ct—Compound PRX093

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5S-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C10) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 88%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1765.40. ESI-MS (m/z) 1692.15 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 847.10 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cu—Compound PRX094

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5S-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C59) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 76%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1831.54. ESI-MS (m/z) 1759.23 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 880.18 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cv—Compound PRX096

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5S-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C66) according to Scheme 1, Route B1 (5T to 6T step). Yield 63%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₅S₄. Molecular Weight: 1885.59. ESI-MS (m/z) 1812.23 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 907.22 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cw—Compound NC117

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5S-L3.1 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 76%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1803.48. ESI-MS (m/z) 1731.20 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 866.17 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cx—Compound NC118

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5S-L3.2 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 1, Route B2 (5T to 6T step). Yield 65%. Chemical Formula: C₉₀H₁₆₆Cl₂N₆O₁₇S₄. Molecular Weight: 1803.48. ESI-MS (m/z) 1731.21 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 866.18 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cy—Compound JMB500

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5M-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C9) according to Scheme 4, Route B2 (5M to 6M step). Yield 91%. Chemical Formula: C₈₁H₁₅₀Cl₂N₆O₁₆S₄. Molecular Weight: 1663.26. ESI-MS (m/z) 1591.13 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 796.10 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4cz—Compound JMB501

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5M-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C10.1) according to Scheme 4, Route B2 (5M to 6M step). Yield 89%. Chemical Formula: C₇₉H₁₄₀Cl₂N₆O₁₆S₄. Molecular Weight: 1625.17. ESI-MS (m/z) 1552.16 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 777.06 ([M-2Cl]²⁺).

Example 4da—Compound JMB503

Synthesized from the diisothiocyanate precursor 5M-L3 and the corresponding amine reagent (code C59) according to Scheme 4, Route B2 (5M to 6M step). Yield 95%. Chemical Formula: C₈₃H₁₅₄Cl₂N₆O₁₆S₄. Molecular Weight: 1691.31. ESI-MS (m/z) 1619.17 ([M−HCl—Cl]⁺), 810.13 ([M-2Cl]⁺).

Example 5—Intramuscular Vaccination

Forty female BALB/c mice were divided into six groups. One group received only buffer as a negative control and the other five groups received 1 μg of saRNA encoding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009, formulated with different oligosaccharides (JRL13, JLF102, JLF97, JLF94). All saRNA formulations were applied i.m in one of the legs. All saRNA groups were formulated at N/P 6 for different oligosaccharides or at N/P 12 for linear polyethylenimine 22.5 kDa (AVROXA, Ghent, Belgium), PE1500, as a benchmark. The N/P ratio was calculated based on the oligosaccharide-RNA or secondary amines-RNA charge ratio for the PEI formulated saRNA. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Polyethyleneimine was formulated by mixing the RNA containing solution and the polymer solution at equivoluminar ratio. The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (day 0, day 14, day 21, day 28, day 49) and spleen was extracted at the end of the experiment. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified by IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes.

FIG. 14A is a graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of a composition comprising saRNA complexed with different oligosaccharides. FIG. 14B illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the experiment. FIG. 14C illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA. FIG. 14D illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

From all tested groups, JLF94, bearing a guanidine group showed the overall best performance both at humoral and cellular level (FIGS. 14B-D). JLF97 elicited a strong humoral response but compared to JLF94 (FIG. 14D) the overall t-cell response was lower.

Example 6—Surfactant Effect

Fifteen female BALB/c mice were divided into three study groups. All the groups received the same amount of formulated luciferase encoding modRNA (2 μg), applied i.m to each leg. Each group received a combination of JLF99 with either Tween20, Tween40 or Tween60 at a 1:0.5 molar ratio (oligosaccharide:Tween (20/40/60)). All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P 6. N/P ratio is calculated based on the oligosaccharide-RNA charges ratio. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the JLF99+Tween(20/40/60) containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. Formulations were characterized prior to injection to confirm hydrodynamic diameter. In-vivo luciferase expression in applied tissue was measured at five time points (6 hours, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 6). FIG. 15A is a bar graph illustrating hydrodynamic diameter of compositions comprising modRNA formulated with JLF99 and different polysorbates at N/P 6. FIG. 15B illustrates quantified bioluminescence at the injection site at different time points over the course of the experiment. FIG. 15C illustrates quantified bioluminescence in the liver, 6 hours and 24 hours after injection of modRNA.

