Engineers develop peptide-guided nanoparticles to deliver mRNA to neurons

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have enhanced lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver mRNA directly to neurons, overcoming the blood-brain barrier. This advancement could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Previously, LNPs could cross the blood-brain barrier but lacked the ability to target specific cell types. The new method uses peptides to guide LNPs to endothelial cells and neurons, improving precision in treatment delivery. The team is now investigating how many neurons need to be targeted to effectively treat these diseases. This research aims to refine delivery strategies for mRNA-based therapies in the future.