Lipid nanoparticle delivery system (LNP)

Lipid nanoparticle delivery systems are advanced, non-viral nanocarriers composed of a mixture of ionizable/cationic lipids, cholesterol, helper phospholipids, and PEGylated lipids[1][3][6][7]. They protect nucleic acids and other labile therapeutics from degradation and enable cellular delivery via endocytosis, followed by endosomal escape into the cytosol. By modulating their lipid composition and surface chemistry, LNPs can be designed for specific organ targeting and pharmacokinetic profiles[2][4]. LNPs have revolutionized RNA therapeutics and vaccine delivery, exemplified by their use in COVID-19 mRNA vaccines[1][3][6]. They are not a biological target, but rather a drug delivery system with ongoing efforts to improve safety, tissue specificity, and payload release.

Other names

Lipid-based nanoparticleLNPLipid nanocarrierLipid vesicle

Physical encapsulation and protection of therapeutic cargo Cellular uptake via endocytosis Endosomal escape facilitated by ionizable lipids, helper lipids, and cholesterol Tissue/organ-selective targeting via surface composition and protein corona