Example 7—Intramuscular Vaccination with JLF99 and modRNA

Fifteen female BALB/c mice were divided into three study groups. All groups received the same amount (1 μg) of formulated modRNA encoding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009. All formulations were applied i.m in one of the legs in a prime/boost schedule (d0/d28). All modRNA groups were formulated at N/P 6. The N/P ratio is calculated based on the ratio of amines to phosphates charge. One group received modRNA formulated with a combination of JLF99 and Tween20 at 1:0.5 molar ratio (oligosaccharide:Tween20). One group received modRNA formulated with a benchmark LNP, comprising an ionizable lipid, Cholesterol, DSPC and C14-pSar23 at a molar ratio of 47.5:38.5:10:4. One group received only buffer injected as negative control. A composition of JLF99 was complexed with RNA in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the JLF99+Tween20 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v).

The LNP formulation was produced in HEPES buffered sucrose (HBS, HEPES 10 mM, 10% w/v sucrose) following standard LNP production method widely described in the literature. See Nogueira, et al., ACS Appl. Nano. Mater., 3(11):10634-10645 (2020).

Briefly, the LNP is produced at a molar ratio of lipid mixture in ethanol mixed at a 3:1 ratio with modRNA in a citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and at a mixing speed of 12 mL/min. The LNP was then dialyzed for 3 hours to have a final exchange to HBS.

The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (day 0, day 14, day 21, day 28, day 49) and spleen was extracted at the end of the experiment for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to Influenza HA peptides. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Virus neutralizing titers were quantified by VNT Assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified by via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes. FIG. 16A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the experiment. FIG. 16B illustrates Influenza specific neutralizing titers over the course of the experiment. FIG. 16C illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA. FIG. 16D illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools. Presented results (FIGS. 16A-D) indicate that provided compositions deliver strong immunological results that are, at least, comparable to current LNP standards in the field. Following the evolution of IgG against HA-antigen in FIG. 16A over the course of the experiment, no apparent differences were detected between the JLF99 formulation and the LNP benchmark. The same findings were achieved with the virus neutralizing titers shown in FIG. 16B. Finally, the antibody concentration at the end-point (day 49) of the experiment as illustrated in FIG. 16C, also demonstrated that the serological concentration of IgG is comparable to the LNP group. The CD4-CD8 response of the LNP benchmark and JLF99 showed no significant difference (FIG. 16D).

Example 8—Intramuscular Vaccination with JLF99 and Different RNA Platforms

Twenty female BALB/c mice were divided into four study groups. All groups received the same amount (1 μg) of different RNA platforms, all coding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009 formulated with JLF99 and Tween20 (1:0.5 molar ratio). In a first group, the mice received an RNA platform composed of trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA) consisting two RNAs: one coding for the viral replicase and the second RNA encoding the HA antigen. In a second group, the mice received RNA comprising self-amplifying RNA (saRNA). In a third group, RNA consisted of m1Y-modified mRNA (modRNA). In a third group, mice received only buffer as negative control. All formulations were applied i.m in one of the legs in a prime/boost schedule (i.e., a dose administered on day 0 and day 28). All formulations were prepared at N/P 6. The formulation comprising JLF99 was complexed with RNA in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the JLF99+Tween20 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v).

The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (day 0, day 14, day 21, day 28, day 49). The spleen was extracted at the end of experiment and CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to Influenza HA peptides was quantified. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified by IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes.

