Project description
Next generation nanocarriers for mRNA vaccines
mRNA vaccines introduce synthetic RNA into cells via lipid nanoparticles. This mRNA produces specific proteins that activate protective immune responses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mRNA technology saved millions of lives by enabling rapid vaccine development and production. However, existing lipid nanoparticle carriers present issues with stability, require cold storage and they exhibit a risk for immune-related side effects. The ERC-funded PolymeRNA project aims to address these issues by developing polymer-based, lipid-free nanocarriers. These novel carriers offer enhanced stability and precise delivery control. In addition, they can facilitate targeted RNA release while it is also possible to co-deliver immune modulators, opening new avenues for next-generation vaccines.
Objective
The tragic outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic stimulated research to go beyond common grounds and develop powerful vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A new vaccine technology based on messenger RNA (mRNA) was translated into almost one billion patients and saved millions of lives. It addresses the needs of rapid, scalable and adaptable vaccine production. However, mRNAs require potent nanocarriers to prevent the RNA strands from extracellular degradation and enable their uptake into antigen-presenting cells. During urgent development, established lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) were used for mRNA encapsulation, yet, they provided limited long-term stability and required strict temperature storages, which prevented their distribution to locations with no cold storage options. Moreover, several patients experienced hard-to-control immunological adverse effects that were associated with some of the lipid components.
In my ERC proposal, I therefore want to pioneer a novel and unprecedented macromolecular approach that will overcome these issues and introduce polymer-based and lipid-free, lyophilizable nanocarriers for intelligent mRNA delivery. I will generate self-immolative poly(carbonate)s with reductive decationizable features for controlled RNA complexation, as well as stimuli-responsive release and carrier depolymerization upon entry into antigen-presenting cells. Co-delivery of small molecule immune modulators will enable precise control over quality and quantity of the pursued humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, reversible core-crosslinking and surface conjugation with relevant targeting units will foster systemic in vivo applications towards immunization against infectious diseases and cancer.
Elaborating multi-responsive macromolecular tools on an mRNA-binding polymer will become a groundbreaking asset for mRNA delivery, circumvent today’s still not overcome hurdles and enhance its access to and acceptance by the general public.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology immunisation
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases viral diseases RNA viruses coronaviruses
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology immunotherapy
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-COG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
97070 Wuerzburg
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.