Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved compositions of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to cells. Anionic phospholipids, including phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylglycerol are included in the lipid nanoparticles to increase the transfection efficiency in human dendritic cells. The further incorporation of mono-unsaturated alkyl chain analogs in dimethylaminopropyl-dioxolane or heterocyclic ketal ionizable lipids in the formulation demonstrated high levels of transfection in human dendritic cells, compared to other ionizable lipids in the same family, and demonstrated good stability to oxidative damage. Finally, the use of an ammonium salt of phosphatidylserine allows for the efficient production of PS-targeted LNPs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved compositions of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to cells. Cationic ionizable lipids are engineered with improved stability to oxidative degradation while in storage, while retaining high transfection activity or potency in cells. These lipids are designed to be biodegradable, thus improving the tolerability of nanoparticles formed with them in vivo. In addition, targeting of these nanoparticles in a highly specific manner to dendritic cells is provided for through inclusion of antibody conjugates directed against cell surface receptors.