FIG. 17A is a plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG against HA with different RNA complexes formulated with JLF99 at different time points over the course of the experiment. FIG. 17B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA with different RNA platforms formulated with JLF99. FIG. 17C indicates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools from different RNA platforms formulated with JLF99.

The present example illustrates that oligosaccharides described herein provide delivery of a wide variety of different mRNAs. In this experiment, the length of the RNAs varied dramatically: saRNA had a length of ˜9200 nucleotides, taRNA has a length of ˜7200 nucleotides (replicase RNA) and ˜2100 nucleotides (HA mRNA) and modRNA had a length of 2100 nucleotides. Regardless of the RNA length and the replicative or non-replicative nature of the RNA, JLF99 functionally delivered all the RNAs upon i.m injection and elicited a strong immune response.

Example 9—Effect of Intravenous Delivery of Heterocyclic Amines on Liver

The present example compares two modRNA (luciferase encoding) formulations complexed either JLF99 or JLF218.

Six female BALB/c mice were divided into two groups One group received modRNA formulated with JLF218 and Tween40. Another group received modRNA formulated with JLF99 and Tween40. In total, 2 μg of formulated modRNA was injected retro-orbitally. After 6 hours, in-vivo biodistribution was quantified by measuring luciferase expression in different organs. All RNA groups were formulated at N/P 6. The N/P ratio is calculated based on the ratio of amines to phosphates charge ratio. The oligosaccharide formulation was complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.02 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide+Tween40 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v). FIG. 18A is a plot illustrating average liver radiance with example compositions comprising JFL99 or JLF218. FIG. 18B is an image showing bioluminescence of on the ventral axis 6 hours after injection of an example formulation into each group.

Example 10—Adjuvanticity of Vaccines

The present example reports adjuvanticity of six different formulations of the present disclosure.

			Molar Ratio
Formulation	Oligosaccharide	Additive	(Oligosaccharide:Additive)
1	JLF218	Tween40	1:0.5
2	JLF99	Tween40	1:0.5
3	JLF110	Tween40	1:0.5
4	JLF244	Tween40	1:0.5
5	JLF605	Tween40	1:0.5
6	JLF238	Tween40	1:0.5

All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P 6. Formulations were complexed with RNA in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.15 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide+Tween40 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ secretion after 24 hours of transfection of 106 hPMBCs was evaluated in the supernatants using MSD Kit Standard Protocol.

FIG. 19A is a plot illustrating IL-6 secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations. FIG. 19B is a plot illustrating TNF-α secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations. FIG. 19C is a plot illustrating IL-1β secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations. FIG. 19D is a plot illustrating IFN-γ secretion by hPBMCs upon exposure to different doses of tested formulations. In the second part of the experiment, the same tested formulations were used in a vaccination study.

Thirty-five female BALB/c mice were divided into seven groups. Each group received 0.5 μg of modRNA encoding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009 i.m in one leg, at a prime/boost schedule (day 0/day 28). In total, 6 different formulations with HA encoding modRNA were tested:

			Molar Ratio
Formulation	Oligosaccharide	Additive	(Oligosaccharide:Additive)
1	JLF218	Tween40	1:0.5
2	JLF99	Tween40	1:0.5
3	JLF110	Tween40	1:0.5
4	JLF244	Tween40	1:0.5
5	JLF605	Tween40	1:0.5
6	JLF238	Tween40	1:0.5

One group received buffer as a negative control.

All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P6. N/P ratio was calculated based on the oligosaccharide-RNA charges ratio. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.025 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide+Tween40 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance at different time points (day 0, day 14, day 21, day 28, day 49) over the course of the experiment and their spleen was extracted at the end of the experiment for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to Influenza HA peptides. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes. FIG. 19E is aa plot illustrating serological levels of specific IgG against HA formulated with different oligosaccharides. FIG. 19F is a plot illustrating end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA. FIG. 19G is a bar graph illustrating the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools. FIG. 19H is a bar graph illustrating the hydrodynamic diameter of the different tested formulations.

