Tejal Somvanshi
Australian researchers have created a simple but powerful new method to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to specific cells in the body, which could transform treatments for many diseases beyond vaccines.
The team at Monash University found a way to increase the binding of mRNA to target cells by eight times compared to standard methods. Their findings, published in Nature Nanotechnology, solve one of the biggest challenges in using mRNA medicines – getting them exactly where they need to go in the body.
“In mRNA medicine, it’s not just about what we deliver, it’s about where and how we deliver it,” explains Moore Zhe Chen, PhD candidate and co-lead author. “The precise orientation of targeting molecules plays a vital role in ensuring mRNA reaches the right cells.”
Lipid nanoparticles are tiny fat-based particles that protect mRNA as it travels through the body. They became well-known during COVID-19 as key components in vaccines. But current techniques have limitations that restrict their use beyond vaccines.
The breakthrough uses an “antibody capture system” that attaches antibodies to the surface of these tiny particles in their best possible position without having to modify the antibodies. This ensures the medicine is delivered precisely to intended cells while minimizing delivery to other cells.
Similar Posts
“Efficient and precise delivery of mRNA is critical to advance mRNA medicines beyond vaccines,” says Associate Professor Angus Johnston, co-lead author. “Our method needs no modification of the antibody and ensures they’re attached in a way that increases binding to target cells.”
In lab studies, the researchers delivered mRNA to T cells (important immune cells) with minimal delivery to other cells. Their approach resulted in protein production more than 1,000 times higher than standard methods.
The system allows researchers to quickly test different antibodies to find the best targeting strategy for specific cell types. This could speed up development of new mRNA therapies by making it easier to identify effective delivery approaches.
Current research is exploring using mRNA to target cancer and genetic disorders by making cells produce therapeutic proteins exactly where needed in the body.
The Monash team is now working to use this system to tackle challenging diseases. By delivering mRNA to specific cell types, the technology could improve treatments for cancer, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
This research was funded by the Victorian mRNA Innovation Hub, supported by mRNA Victoria.
