Lipid nanoparticle-mediated targeted mRNA delivery and its application in cancer therapy

mRNA technology has gained significant attention due to its successful application in COVID-19 vaccines, becoming a vital research area in disease treatment. Achieving therapeutic efficacy requires mRNA to efficiently enter target cells and express functional proteins, highlighting the urgent need for effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a crucial enabler for the clinical translation of mRNA therapies, thanks to their remarkable delivery capabilities. Several mRNA-based therapies have now been approved or are in clinical trials, underscoring the vast potential of mRNA technology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of mRNA-LNP in cancer therapy. It systematically summarizes strategies for optimizing LNP composition, introduces innovative synthesis methods and AI-driven formula optimization, and explores targeted delivery strategies. Additionally, it delves into the various applications of mRNA in cancer treatment, including mRNA tumor vaccines, adoptive cell transfer therapies, restoration of tumor suppressors, immunomodulatory factors, combination therapies, and other emerging treatments. By addressing current challenges and future directions, this review aims to offer valuable insights for further research in this field.