Presented results illustrate that JLF99 and other tested oligosaccharides show strong adjuvanticity. As illustrated in FIGS. 19A-D, the highest level of secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ, was elicited by JLF244, while JLF110 lead to medium levels of secretion, followed by JLF99 and JLF218. The level of secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines correlated with the elicited immune response against HA antigens. As illustrated in FIG. 19E, the highest IgG concentration was detected in JLF244, followed by JLF110 then by JLF99 and JLF218.

Example 11—Tuberculosis Bacteria—Ag85a Antigen

The present examples illustrates use of an antigen associated with tuberculosis. Here, Ag85a Antigen of tuberculosis bacteria is used. In total fifteen female BALB/c were divided into three groups. Each group received i.m 1 μg of modRNA coding for a secretable version of Ag85a protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in one leg, at a prime/boost schedule (d0/d21). In total, 2 different formulations with AG85a encoding modRNA are tested: one formulation comprising JLF99 and Tween40 (1:0.5 molar ratio) and an LNP benchmark. One final group received buffer as a negative control. All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P6. The JLF99 formulations was complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.05 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosaccharide+Tween40 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v). The benchmark LNP comprises an ionizable lipid, cholesterol, DSPC and C14-pSar23 at a molar ratio 47.5:38.5:10:4. The LNP formulation was produced in hepes buffered sucrose (HBS, hepes 10 mM, 10% w/v sucrose) following standard LNP production method widely described in the literature. Briefly, the LNP is produced at a mixing ratio of lipid mixture in ethanol mixed at a 3:1 ratio with modRNA in a citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and at a speed of 12 mL/min. The LNP was then dialyzed for 3 hours to have a final exchange to HBS. The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (d0, d14, d21, d49) and spleen was extracted at the end of experiment for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to AG85a peptides. Anti-AG85a antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified by via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes. FIG. 20 A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the present example. FIG. 20 B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA. FIG. 20C illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

Example 12—Structural Variations of Oligosaccharides for Vaccination

The present example examines the impact of structural variation of oligosaccharides described herein when incorporated into a vaccine. Thirty female BALB/c were divided into six groups. Each group received i.m 0.5 μg of modRNA encoding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009 in one leg, at a prime/boost schedule (d0/d28). In total, 5 different formulations with HA encoding modRNA are tested:

			Molar Ratio
Formulation	Oligosaccharide	Additive	(Oligosaccharide:Additive)
1	JLF99	Tween40	1:0.5
2	JLF110	Tween40	1:0.5
3	JLF301	Tween40	1:0.5
4	JLF608	Tween40	1:0.5
5	JLF197	Tween40	1:0.5

One final group received buffer as a negative control.

All groups received modRNA formulated at N/P6. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.025 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the paOs+Tween40 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all the cases. The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (d0, d14, d21, d28, d49) and spleen was extracted at the end of experiment for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to Influenza HA peptides. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified by via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes. FIG. 21 A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the example. FIG. 21B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA.

FIG. 21C illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools. In the data set, the calculated theoretical pKa was lowest for JLF197, followed by JLF608<JLF301<JLF110<JLF110.

Example 13—Further Studies of Structural Variation of Oligosaccharides

The present example examines the impact of structural variation of oligosaccharides described herein when incorporated into a vaccine comprising taRNA. Twenty female BALB/c were divided into five groups. Each group received i.m 0.5 μg of taRNA encoding for Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the influenza strain California/7/2009 in one leg, at a prime/boost schedule (d0/d28). In total, 5 different formulations with HA encoding taRNA are tested:

			Molar Ratio
Formulation	Oligosaccharide	Additive	(Oligosaccharide:Additive)
1	JLF99	Tween40	1:0.5
2	JLF218	Tween40	1:0.5
3	JLF110	Tween40	1:0.5
4	JLF244	Tween40	1:0.5
5	JLF99	Tween40	1:0.5

One final group a replication deficient taRNA, unable thus to express HA protein, formulated with JLF99 and Tween40 as a negative control.

