Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new platform for delivering mRNA-based therapies directly to bladder cancer cells without triggering an immune response. The system, called LENN (layer-by-layer elastin-like polypeptide nucleic acid nanoparticle), mimics the multilayer structure of viruses to protect and deliver nucleic acid therapies to targeted cells.
A key practical advantage of LENN over conventional lipid nanoparticle systems is its shelf stability. Traditional mRNA delivery systems require continuous liquid storage at temperatures as low as -45°C, whereas LENN can be freeze-dried into a powder and stored for several days, retaining full biological activity after rehydration.
The system identifies specific surface receptors on tumor cells and enters through the cell’s natural pathway without disrupting it or alerting the immune system. Once inside the cancer cell, LENN releases the mRNA, which then directs the production of a target protein.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Professor David Thompson and postdoctoral researcher Saloni Darji. The team assessed LENN across multiple parameters, including structural integrity, encapsulation efficiency, and gene expression, with results supporting its potential as a viable mRNA delivery vector. The system’s components are derived from biological expression, enabling a more straightforward manufacturing process.
Next steps include preclinical efficacy and safety studies in a mouse model of bladder cancer, in collaboration with the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.
Source: Purdue University | PNAS, 2026
