PHILADELPHIA, PA — A new study led by scientists at The Wistar Institute, in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and INOVIO, has unveiled advancements in next-generation vaccination technology. Published in Cell Reports Medicine, the research highlights how lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated plasmid DNA (DNA-LNP) can enhance vaccine delivery and immune response.
The study, led by Wistar doctoral student Nicholas Tursi, focused on optimizing LNPs for DNA vaccines to improve their stability and effectiveness. Unlike RNA, DNA’s large size and double-stranded nature have historically challenged its successful incorporation into lipid-based delivery systems. However, findings reveal that modulating LNP formulations improved particle size and assembly, enabling DNA vaccines to be delivered through a standard needle and syringe.
“DNA-LNPs induce a unique activation pattern of innate immune populations,” said Tursi, referencing the formulation’s ability to trigger early immune responses.
Key experiments using an influenza DNA-LNP vaccine model demonstrated robust antibody and T cell immunity, lasting over a year in animal models. Additionally, a single shot of SARS-CoV-2 spike DNA-LNP vaccine successfully protected animals from morbidity and mortality in a live virus challenge.
David Weiner, Ph.D., Wistar Executive Vice President and W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Distinguished Professor, stated, “The positive results highlight the potential of DNA-LNPs to simplify vaccine delivery and provide durable protection. This is a significant step forward in DNA-based immunization.”
These findings suggest that DNA-LNP vaccines could serve as a versatile tool, complementing current vaccine technologies or paving the way for next-generation immunization platforms. Further research will focus on advancing this innovative approach for clinical applications.
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