Embodiments for the synthesis of sensitive oligonucleotides as well as insensitive oligonucleotides are provided. Sulfur-based groups are used for the protection of exo-amino groups of nucleobases, phosphate groups and 2′—OH groups, and as cleavable linker for linking oligonucleotides to a support. Oligonucleotide syntheses are achieved under typical conditions using phosphoramidite chemistry with important modifications. To prevent replacing sulfur-based protecting groups by acyl groups via cap-exchange, special capping agents are used. To retain hydrophobic tag to assist RP HPLC purification, special phosphoramidites are used in the last synthetic cycle. With the sulfur-based groups for protection and linking, oligonucleotide deprotection and cleavage are achieved via oxidation followed by beta-elimination under mild conditions. Therefore, besides for insensitive oligonucleotide synthesis, the embodiments of the invention are capable for the synthesis of oligonucleotide analogs containing sensitive functional groups that cannot survive the harsh conditions used in prior art oligonucleotide synthesis technologies.

The present disclosure relates to methods of treating heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-related diseases such as cancer and viral diseases, using a therapeutically effective amount of a RNAi agent to HSF.

The present disclosure provides methods for inducing neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells in an individual or for inducing trafficking of neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells to a tumor in an individual using an RNA vaccine or using an RNA vaccine in combination with a PD-1 axis binding antagonist. Also provided herein are PD-1 axis binding antagonists and RNA vaccines that include one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more neoepitopes resulting from cancer-specific somatic mutations present in a tumor specimen obtained from the individual for use in methods of inducing neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells in an individual or for inducing trafficking of neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells to a tumor in an individual.

The present disclosure provides methods for inducing neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells in an individual or for inducing trafficking of neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells to a tumor in an individual using an RNA vaccine or using an RNA vaccine in combination with a PD-1 axis binding antagonist. Also provided herein are PD-1 axis binding antagonists and RNA vaccines that include one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more neoepitopes resulting from cancer-specific somatic mutations present in a tumor specimen obtained from the individual for use in methods of inducing neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells in an individual or for inducing trafficking of neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells to a tumor in an individual.

The present disclosure relates to materials, formulations, production methods, and methods for delivery of CFTR mRNA, including but not limited to chemically modified mRNA for induction of CFTR expression, including in the mammalian lung. The present invention is particularly useful for treating cystic fibrosis, but is also useful in the treatment of diseases related to CFTR gene.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for cellular reprogramming. The compositions comprise one or more miRs and an activator of NFκB. Also provided are methods for enhancing or upregulating cardiomyocyte maturation in a cell or a subject and methods for inhibiting or downregulating cardiomyocyte maturation.

RNAs, such as miRNA and siRNA, and their use in treating complement-mediated disorders, are described.

The present disclosure relates to double-stranded oligonucleotides, including double-stranded oligonucleotides such as siRNAs, comprising a sense strand oligonucleotide and an antisense strand oligonucleotide, and wherein the antisense strand oligonucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide analogs of formula (I-A) which are neither the 5′-overhang nucleotide nor the 3′-overhang nucleotide of the said antisense strand oligonucleotide, and wherein a nucleotide analog of formula (I-A) is as described in the disclosure. Oligonucleotides containing these analogs have superior biological activity, for example, increased in vitro stability and improved in vivo potency especially improved off-target profiles. The improved oligonucleotides are useful for silencing (e.g., reducing or eradicating) the expression of a target gene.

The present disclosure relates to double-stranded oligonucleotides, including double-stranded oligonucleotides such as siRNAs, comprising a sense strand oligonucleotide and an antisense strand oligonucleotide, and wherein the antisense strand oligonucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide analogs of formula (I-A) which are neither the 5′-overhang nucleotide nor the 3′-overhang nucleotide of the said antisense strand oligonucleotide, and wherein a nucleotide analog of formula (I-A) is as described in the disclosure. Oligonucleotides containing these analogs have superior biological activity, for example, increased in vitro stability and improved in vivo potency especially improved off-target profiles. The improved oligonucleotides are useful for silencing (e.g., reducing or eradicating) the expression of a target gene.

Disclosed herein is a modified ribonucleotide comprising a nucleoside comprising N4-acetylcytidine and/or 5-hydroxymethyluridine, and polyribonucleotides comprising the same. Also provided herein are compositions comprising a polyribonucleotide of the present disclosure and methods of making and using the same.