Hybridization of exosomes with liposomes for nucleic acid delivery

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) have tremendous therapeutic potential, as recently shown by the development of messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19. To fulfill their function in a patient, nucleic acids need to be encapsulated inside lipid-based nanoparticles (LPs), such as liposomes, but their synthetic nature leads to clearance by the immune system. This hampers nucleic acid delivery to diseased organs like the brain, heart and kidneys. Natural nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely the “exosomes” and “microvesicles” subsets, can circumvent those hindrances but are difficult to load with nucleic acids. This project aims at making hybrids from EVs and LPs that combine both their strengths, i.e., eliciting little immune response and achieving high nucleic acid encapsulation. Optimal parameters to produce nucleic acid-loaded hybrids will be determined by investigating their physicochemical properties. Then, hybrids efficiency in delivering nucleic acids to human cell lines will be assessed and compared to clinical standards. The expected outcome is an outperformance of the hybrid particles, that could be the basis of future therapeutics targeting key diseased organs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Maryam Tabrizian

Student:

Partner:

ETH Zurich

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

McGill University

Program: