Abstract
Self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) is a promising platform for the production of vaccines, anti-tumor therapeutics, and gene therapy solutions. One of the advantages of the saRNA platform is the ability to use small doses of the therapeutic while maintaining prolonged expression of the target protein. However, the presence of auxiliary sequences encoding non-structural alphavirus proteins, which facilitate the replication of saRNA in cells, necessitates a thorough assessment of the biosafety of this platform. In our review, we focus on saRNA functions in the context of its interaction with the innate immune system. Firstly, an analysis is conducted of the side effects of candidate saRNA therapeutics, as observed in preclinical and clinical trials. Then, the mechanisms underlying the function of saRNA products derived from various alphavirus genomes in cell systems are discussed, as well as the reasons for their reactogenicity. The key approaches to optimizing the saRNA platform, which are aimed at reducing the activation of the innate immune response and cytopathic effects, are described. To summarize, this review enables us to systematize our knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of saRNA, as well as potential approaches to improving this platform in order to develop more effective and safer therapeutics.