All groups received taRNA formulated at N/P6. Formulations were complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.025 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the oligosahccharide+Tween40 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v) for all formulations. The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (d0, d14, d21, d28, d49) and spleen was extracted at the end of experiment for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to Influenza HA peptides. Anti-Influenza HA antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified by via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes. FIG. 22A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against HA over the course of the experiment. FIG. 22B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against HA. FIG. 22C illustrates the CD8/CD4 response against HA-peptide pools.

Example 14—Antigen Variation

JLF99 was further tested with a different viral antigen, considerably less immunogenic than Influenza-HA. In the present example, twelve female C57BL/6 IFNAR −/− mice were divided into two study groups. All groups received the same amount (1.3 μg) of formulated saRNA coding for Glycoprotein (Gc) of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV). All formulations were applied i.m in one of the legs in a prime/boost schedule (d0/d28). All saRNA groups were formulated at N/P6.

The first group received the saRNA formulated in a combination of JLF99 and Tween40 (1:0.5 molar ratio), the second group received saRNA formulated in a Benchmark LNP. The JLF99 formulation was complexed in MBG Buffer (final concentration 5% w/v Glucose, 10 mM MES, pH 6.1), at RNA final concentration of 0.065 mg/ml and the mixing ratio of the RNA containing solution and the JLF99+Tween40 containing solution was 9:1 (v:v). The benchmark LNP comprises an ionizable lipid, Cholesterol, DSPC and C14pSar23 at a molar ratio 47.5:38.5:10:4. The LNP formulation was produced in hepes buffered sucrose (HBS, hepes 10 mM, 10% w/v sucrose) following standard LNP production method widely described in the literature. Briefly, the LNP is produced at a mixing ratio of lipid mixture in ethanol mixed at a 3:1 ratio with modRNA in a citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and at a speed of 12 mL/min. The LNP was then dialyzed for 3 hours to have a final exchange to HBS.

The animals were subjected to non-invasive serological surveillance over 49 days at different time points (d0, d14, d21, d28, d49) and spleen was extracted at the end of experiment for quantification of CD4/CD8 T-Cell response to CCHFV-Gc peptides. Anti-CCHFV Gc antibodies in serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4/CD8 T-Cell response was quantified by via IFN-ELISPOT of Splenocytes. FIG. 23A illustrates serological levels of specific IgG against Gc over the course of the experiment. FIG. 23B illustrates end-point titration of the serological levels of specific IgG against Gc. FIG. 23C illustrates the T-cell response against Gc-peptides.

JLF99 was able to elicit strong immunological response, even with low immunogenic antigens, such as CCHFV-Gc. The antibody at time point (d14) was lower than the LNP, but after d28 (prior boost), the antibody levels are identical to the ones achieved by the LNP benchmark. T-cell responses were equally strong for both tested conditions.

Claims

1. A complex comprising a cationic oligosaccharide and an RNA, wherein the cationic oligosaccharide comprises a plurality of cationic moieties bonded to a trehalose, a sucrose, or a gluco-n-oligosaccharide moiety, where n is 2-6, and a molar ratio of N/P in the complex is less than 20:1.

2. The complex of claim 1, wherein the RNA is modRNA, saRNA, taRNA, or uRNA.

3. The complex of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of N/P in the complex is less than or equal to 12:1.

4. The complex of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ratio of N/P in the complex is less than or equal to 6:1.

5. The complex of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the complex has a diameter of about 30 nm to about 300 nm.

