Using lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA in lung scarring

Lipid nanoparticles containing mRNA, measuring ∼34 nm, demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and sustained release kinetics.

• mRNA delivery may enable specific synthesis of proteins with therapeutic potential in diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
• Alveolar epithelial type 2 cells and fibroblasts are important targets in IPF due to their roles in excessive extracellular matrix deposition.
• In vitro experiments showed that eGFP mRNA lipid nanoparticles transfected human primary cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
• In a mouse model of lung fibrosis, luciferase mRNA lipid nanoparticles accumulated specifically in the lungs after intratracheal administration.
• Bioluminescence signals were detectable in the lungs as early as 2 hours after delivery and remained evident at 48 hours.
• Lipid nanoparticles were associated with alveolar epithelial type 2 cells and fibroblasts in vivo.

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