Research Theme

• Basic research on vaccines
• Development of novel lipid libraries and their optimization for mRNA vaccines

Keyword

• lipid nanoparticles (LNP)
• mRNA vaccine
• DDS
• Helper Lipids
• pH-responsive cationic lipid(ionizable cationic lipid)

Overview of Research

• Aiming to develop a novel Drug Delivery System (DDS), construct a novel lipid library and optimize it for mRNA vaccines.
• We synthesize more than 30 types of pH-responsive cationic lipids which greatly affect mRNA transfer efficiency and helper lipids which greatly affect in vivo disposition and intracellular trafficking of lipid nanoparticles, which are components of new lipid libraries.
• Using these lipids, various lipid compositions and mRNA are packaged into LNP using a microfluidic device. LNP are optimized by 1) physical properties, 2) the balance between transfection efficiency and toxicity, 3) route of administrations.
• We also establish a novel loading methodology of BCG components as adjuvants into LNP.
• Based on these studies, we will develop mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles that maximize vaccine efficacy and minimize side effects, and create mRNA vaccines for influenza viruses and coronaviruses.