January 30, 2020
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most advanced nonviral platforms for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery that are clinically approved. These LNPs, based on ionizable lipids, are found in the liver and are now gaining much attention in the field of RNA therapeutics. The previous generation of ionizable lipids varies in linker moieties, which greatly influences in vivo gene silencing efficiency. Here novel ionizable amino lipids based on the linker moieties such as hydrazine, hydroxylamine, and ethanolamine are designed and synthesized. These lipids are formulated into LNPs and screened for their efficiency to deliver siRNAs into leukocytes, which are among the hardest to transfect cell types. Two potent lipids based on their in vitro gene silencing efficiencies are also identified. These lipids are further evaluated for their biodistribution profile, efficient gene silencing, liver toxicity, and potential immune activation in mice. A robust gene silencing is also found in primary lymphocytes when one of these lipids is formulated into LNPs with a pan leukocyte selective targeting agent (β7 integrin). Taken together, these lipids have the potential to open new avenues in delivering RNAs into leukocytes.
Publication - Abstract
Sep 22, 2019
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publication - Abstract
Dec 28, 2014
Journal of Controlled Release
Recently developed lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations of siRNA have proven to be effective agents for hepatocyte gene silencing following intravenous administration with at least three LNP-siRNA formulations in clinical trials.