Nanoplatforms for mRNA Therapeutics

mRNA-based therapeutics are a unique class of drugs for treatment of human diseases. Since in vitro transcribed mRNA molecules have relatively low stability and their surface charge prevents them from direct cell entry, they need to be packaged into specially designed delivery platforms to exert their activities. Multiple nanotechnology-based delivery platforms have been developed for mRNA delivery, such as polymer-based polyplex, lipid-based lipoplex, and lipid-coated polymer-based lipopolyplex. In this review, an overview of the nanoplatforms for mRNA delivery is provided. A number of applications in biotechnology including cell reprogramming and gene editing are also described. In addition, their clinical translational potential for protein replacement therapy and for infectious disease and cancer treatment is introduced.