Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Lysozyme-based amyloid aggregates offer a promising platform for RNA delivery due to their stability, cationic nature, biocompatibility, and ability to form well-defined structures. In this study, we evaluated their potential as drug carriers, focusing on the delivery of polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)), an immunostimulatory synthetic RNA. To validate RNA delivery capability and rule out the possibility that observed effects arose from the lysozyme–Poly(I:C) complex itself, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was also used to verify that the successful delivery of intact and functional RNA was the cause of the observed effects. Methods: The aggregates were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and RNA encapsulation efficiency. Results: In vitro studies using RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells demonstrated that Poly(I:C)-loaded aggregates improved RNA uptake and triggered significant immune activation without inducing toxicity. To further confirm the potential of lysozyme amyloids in RNA delivery, GFP siRNA-loaded aggregates were evaluated in A549-GFP cells. A notable decrease in GFP expression, confirmed through confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, confirmed successful intracellular delivery. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of lysozyme amyloids as non-viral vectors for RNA delivery, with promising applications in immunotherapy.
Source: Pharmaceutics
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Awards: G1195150507, G2206754135, G3729127128, Targeting Fibroblast Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 for Immunotherapy to Pulmonary Fibrosis, MRI: Acquisition of Flow Cytometer Instrument at University of Michigan-Dearborn, G3942070826, Mechano sensitive peptide aggregates for targeted therapy, G476604075, Targeting Fibroblast Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 for Immunotherapy to Pulmonary Fibrosis, G5835507410, G5901188104, G6900693211, G864175997
OpenAlex ID: W4413428425