November 16, 2014
The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells has created a new class of therapeutics based on the reversible silencing of specific disease-causing genes. This therapeutic potential depends on the ability to deliver inducers of RNAi, such as short-interfering RNA (siRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA), to cells of target tissues. This chapter reviews various challenges and delivery strategies for siRNA, with particular focus on the development of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) delivery technologies. Currently, LNP delivery systems are the most advanced technology for systemic delivery of siRNA, with numerous formulations under various stages of clinical trials. We also discuss methods to improve gene silencing potency of LNP-siRNA, as well as application of LNP technologies beyond siRNA to the encapsulation of other nucleic acids such as mRNA and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR).
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.
Publication - Abstract
Dec 06, 2017
Molecular Therpay
mRNA vaccines are rapidly emerging as a powerful platform for infectious diseases because they are well tolerated, immunogenic, and scalable and are built on precise but adaptable antigen design. We show that two immunizations of modified non-repli...