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Updated: May 9, 2025
Synthesis and Characterization of mRNA-Loaded PolyBeta Aminoesters Nanoparticles for Vaccination Purposes
Published on: August 13, 2021
[Advances of virus-like particles as mRNA delivery vectors]
Xinyu Lin1,2,3, Shuling Ren1,2,3, Tingdong Li1,2,3
1National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases (Xiamen University), Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
Abstract:
With the continuous development of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, mRNA-based drugs have shown broad application prospects in recent years. Since mRNA is easy to be degraded and difficult to enter cells directly, the mRNA delivery vectors have always been one of the focuses in the development of mRNA-based drugs. Although lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been widely used for the delivery of mRNA, they tend to accumulate in the liver, and repeated administration can easily induce inflammatory response which leads to tissue damage. Compared with LNPs, virus-like particles (VLPs) have the advantages of high biocompatibility and safety, being expected to offer new solutions for mRNA delivery. Based on the practical application requirements, this review summarized the research progress in VLPs according to the mRNA delivery steps: particle assembly, delivery into cells, and intracellular release. We hope to provide a basis and design ideas for the development of new VLPs as delivery vectors, promote the application of VLPs in mRNA delivery, and provide new possibilities for the research and application of mRNA-based therapeutics.
Insights
Virus-like particles (VLPs) offer a safer alternative to lipid nanoparticles for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery. This review explores VLP advancements for improved mRNA therapeutics, focusing on particle assembly, cellular entry, and release.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics show promise but face delivery challenges due to mRNA instability and cellular entry barriers.
- Current lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems can cause liver accumulation and inflammatory responses upon repeated administration.
- Virus-like particles (VLPs) present a promising alternative with enhanced biocompatibility and safety for mRNA delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress of virus-like particles (VLPs) as delivery vectors for messenger RNA (mRNA).
- To provide insights into VLP design and application for mRNA delivery systems.
- To explore new possibilities for mRNA-based therapeutics using VLPs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on VLP research for mRNA delivery.
- Analysis of VLP strategies for particle assembly.
- Evaluation of VLP-mediated cellular uptake and intracellular mRNA release mechanisms.
Main Results:
- VLPs demonstrate high biocompatibility and safety profiles compared to traditional LNPs.
- Progress in VLP engineering facilitates efficient mRNA encapsulation and targeted delivery.
- VLPs show potential for controlled intracellular release of mRNA payloads.
Conclusions:
- VLPs are a viable and potentially superior alternative to LNPs for mRNA delivery.
- Further development of VLPs can overcome current limitations in mRNA therapeutics.
- VLPs offer new avenues for advancing mRNA-based drug development and applications.
