Anionic Lipid Nanoparticles Preferentially Deliver mRNA to the Hepatic Reticuloendothelial System

Roy Pattipeiluhu, Gabriela Arias-Alpizar, Genc Basha, Karen Y.T. Chan, Jeroen Bussmann, Thomas H. Sharp, Mohammad Amin Moradi, Nico Sommerdijk, Edward N. Harris, Pieter R. Cullis, Alexander Kros, Dominik Witzigmann, Frederick Campbell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

126 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the leading nonviral technologies for the delivery of exogenous RNA to target cells in vivo. As systemic delivery platforms, these technologies are exemplified by Onpattro, an approved LNP-based RNA interference therapy, administered intravenously and targeted to parenchymal liver cells. The discovery of systemically administered LNP technologies capable of preferential RNA delivery beyond hepatocytes has, however, proven more challenging. Here, preceded by comprehensive mechanistic understanding of in vivo nanoparticle biodistribution and bodily clearance, an LNP-based messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery platform is rationally designed to preferentially target the hepatic reticuloendothelial system (RES). Evaluated in embryonic zebrafish, validated in mice, and directly compared to LNP–mRNA systems based on the lipid composition of Onpattro, RES-targeted LNPs significantly enhance mRNA expression both globally within the liver and specifically within hepatic RES cell types. Hepatic RES targeting requires just a single lipid change within the formulation of Onpattro to switch LNP surface charge from neutral to anionic. This technology not only provides new opportunities to treat liver-specific and systemic diseases in which RES cell types play a key role but, more importantly, exemplifies that rational design of advanced RNA therapies must be preceded by a robust understanding of the dominant nano–biointeractions involved.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2201095
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume34
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 21 2022

Keywords

  • embryonic zebrafish
  • lipid nanoparticles
  • mRNA delivery
  • reticuloendothelial system
  • stabilin-2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Anionic Lipid Nanoparticles Preferentially Deliver mRNA to the Hepatic Reticuloendothelial System'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this