6. The complex of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the cationic oligosaccharide is of formula I:

7. The complex of claim 6, wherein, when A is A1, then: (i) each R1 and R2 is not —CO—(CH2)4—CH3, X1 and X2 are not both —S—, Y1 and Y2 are not both —(CH2)2— and Z1 and Z2 are not both —N+(H)3,(ii) each R1 and R2 is not —(CH2)5—CH3 or —(CH2)13—CH3, X1 and X2 are not both —S—, Y1 and Y2 are not both —(CH2)2—, and Z1 and Z2 are not both —N+(H)3,(iii) each R1 and R2 is not —CO—(CH2)4—CH3, X1 and X2 are not both —S—, Y1 and Y2 are not both —(CH2)2—NH—C(S)—NH—(CH2)2—, and Z1 and Z2 are not both —N+(H)3, and(iv) Cy is not triazolyl

8. The complex of claim 6, wherein the oligosaccharide is of formula Ia:

9. The complex of claim 6, wherein the oligosaccharide is of formula Ib:

10. The complex of claim 6, wherein the oligosaccharide is of formula Ic:

11. The complex of any one of claims 6-10, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from Ra and —C(O)—Ra, and Ra is C1-C20 aliphatic.

12. The complex of any one of claims 6-11, wherein R1 and R2 are each —C(O)—Ra, and Ra is C1-C14 aliphatic.

13. The complex of any one of claims 6-12, wherein each Ra is C5-C10 linear alkyl.

14. The complex of claim 6, wherein R1 and R2 are each —C(O)—Ra, and each Ra is independently selected from

15. The complex of any one of claims 6-14, wherein X1 and X2 are each —S—.

16. The complex of any one of claims 6-15, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each selected from C1-C10 aliphatic, C0-C4-aliphatic-NHC(O)NH—C0-C4 aliphatic, C0-C4-aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C0-C4 aliphatic, C0-C4-aliphatic-C(O)NH—C0-C4 aliphatic, C0-C4-aliphatic-C(S)NH—C0-C4 aliphatic, C0-C4-aliphatic-NHC(O)—C0-C4 aliphatic, C0-C4-aliphatic-NHSO2—C0-C4 aliphatic, and C0-C4-aliphatic-C(O)—C0-C4 aliphatic.

17. The complex of any one of claims 6-16, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each C1-C4 aliphatic-NHC(S)NH—C1-C4 aliphatic.

18. The complex of claim 6, wherein Y1 and Y2 are each —CH2—CH2—NHC(S)NH—CH2—CH2—.

19. The complex of any one of claims 6-18, wherein a moiety X1—Y1—Z1 is

20. The complex of any one of claims 6-19, wherein a moiety X2—Y2—Z2 is

21. The complex of any one of claims 7-20, wherein Z1 and Z2 are each independently selected from:

22. The complex of claim 6, wherein Z1 and Z2 are each independently selected from:

23. The complex of claim 6 or 7, wherein the oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Id:

24. The complex of claim 23, wherein the oligosaccharide is a compound of formula Id-i:

25. The complex of any one of claims 6-24, further comprising one or more suitable counterions.

26. The complex of any one of claims 1-25, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant.

27. The complex of claim 26, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant is a polysorbate.

28. The complex of claim 26 or 27, wherein a molar ratio of the oligosaccharide to the pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant is from about 1:0.0075 to about 1:3.

29. The complex of claim 6, wherein the oligosaccharide is selected from Table 1.

30. A method of increasing or causing increased expression of RNA in a target in a subject comprising administering to the subject the complex of any one of claims 1-29.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the target is selected from the lungs, liver, spleen, heart, brain, lymph nodes, bladder, kidneys, and pancreas.

32. A method of treating a disease, disorder, or condition in a subject comprising administering to the subject a complex of any one of claims 1-29.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the disease, disorder, or condition is an infectious disease, cancer, a genetic disorder, an autoimmune disease, or a rare disease.

34. The method of any one of claims 30-33, wherein the complex is administered intramuscularly.

35. The method of any one of claims 31-34, wherein the complex is administered subcutaneously.

36. Use of a complex of any one of claims 1-29 in medicine.

37. Use of a complex of any one of claims 1-29 for increasing or causing increased expression of RNA in a target.

38. Use of a complex of any one of claims 1-29 for the treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition.

39. The use of claim 38, wherein the disease, disorder, or condition is an infectious disease, cancer, a genetic disorder, an autoimmune disease, or a rare disease.