Incorporation of monophosphoryl lipid A and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides into lipid nanoparticles activates toll-like receptor signaling pathways while maintaining antigen expression for mRNA-based vaccinations

Abstract

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were engineered for efficient mRNA delivery and immune enhancement through co-encapsulation of adjuvants. CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN, TLR9 agonist) and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA, TLR4 agonist) were incorporated to activate intra- and extracellular Toll-like receptor pathways. Formulated via microfluidics, CpG was added in the aqueous phase and MPLA in the lipid phase. The final LNP-MPLA-CpG formulation included Luc mRNA and CpG-ODN (5:1 ratio) with ALC-0315/DSPC/cholesterol/ALC-0159/MPLA (1 %). Particle characterization by DLS and NTA confirmed neutral, homogeneous nanoparticles (∼80 nm). Cryo-TEM and SAXS verified structural integrity. The formulation maintained over 80 % mRNA encapsulation after storage at 4 °C and − 80 °C. Transfection of human and murine dendritic cells (MoDCs and DC2.4) led to robust protein expression. The LNPs showed minimal hemotoxicity and low cytotoxicity, while significantly increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6) in both cell types. DC uptake of LNP-MPLA-CpG was efficient. In the in vivo biodistribution, Luc mRNA was primarily expressed in liver and spleen following intramuscular injection. Serum cytokine levels peaked at 6 h post-injection, and flow cytometry of stimulated splenocytes and liver non-parenchymal cells confirmed a strong innate activation. These results support LNP co-delivery of dual adjuvants as a potent platform for enhancing mRNA vaccine efficacy and innate immune activation.