EP4313115A1 — Optimized nucleotide sequences encoding the extracellular domain of human ace2 protein or a portion thereof

USPTO Abstract

The present invention provides compositions that are useful in treating or preventing an infection in a subject caused by a virus which uses human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein for cellular entry. Such compositions act by neutralizing the virus, preventing it from binding to the human ACE2 protein and gaining cellular entry. In particular, the invention provides an mRNA comprising an optimized nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising the extracellular domain of ACE2 protein or a portion thereof, which binds to a viral surface protein. The mRNA may be encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery to a subject in vivo. Typically, compositions comprising the LNPs are delivered to a subject either intravenously or as an aerosol, for example via nebulization.